Charles is Of Counsel in the Litigation Practice Group. He has practiced law in Central Virginia since 2003 in the areas of Appellate law, Land Use/Zoning, ABC Law, Guardianship/Conservatorships, and Criminal Defense law, while also having served in public office and on multiple advisory boards and public commissions. He is admitted to practice in all state courts of Virginia, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In addition to frequently representing clients in all Richmond-area courts, Charles also represents clients at the administrative level for federal disability cases.
Charles served as a Commonwealth’s Attorney, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases, including the unauthorized practice of law, Land Use/Zoning, DUI, and crimes against children.
Charles served as City Councilperson for the 2nd District of the City of Richmond, including serving two years as the President of the Richmond City Council where he wrote and interpreted laws. While serving as Councilperson, Charles wrote the redistricting plan for the City of Richmond, which remained in place for ten years. Having worked directly within the legislative process, he offers clients invaluable insight into the process of creating regulations, ordinances, and laws.
Active in his community, Charles served on the Richmond International Airport Commission, Venture Richmond Board of Directors, the Richmond Region Planning District Commission, Maymont Foundation, and the Greater Richmond Partnership. He is the former president of his neighborhood civic association and volunteers his time mentoring college students, law students and high school students.
Charles makes significant pro bono contributions representing people who have petitioned the court for protective orders, and, along with Cam Beck, was named a “Pro Bono Superhero.”
Charles was also a qualified Guardian ad Litem for both children and incapacitated persons and a certified mediator for the Virginia Supreme Court for both the general district and juvenile and domestic relations courts.
REPORTED CASES
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Michael Paugh v. Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services, 286 Va. 85, 743 S.E.2d 277 (2013)
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Katrina Bagley v. City of Richmond Department of Social Services, 59 Va. App. 522, 721 S.E.2d 21 (2012)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Virginia State Bar, Special Committee on Bench-Bar Relations
- National Organization of Social Security Claimant Representatives
- Richmond Criminal Bar Association
- College of William & Mary Board of Advisors for the Program in Public Policy
- Pro Bono Counsel for Battered Spouses Volunteer, Henrico Victim/Witness
- Capital Region Airport Commission, Commissioner (2013-2016)
- Venture Richmond, Board Member (2013-2015)
- Greater Richmond Partnership, Board Member and past Chair (2013-2015)
- Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, Commissioner (2009-2014)
- Maymont Foundation Board of Directors, Board Member (2009 – 2012)
- Virginia Municipal League, General Law Committee (2009 – 2012)
- Virginia Municipal League, General Law Steering Committee (2009 – 2010)
- Fan District Association, President (2006-2007)
- Virginia Bar Association, past
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA), past
- Governor-elect’s Transition Council on Local Government, past
- Richmond Crusade for Voters, past
