W. Edward Riley IV

W. Edward Riley IV

Google Rating

4.9(1041 reviews)

  • 1518 WILLOW LAWN DR., Suite 200 Richmond, VA 23230
  • +1-804-673-7111
  • No email available

About:

W. Edward Riley, IV is a trial lawyer. He is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in Virginia, and has argued before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Riley has dedicated his entire career to successfully practicing criminal and traffic defense. Mr. Riley has tried over 250 jury trials in federal and state courts across the Commonwealth, holds the highest national legal rating with Martindale Hubbell, and has been recognized by his peers as one of the Legal Elite as published by Virginia Business Magazine, and has been selected for inclusion in Virginia Super Lawyers. He has appeared on WTVR CBS News Channel 6 and in the Richmond Times- Dispatch, as well as other media outlets, as a criminal law commentator for high profile criminal cases, and has lectured on criminal law, DUI law, and traffic law to other lawyers and judges over the last decade. Mr. Riley's involvement within the legal community is extensive. Currently, he serves on the Virginia Trial Lawyer Association's (VTLA) Board of Governors, is past chair of the Criminal Law Section, has been Co-Chairman of its publication committee, and is a Member of both their CLE and Amicus committees. Mr. Riley was Chairman of the Virginia Fair Trial Project, a Member of the Virginia State Bar's specially created Indigent Defense Task Force, and a Member of the Supreme Court of Virginia Chief Justice Leroy Hassell's Indigent Defense Training Initiative. He also serves on the Steering Committee for the Virginia Criminal Justice Conference and was legislative liaison between the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (VACDL) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Formerly, Mr. Riley served on the VACDL's Board of Directors, and served on the VTLA's Legislative Committee, Litigation Support Committee, Death Penalty Committee, and Young Lawyers Leadership Committee.

Jurisdiction:Virginia, 4th Circuit, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

Practice Area

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Languages

English

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

University of Virginia University of Richmond School of Law

Awards

Legal Elite 2003
Virginia Business Magazine
2003
Virginia Super Lawyer 2010
Thomson Reuters
2010
Virginia Super Lawyer 2012
Thomson Reuters
2012
Virginia Super Lawyer 2010
Thomson Reuters
2009
Legal Elite 2008
Virginia Business Magazine
2008
Virginia Super Lawyer 2013
Thomson Reuters
2013
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Virginia Super Lawyer 2011
Thomson Reuters
2011
Virginia Super Lawyers 2014
Thomson Reuters
2014

Reviews


RATED 5.0

Aug 7, 2025Googlevia Google

Ben Winn

RATED 5.0

Aug 7, 2025Googlevia Google

Caleb Yi

"Riley and Wells exceeded all my expectations. From beginning to end, they made me feel confident and fully supported throughout my case. My attorney, Mitchell Wells, is clearly a seasoned courtroom veteran, his professionalism and expertise were evident at every stage. What stood out most was the thoughtful approach they take to help clients learn from their mistakes and focus on rehabilitation. Their guidance, including assistance with reflective writing and truly understanding the impact of my actions, made a significant difference in my journey. They expertly guided me through the entire process and helped get my case dismissed! As a recent college graduate, I truly appreciate their dedication, every dollar mattered, and they delivered results. I highly recommend Riley and Wells to anyone seeking skilled, compassionate legal support."

RATED 5.0

Aug 3, 2025Googlevia Google

Dustin Washington

"It's awesome such competent people exist. No ambiguity and very professional! Highly recommended if you have to deal with VA's traffic law"

RATED 5.0

Jul 27, 2025Googlevia Google

Emma DeCaro

"Attorney Cody Remington with his paralegal Levi Dixon were extremely kind, gracious, and responsive as we worked to handle a reckless driving case for my friend. Thanks to their professionalism and counsel we received a favorable outcome and were prepared with excellence on what to expect."

RATED 5.0

Jul 20, 2025Googlevia Google

Pierce Riddle

"Did everything they said they would and more. Excellent response times and care for their clients."