Dennis McCarthy

I began my career as an Assistant Public Defender in the city of Portsmouth where I fought diligently for the indigent clients that I represented in court.  During my five years with the public defender's office, I represented individuals charged with the most serious of offenses to include murder, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, and drug distribution.  Many of these cases ended up being litigated in jury trials where I served as lead counsel. 

The next step forward in my career was accepting a position in the Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney's office where I continued to hone my skills as a trial attorney.  Once again, I found myself involved in the most serious and high-profile cases that the job had to offer.  My early years on both sides of the courtroom in Portsmouth have proven invaluable to my ability to evaluate cases and take them to trial if necessary.

After fifteen months as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Portsmouth, I relocated to the Fredericksburg area and served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for the city of Fredericksburg for a year.  During that period, I developed a reputation as a solid prosecutor with a tempered and fair approach to my role as a minister of justice. 

The most important decision a client faces when charged with a criminal offense is whether to accept a plea agreement or challenge the state's evidence at trial.  I have sat at both tables in the courtroom.  I have been a prosecutor and a defense attorney, and it gives me a greater perspective on when to fight and when to negotiate a fair resolution that minimizes a client's risk.

Since joining the law firm of Spencer, Meyer, & Koch, I have been using the knowledge and experience I have gained in the criminal justice system to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes when facing criminal charges in the Fredericksburg area and beyond.  I have also been using the negotiation and trial techniques gained over the years to effectively represent clients in family law matters and small civil litigation.  If you're interested in quality representation and honest communication, then I am the guy you want fighting for you in court.  Call today and let's get to work on your case.