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Brian M. Latuga

Brian M. Latuga

I fight to maintain your liberty and protect your rights! Call now!
  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ...
  • Virginia
Review This Lawyer
Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Daniel J. Miller
Daniel J. Miller March 25, 2024
Rating: 10 Lawyer Rating - 10 out of 10
Brian does an excellent job of representing the interests of his clients in both instances. He is prepared and well versed in the law and facts of each case.
Client Reviews
Mack M. August 12, 2020
Excellent Choice Mr. Latuga was fantastic from the start. He replied to my inquiries over a weekend as we had initial scheduling conflicts and moving forward, he was very flexible and always made time to talk with me about my predicament (being a hefty speeding ticket). He cited several cases much like mine that he had previously dealt with and the results, and assured me that he could help me accomplish my goals without pressuring me to decide one way or the other. Simply stated all the facts and dynamics succinctly and advised in the most unbiased way possible. Additionally, he was very familiar with the judges and court system, and had inciteful comments on how he expected things to go while not omitting the possible alternatives. Ultimately, he resolved my issue and achieved more than I could have asked for or expected, getting my speeding ticket reduced to a non-moving violation. Prior to the court date, he touched base to ensure he had all the documents he needed from me, and really got down to brass tax about my history and who I was as a person to help provide a judge of character to the judge and officer. After the hearing, he promptly called me with the results and made sure I was well informed on how to check on the updated status of my charge, how to contact the court, and options for paying my fee. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Latuga was informative, understanding, professional, and inciteful; he really made me feel like he could take on any case and genuinely connect with any client.
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Biography

Brian M. Latuga specializes in Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation across State and Federal courts. As a seasoned trial attorney, his career is marked by relentless advocacy in the courtroom to safeguard the liberty, rights, and family unity of those under serious allegations by the government or individuals. Mr. Latuga's practice spans a comprehensive range of charges, including misdemeanors, felonies, white-collar crimes, sex offenses, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. His prowess is recognized across Federal, General District, Juvenile, Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts in the Commonwealth, attesting to his reputation and expertise.

Mr. Latuga's legal acumen is rooted in real-world experience, beginning with his tenure as a Police Officer in 2005. Serving in the Virginia Beach Police Department, he amassed a deep operational knowledge through hundreds of criminal arrests, DUI investigations, and in-depth probes into gun, drug, sex, and violent crimes.

Further enriching his legal repertoire, Mr. Latuga served as a Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Virginia Beach, where he honed his litigation skills across a vast array of criminal cases. He has tried and won several Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma cases and knows the experts to call. His academic excellence is reflected in his Summa Cum Laude graduation from Law School.

Mr. Latuga is known for embracing complex and difficult cases, including those involving vulnerable populations and challenging medical evidence. His approach is guided by the principle that an accusation does not equate to guilt, especially in cases that stir societal disdain. With a deep commitment to federal representation, he has successfully defended against a wide range of federal crimes, including those involving drugs, RICO, VICAR, firearms, enticement, human trafficking, child pornography, wire fraud, and other federal criminal offenses, demonstrating a profound ability to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
Traffic Tickets
Suspended License
Juvenile Law
White Collar Crime
Cannabis & Marijuana Law
Marijuana Business Formation, Medical Marijuana
Animal & Dog Law
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
  • WhatsApp
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    On personal Injury and select civil lawsuits only
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Virginia
Virginia State Bar
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4th Circuit
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U.S. District Court Eastern & Western Districts of Virginia
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Partner
Wolcott Rivers Gates
- Current
Real Estate Agent
Hamilton's Realty
-
Senior Assistant Commonwealth Attorney
Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
-
Police Officer
Virginia Beach Police Department
-
EMT- Intermediate, Deputy Chief
Harrisonburg Rescue Squad
-
PADI Divemaster
Dive Connections
-
Police Officer
Harrisonburg Police Department
-
EMT- Intermediate (Medic)
Lifeline Ambulance Service
-
Education
Regent University School of Law
J.D. (2013) | Law
Honors: summa cum laude
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James Madison University
B.S. (2004) | Chemistry
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Awards
10.0 Superb Rating
Avvo
Client Reviewed 5.0/5.0 (128 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Virginia Beach
Three Best Rated
Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia
Coastal Virginia Magazine
2017-2022
Legal Elite - Criminal Law
Virginia Business Magazine
2020-2022
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
2018-2022
Readers' Choice Award
Virginia Pilot
Top Contributor Award
Avvo
Professional Associations
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Current
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Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Current
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Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association
Member
Current
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Virginia Beach Bar Association
Member
Current
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Virginia State Bar  # 86300
Member
- Current
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Publications
Speaking Engagements
Hotel Safety, Security and Liability, Virginia Beach Hotel Association Annual Meeting
DUI Bootcamp, Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association - CLE
Legal Aspects of DUI-Related License Revocations, Mid-Atlantic DUI Conference
The Successful DUI- First Observation to Prosecution, Regent University Police In-Service Training
Social Media, Electronic Communications & Info Storage, DUI Panel Discussion
Certifications
PADI Divemaster Certification
NSS-CDS Cave Diver Certification
Websites & Blogs
Website
Brian Latuga Firm Profile
Website
Wolcott Rivers Gates Website
Blog
Wolcott Rivers Gates Blog
Legal Answers
29 Questions Answered
Q. How do you get rid of a court appointed attorney and hire your own if you're feeling you're being misrepresented
A: Just talk with the lawyer that you want to hire, and if it’s at a point in the case that they can help then that lawyer will kick out the court appointed attorney and substitute-in.
Q. Does a dollar value have to be added to a Warrant in Detinue, if I do not want money?
A: You’d want to file an action in Detinue, not a warrant in debt. The detinue action is for return of personal property.
Q. what will happen as a first time offender after stealing $175 worth of items (mainly hygiene products)?
A: Go to the court clerks office, request the assistance of the public defender or court appointed counsel, complete the paperwork, and if you qualify you’ll be assigned counsel to help you. You need to actively get yourself an attorney, nobody from the court or elsewhere is going to reach out to you. It is not likely helpful to speak with the alleged victim/ Walmart. That won’t help you. Get a local lawyer.
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Contact & Map
Wolcott Rivers Gates
200 Bendix Road
Suite 300
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Telephone: (757) 687-3657
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed