About The Dorsk Law Office

Norfolk Criminal Defense Attorney, Chad Dorsk

Have you been arrested? If so, then you probably have a lot of questions about what the future holds for you. A lot of people want to know what the potential penalties are for the crime that they are accused of committing and what strategy they should use when it comes to fighting the charges. If you have been charged with a crime in Norfolk, the first step you should make is calling a dedicated and experienced, local Norfolk criminal lawyer.

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Representing clients throughout Hampton Roads including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, Suffolk, Hampton, and the surrounding areas.

Chad G. Dorsk

Criminal Defense Attorney | Norfolk & Hampton Roads, Virginia

For nearly two decades, Chad G. Dorsk has defended people facing serious state and federal criminal charges across Hampton Roads. He is a trial attorney who handles cases from first appearance through jury trial and sentencing.

Chad focuses exclusively on criminal defense. He represents clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Virginia state courts and in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia. His practice covers the full range of criminal matters, including felonies and misdemeanors, drug offenses, firearms charges, assault and violent crimes, DUI, white-collar and fraud-related charges, and complex federal investigations and prosecutions.

Experience That Matters in Court

Chad began his career as a Public Defender in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he handled a high volume of serious cases ranging from drug possession and robbery to murder charges and appeals. That early trial experience shaped how he approaches every case: prepare thoroughly, challenge the government’s evidence, and never treat a client’s freedom as routine.

Since founding Dorsk Law Office, PLC, he has appeared regularly in both state and federal courtrooms throughout the region. He has tried cases to juries and handled matters in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and surrounding jurisdictions.

Federal practice in Hampton Roads is a specialized area; Chad has built experience defending clients against prosecutions brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and others.

Education & Credentials

Licensed in Virginia since 2007
J.D., Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) — double major in English and Political Science
Selected to Super Lawyers (2025–2026); previously recognized as a Rising Star (2015–2017)
Former Public Defender, Portsmouth, Virginia
Member, Bar Association of Norfolk County; NORML Legal Committee

How He Approaches a Case

Criminal cases move quickly and the consequences are lasting. Chad’s approach is hands-on and client-focused. He prioritizes clear communication, realistic assessment of the evidence, and aggressive advocacy at every stage — from bond hearings and suppression motions through trial or negotiated resolution when that is the better path.

He understands that most clients have never been through the criminal justice system before. Part of the job is explaining the process in plain language so clients can make informed decisions about their own cases.

When You Call

When you call the office, you will speak directly with Nanci Hall, our experienced assistant. She answers the phone personally, listens to what is going on, and can provide a consultation without long holds or automated menus. There is no runaround — you talk to a real person right away.

Practice Focus

Federal criminal defense — Eastern District of Virginia
State felonies and misdemeanors
Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking
Firearms and weapons offenses
Assault, battery, and violent crime allegations
DUI / DWI
White-collar and fraud-related charges
Juvenile defense
Bond hearings, motions practice, and trial work

Serving Hampton Roads

Dorsk Law Office is based at 409 Duke Street, Suite 100, in downtown Norfolk, minutes from both the federal and state courthouses. A Newport News location is listed for convenience, but all client meetings are held at the Norfolk office.

Chad represents clients throughout Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk, and the surrounding communities.

If you or a family member is facing criminal charges,

contact Dorsk Law Office to discuss your case.

Available 24/7.

Call Today To Discuss Your Case: 757-423-0271