Federal Criminal Defense
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia
Not Guilty
Not guilty — federal drug trafficking and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (firearm in furtherance), including a discharge count, Newport News Division of the Eastern District of Virginia. The alleged victim survived a gunshot to the back of the head, crawled to a nearby McDonald’s, and testified for the government; the government also presented ballistics evidence regarding the firearm allegedly used. The client trusted the case to a jury. The jury returned not guilty on those charges.
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Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
Federal cases are governed by different rules, different procedures, and different sentencing consequences than state court cases. The Eastern District of Virginia is known for moving cases on an accelerated schedule, which places a premium on preparation and experience in federal court.
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Attorney Chad G. Dorsk has defended serious criminal cases in Hampton Roads for nearly two decades. He runs a trial practice and regularly tries cases to juries, including drug distribution, weapons charges, and white-collar offenses. In federal court he has recently tried cases involving drug trafficking with a firearm, child pornography, smuggling into the United States, and misdemeanor charges such as DUI and larceny on federal property.
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Federal Charges We Defend
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Drug trafficking and distribution — including conspiracy cases under 21 U.S.C. § 841
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Firearms offenses — 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (felon in possession) and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence)
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White-collar and fraud offenses — bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud
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Charges occurring on federal property
For related defense work, see our pages on Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes, and Assault & Battery.
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Why Local Federal Experience Matters
The Eastern District of Virginia moves cases quickly and expects attorneys to be prepared. Chad Dorsk has practiced in the Hampton Roads federal and state courts for nearly 20 years. He understands the local practices, the pace of the court, and how cases are typically investigated and prosecuted in this district.
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A Hands-On Practice
Dorsk Law Office is a focused criminal defense practice. Clients are not handed off. Every case receives direct attention from the attorney handling it. When you call the office, you will speak with a real person — Nanci — not a call center or automated system. That personal approach is intentional and central to how we work with clients facing serious charges.
Learn more about Chad Dorsk and the firm.
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How We Handle Federal Cases
Federal cases require careful preparation from the start. We focus on early investigation, thorough review of discovery, targeted motions practice when the government’s case has weaknesses, and full trial preparation when a case needs to be tried. You work directly with the attorney handling your case.
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Contact Us
If you or a family member is under federal investigation or has been charged in the Eastern District of Virginia, call as early as possible.
Call (757) 423-0271. When you call, you will speak with Nanci, a real person who can help you.
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Location
Dorsk Law Office is based at 409 Duke Street, Suite 100, in downtown Norfolk, minutes from both federal courthouses in Hampton Roads — Norfolk and Newport News.
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Chad also handles cases in the Richmond division of the Eastern District of Virginia. A Newport News location is also listed for convenience, but all client meetings are held at the Norfolk office.​​
What Happens When You Call?
If you're facing Federal Investigation or charges, it's normal to have questions. Here's what to expect when you contact Dorsk Law Office.
You'll Speak With Nanci
She will take basic facts
Nanci will take the basic facts: the charge or the investigation, the courthouse (Norfolk or Newport News federal or state), and any upcoming dates
Your info goes to chad
If it looks like a case we handle, the information goes to Chad promptly. When possible you hear back the same day
you'll know the next steps
If we take the case, you receive a clear flat - fee engagement and payment link. Fees and what they cover are discussed
up front.
The sooner you call in a Federal matter, the more options may still be open.
Especially if agents have contacted you or if a search already happened.