Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 26017 Available

Starnes Law is a firm dedicated entirely to public defense. As the only attorney and owner of Starnes Law I contract with Olympia Municipal Court for public defense services. I represent clients charged with simple/gross misdemeanors.

I have zealously represented my clients for 27 years.  Let me use my experience and expertise to assist you with your legal needs!

Suzette Marquez Leonardo graduated from The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. As a former prosecutor for both the city of Tucson and Pima County, Suzette has tried numerous bench trials (before a judge) and jury trials in both misdemeanor and felony cases.. Suzette’s work as a prosecutor provided her with training and courtroom experience that most defense attorneys never get. This experience, and the perspective it provided, serves her well while defending clients in criminal cases, but it also provides the courtroom skills that propel her family law practice.. While in law school, Suzette served as vice-president of the Family Law & Juvenile Association at the College of Law. In addition, Suzette earned her Family and Juvenile Law Juris Doctorate Certificate by demonstrating academic proficiency in the family law courses she completed and engaging in interdisciplinary studies through clinical courses, which gave her hands-on experience in family law matters. This included judicial clerkships with family law judges. Upon graduation, Suzette was hired as the judicial law clerk for the Honorable James E. Marner, the then-presiding family law Judge, who also sat on the criminal law bench during her clerkship.. Prior to becoming an attorney, Suzette was a professional singer and actress. Her experience as a performer translates to the courtroom and makes her unique as a trial lawyer. Suzette earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Spanish language from The University of Arizona. She is a native Spanish speaker. She is admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and the District of Arizona.

I have practiced criminal defense since 2008, and I have handled thousands of criminal cases.

I practice in Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, Greensville County, Dinwiddie, Nottoway, Lunenburg, Halifax, Emporia, Boydton, and Lawrenceville. My goal is to achieve the best possible outcome in every case whether a client is accused or reckless driving, speeding, DUI, or any other crime. I have chosen criminal defense as a practice area because of the serious impact accusations can have on a person's life. Many people are surprised to learn that reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Virginia and that traveling 100 m.p.h. can lead to jail time in many jurisdictions. I have represented people accused of murder, malicious wounding, drug distribution and possession, traffic charges, possession of marijuana, and driving on a suspended license. I represent Virginians and those who live out of state but are charged in Virginia. Call as soon as possible to protect your rights.