Deborah Caldwell-Bono | Roanoke Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
Successfully defended an innocent young man accused of molesting a 23-month-old child. The only sentence IF convicted was life in the penitentiary without parole. Jury was out for a little over two hours before returning a verdict of Not Guilty.

How did you build a successful practice?
Built a successful practice based on hard work, knowing the law and preparation, preparation, preparation.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
A client should look for a lawyer who has a passion about their work, who is knowledgeable about the law, who enjoys contact with their clients and who has a record of zealous, effective representation.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge is extremely important to success; knowing what sensitivities each judge has and how to best present the case to that judge. There is an old saying, "A good lawyer knows the law; a great lawyer knows the judge." Having earned the respect of the judge over the years is also key.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
In a free phone consultation i can provide some insight as to the issues in the case and provide the client with potential outcomes, worst case scenario and best case scenario as well as answer questions that the client may have that may allay the client's immediate angst as to what to expect as well as things that they can be doing now and evidence they need to preserve to help their case. Getting information on potential witnesses to interview while memories are fresh is also important.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
In a free phone conversation, I need to know the charge(s); the jurisdiction and what the client believes led to the charge.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I would say that what differentiates me from other lawyers in the community is my past experience as a prosecutor and my stellar record for effective, zealous representation and results. Clients also share with me how they appreciate how quickly I return their calls and how well I know the facts pertinent to their case.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is saving an innocent person from a wrongful conviction.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
In addition to the law my interest are horseback riding, fishing, and playing with my boxer pups! Nevertheless, one, I, cannot simply turn off work. You, I, carry cases with you, people's lives are in my hands and many times during those rides/while fishing the issues/facts come together and trial strategy comes into focus. I welcome the insight that comes during those times.

Are you involved in your community?
I am a strong supporter of Therapeutic Riding programs for special children and adults who gain immeasurable (sp) confidence and joy in bonding with a horse.

• Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Board of Directors | 2006 - Present

• Distinguished | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018

• Legal Blog | Deborah Caldwell-Bono, P.C.

Deborah Caldwell-Bono has been a Premium Member since April 01, 2019.
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• Avvo | Deborah Caldwell-Bono