Michael Lee

Michael Lee believes that effective representation requires not only strong knowledge of the law and an aggressive defense, but a true understanding of the client and their needs. Michael’s over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system includes over 27 years of experience as a practicing criminal attorney, more than one term as an elected prosecutor, and law enforcement service as a local police officer and as an investigator with Virginia’s State Corporation Commission.

Awards

10 Best Attorneys-Virginia-Client Satisfaction—American Institute of Criminal Law Attorney’s
Member of the National College for DUI Defense

Awards

10 Best Attorneys-Virginia-Client Satisfaction—American Institute of Criminal Law Attorney’s
Member of the National College for DUI Defense

Philosophy & Approach

Michael believes that good case outcomes are the result of solid case preparation. It starts with a focus on collecting the evidence and testimony necessary for a strong defense. Next, these
facts must be brought together into a comprehensive and compelling narrative that tells a client’s story. And finally, the case must be presented in a passionate and persuasive way, a skill
developed over decades of criminal litigation experience. At Price Benowitz, our core values are passion, integrity, and excellence, and Michael believes these same values form the core of a
client’s defense.

Philosophy & Approach

Experience & Background

After his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute, Michael became a police officer, and later an investigator. He obtained his law degree from the University of Richmond and his master’s in business administration from the College of William and Mary. After several years of practice, Michael ran for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Colonial Heights, Virginia, and was twice elected as the City’s lead prosecutor. He returned to private practice and now uses this experience to help clients navigate the criminal justice system.

Michael’s work as a police officer, radar instructor, and breath test operator gives him real-world experience in the investigation and prosecution of cases that you don’t get from the outside looking in. He has been in the field, conducting homicide investigations and in the courthouse directing grand jury proceedings. In 27 years of practicing criminal law, he has prosecuted and defended a broad range of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to rape, robbery, murder, and everything in between throughout the Greater Richmond/Central Virginia Area.

Michael has received extensive training as a prosecutor, having attended both weeklong, invitation-only classes offered by the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council, as well as two weeklong training classes at the National District Attorney’s Association in Columbia, South Carolina. These courses provided specialized training in the investigation and prosecution of homicide, drug, and arson cases.