Car Accidents
Help after a collision leaves you injured and facing insurance questions.
Find the help you need
What brings you to Phoenix?
Start with the type of injury claim that fits your situation. Each page explains the questions we can help you work through.
Truck Accidents
Claims involving commercial trucks and the evidence behind the crash.
Rideshare Accidents
Guidance after a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
Pedestrian Accidents
Representation for people injured while walking or crossing the road.
Motorcycle Accidents
A careful look at the collision and its impact on an injured rider.
Wrongful Death
Guidance for families after a fatal collision caused by another person.
Facing a criminal charge or traffic matter?
Not sure where to start? Tell us what happened.
Your first conversation
What happens next?
Choose the matter you want to discuss. See how to get started and what to have ready for the conversation.
Maxie LawtonPersonal injury attorney · Co-founderMeet Maxie
Tell us how the injury has affected you.
Start with the collision, your questions, and the changes it has brought to your life.
Good to knowYou do not need every document to make your first inquiry.
Start a conversation01Share the basics.
Tell us when and where the collision happened and how to reach you. A short description is enough to begin an inquiry.
- The date and location of the collision
- Available incident information and insurance correspondence
- Questions about treatment records, missed work, or the process
02Talk through your situation.
Our team reviews your inquiry. The conversation can cover your injuries, treatment, missed work, insurance questions, and possible next steps.
03Understand the plan.
If we agree to represent you, we explain the scope of our work, fees and costs, and the information needed to begin preparing your claim.
Dante WrightCriminal defense & DUI attorney · Co-founderMeet Dante
Start with the charge and the next date.
A focused first conversation starts with the matter, the court, and your immediate questions.
Good to knowThis guide introduces the firm’s inquiry process; it does not change any court instruction or deadline.
Start a conversation01Identify the matter.
Tell us the charge, the locality or court, and any upcoming court date. Include your contact information so our team can review your inquiry.
- The charge description and available court paperwork
- The court, locality, and next scheduled date
- Your questions about the process and representation
02Discuss the next step.
Have your charging papers and questions ready for the conversation. We can discuss whether Phoenix is available to review your matter and what a consultation would cover.
03Clarify representation.
If we agree to represent you, we explain the scope of the work and the fee arrangement. Preparation then begins around your particular facts and circumstances.
Dante WrightSerious traffic attorney · Co-founderMeet Dante
Have your summons ready for the conversation.
The details on the summons help us understand the matter you want to discuss.
Good to knowFor DUI or DWI inquiries, choose Criminal defense & DUI above. This overview does not determine whether you must appear in court. That question requires a review of your specific matter.
Start a conversation01Share the essentials.
Tell us the charge description, locality or court, and date shown on your summons or later court notice. For speed-related matters, note the alleged speed and posted limit.
- Your complete summons and any later court notice
- The alleged speed and posted limit, if relevant
- Questions about driving, employment, and representation
02Bring your questions.
Our team reviews your inquiry so we can discuss the circumstances and possible next steps. Mention any work-related driving or license concerns you want considered.
03Agree on the scope.
If we agree to represent you, we explain the work covered and the fee arrangement. Your case is prepared around its specific charge, evidence, and circumstances.
Our clients. Our work.
Selected case results.
We represent people facing injury, criminal charges, and serious traffic matters. Here are seven outcomes from our work.
Personal injury
$730,000
Passenger injury recovery
We recovered $730,000 for a passenger injured when a vehicle turned into oncoming traffic.
Meet our personal injury attorney: Maxie Lawton
Read case detailsCriminal defense & DUI
Not guilty
DUI: second offense
Not guilty of second-offense DUI. A conviction on the separate refusal charge remained.
Read case detailsCriminal defense
Dismissed
Strangulation — Chesapeake Circuit Court
The strangulation charge was dismissed. The separate domestic assault and battery charge received a first-offender deferred disposition.
Read case detailsCriminal defense
Nolle prosequi
Felony eluding
The Commonwealth chose not to proceed with the felony-eluding prosecution. Driver identification was the central issue.
Read case detailsCriminal defense
Dismissed
Domestic assault and battery
The court dismissed the charge after considering the client’s testimony, injury photographs, and cross-examination.
Read case detailsCriminal defense
Dismissed
Firearm charges · preliminary hearing
Both charges were dismissed at the Norfolk preliminary hearing and were not certified to circuit court.
Read case detailsSerious traffic
Dismissed
Reckless driving
A challenge to the radar evidence led to a granted motion to strike and dismissal of the reckless-driving charge.
Read case detailsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
$730,000
Passenger injury recovery
The situation
Our client was a passenger in a vehicle when the driver turned into oncoming traffic. A severe arm injury required emergency surgery.
The work
The vehicle’s policy provided $250,000 in coverage. Phoenix pursued an underinsured motorist claim and stacked multiple policies for an additional $480,000 in coverage.
The result
We recovered $730,000 for our client.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Not guilty of DUI
Second-offense DUI and a separate refusal charge
The situation
A stop for failing to obey a highway lane marking led to charges of second-offense DUI and refusal of an official breath test.
The work
The officer reported a slight odor of alcohol and slightly slurred speech. There were no field-sobriety or chemical test results. Phoenix challenged whether the evidence proved DUI beyond a reasonable doubt.
The result
The court found the client not guilty of second-offense DUI because the evidence did not establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The client was convicted of the separate refusal charge.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Strangulation charge dismissed
Chesapeake Circuit Court
The situation
Our client faced strangulation and domestic assault and battery charges in Chesapeake Circuit Court following a physical altercation with a partner.
The work
Dante Wright cross-examined the complainant about the reported effects of the altercation. The testimony included no loss of consciousness, no neck marks or bruising, and no hospital treatment or documented neck injury. The defense challenged whether the evidence established the bodily injury required for the strangulation charge and moved to strike.
The result
The court granted the motion to strike and dismissed the strangulation charge. On the separate domestic assault and battery charge, the court found sufficient evidence but granted a first-offender deferred disposition. That charge was not dismissed at this stage.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Nolle prosequi
Felony eluding
The situation
A vehicle registered to our client was clocked at more than 100 mph and crashed near a wooded area after police gave chase. It was empty when the officer arrived. Our client was charged with felony eluding.
The work
The vehicle’s registration and personal items linked it to our client, but the officer had no description identifying him as the driver. Phoenix challenged whether the evidence established who was driving. Our client reported the vehicle stolen that night and said he was elsewhere with a sibling.
The result
The Commonwealth chose not to proceed with the felony-eluding charge, which was resolved by nolle prosequi in circuit court.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Domestic assault and battery dismissed
Navy servicemember · Newport News
The situation
Our client, a Navy servicemember, faced a domestic assault and battery charge involving her child’s father.
The work
Dante Wright called our client to testify about the incident, introduced photographs showing bruising and redness on her neck and injuries to her face, and cross-examined the complainant.
The result
The Newport News Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court dismissed the charge. Considering our client’s injuries and the absence of evidence of significant injuries to the complainant, the judge could not determine who was the aggressor.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Firearm charges dismissed at preliminary hearing
Norfolk General District Court
The situation
Our client faced charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and second-offense carrying a concealed weapon at a preliminary hearing in Norfolk General District Court.
The work
Dante Wright cross-examined the officers about the evidence linking our client to the firearm. Officers found an object resembling a gun holster on our client, but no firearm. The gun was recovered elsewhere outside an apartment complex, away from our client. No link to the client or the holster was established; fingerprint testing was inconclusive, and no DNA evidence connected him to the firearm.
The result
Both charges were dismissed at the preliminary hearing and were not certified to circuit court.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Reckless driving dismissed
A challenge to the radar evidence
The situation
Our client faced a reckless-driving charge involving a radar speed measurement.
The work
At trial, the officer could not confirm that the radar had been checked before and after the shift and found accurate. No calibration certificate was presented. Dante Wright moved to strike the evidence.
The result
The court granted the motion to strike and dismissed the reckless-driving charge.
View our case resultsPast results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Awards & Accolades
Preparation. Communication. Personal attention.
A plan built around you.
The Phoenix Trial Firm is a Black-owned and military-owned law firm serving Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and communities across Virginia from our Hampton and Smithfield offices.
We listen first.
Your injuries, work, family, and future shape what matters in your case. We take time to understand the impact on your life.
We prepare with purpose.
We examine the evidence, address disputed facts, and explain the options for pursuing your goals.
We keep you involved.
You deserve to understand the strategy, the decisions ahead, and what comes next. Our approach centers on direct communication.
Your next step
Getting started is straightforward.
Tell us what happened.
Call us or send a brief inquiry. Let us know your case type, location, and any upcoming dates.
Talk through your options.
Our team reviews your inquiry so we can discuss your circumstances, questions, and possible next steps.
Build the plan together.
If we agree to represent you, we explain the scope of our work and begin preparing your case.
Sending an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please avoid confidential details in an initial message.
The people standing beside you
Meet your Phoenix attorneys.
We are a Black-owned and military-owned firm with offices in Hampton and Smithfield. Our attorneys combine careful preparation with clear communication about your case.
Co-Founder
Maxie Lawton
Maxie represents injured people across Hampton Roads. His experience as an Army Ranger and his own recovery from a serious injury inform his approach to preparation and personal attention.
Co-Founder
Dante Wright
Dante represents clients in personal injury, criminal defense, DUI, and serious traffic matters. He brings deliberate preparation and direct communication to people facing consequential decisions.
Stories behind the firm
Our Attorneys in the News
Get to know the people behind Phoenix through their stories, their partnership, and their work in the community.
CBN News
Dante’s story, before Phoenix
CBN shares Dante’s journey and Judge Gammiel Poindexter’s mentorship. The feature covers his earlier private practice at Poindexter & Wright, before he opened Phoenix with Maxie.
The Smithfield Times
Maxie’s path from service to law
A profile of Maxie’s military service, recovery after an injury in Afghanistan, and path to becoming an attorney. The story also explores his partnership with Dante and the origins of Phoenix.
WAVY News 10
Speaking up for a client
WAVY speaks with Dante Wright and Maxie Lawton about the Norview High School incident and their call for charges to be dropped. Read the reporting as published in March 2026.
Rooted in Hampton Roads
Local offices. Regional reach.
With offices in Hampton and Smithfield, we serve individuals and families across Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and elsewhere in Virginia.
Hampton
2 Eaton Street, Suite 900
Hampton, VA 23669
Smithfield
1807 S. Church Street, Suite 200C
Smithfield, VA 23430
Injury help in your community
Before you contact us
A few questions, answered.
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. We invite you to contact us for a free consultation. If we discuss representation, we will explain the applicable fees and costs before you decide whether to proceed.
What should I have ready?
A brief description of what happened, where it happened, and any upcoming dates is a useful start. If available, have relevant incident information, insurance correspondence, or court paperwork ready for your consultation. You do not need every document to make an initial inquiry.
Can I reach you without visiting an office?
Yes. Call 757-777-9285, use the intake assistant, or send an inquiry through our contact page. Our team can discuss the next step with you.
Does submitting an inquiry mean you represent me?
No. An inquiry alone does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only when you and the firm agree to it. Please avoid sending confidential information before that agreement.
Selected personal injury recoveries
Real people. Real results.
$730,000
Car accident
Recovered for a passenger in a vehicle whose driver turned into oncoming traffic.
$150,000
Car accident · Newport News
Recovered for a client injured by a drunk driver while exiting a parking lot.
$100,000
Car accident
Recovered for a client injured in an automobile accident.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, applicable law, injuries, and available insurance coverage.
Attorney Lawton makes sure he takes time with clients and he definitely let me know he was concerned about my situation.
-Tina Vick – Newport News Councilwoman
From our very first meeting, I could tell he genuinely cared about my case and had my best interests at heart. He was honest, responsive, and thorough throughout the entire process, and I always felt supported.
-J.M.
Mr. Lawton worked so hard to get the truth and to give our son another chance. He stayed in contact with my son and us the whole time.
-Joy C.
I found Attorney Dante Wright online and he turned out to be a great choice. He helped my family member with his case and was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. We’re really grateful for his support and would definitely recommend him to others.
-Jasmin H.
Mr. Dante Wright made my process flawless. He was polite and passionate about his work. The level of empathy was top tier. Any questions I had he answered them. Communication was amazing and I felt supported. I would definitely recommend him! Thank you so much Mr. Wright.
-Donnette M.
Mr. Dante Wright was very professional and expressed a genuine interest in our issue. We appreciated the time he devoted to researching our situation and the advice he provided. Mr. Wright shared his legal expertise in an easily understandable, compassionate manner. We would highly recommend Mr. Wright for any legal…
-Michael W.
Latest Blog Posts
Latest Blog Posts
Talk with our team
Tell us what happened, or call 757-777-9285. We offer a free personal injury consultation.
An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship; representation requires our agreement. Please wait for instructions before sending confidential or time-sensitive material.
Phone Number
Smithfield Office
1807 S. Church Street, Suite 200C
Smithfield, VA 23430
Hampton Office
2 Eaton Street, Suite 900
Hampton, VA 23669
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A welcome from our team
Let’s take the first step together.
Welcome to The Phoenix Trial Firm. We help people across Hampton Roads with personal injury, criminal defense, DUI, and serious traffic matters. Tell us what brought you here, and our team will help you understand your next steps.
Get a Free Consultation Or call 757-777-9285Hampton Roads trial lawyers
Personal injury.
Criminal defense.
A clear way forward.
We help injured people and those facing criminal, DUI, or serious traffic charges across Hampton Roads.
Offices in Hampton & Smithfield
Answers before your first call
Guides & articles
Injured in a car accident?
Understand the records to preserve, insurance questions to ask, and how we help injured drivers and passengers.
Read the car-accident guide →What happens during an injury claim?
Follow the process from investigation and treatment documentation through negotiation and, when appropriate, litigation.
Explore the claim process →Latest articles
Get to know Phoenix
Video Center
Meet the people behind the firm and learn what to expect when you reach out.
Watch a Phoenix video
A quick introduction from Dante Wright