Travis P. Brinton, Attorney at Law

And although there are now efforts toward reform, the criminal justice system in particular still reflects the "tough on crime" approach from the 90s, with its overly punitive sentences and the devastating effects on lives, families, and communities which follow.
Criminal and family law attorneys play an essential role in holding the system to account and fighting for a fair outcome for our clients. No attorney can guarantee results—do not trust any who do—but I guarantee I will fight for your case. And I will not leave you in the dark: I will keep you regularly updated and explain your options at every important juncture.  

When I graduated from law school, I wanted to gain experience in multiple areas of law. I was interested in the challenge of oral advocacy in courtroom litigation. And I wanted to do something that would make a positive difference. Those priorities led me to become a Judge Advocate in the Air Force, where I spent the first eight years of law practice. And serving as a JAG delivered in each of those areas. 

As a military prosecutor, I tried courts-martial and hearings for child abuse, sexual assault, drug and other offenses. When drafting charges and recommending sentences, I sought what I felt were fair outcomes, not simply to "score big convictions." When my investigation into a case indicated the Accused was innocent, I pushed for commanders to drop the charges. 

As a legal assistance attorney, I advised clients on everything from divorce and child custody to immigration to landlord-tenant disputes and more. When I was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, I oversaw the busiest legal assistance program in the Air Force, and my efforts were recognized by the American Bar Association.

Subsequent assignments took me to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where I served as a Special Victims' Counsel, representing victims of rape and sexual assault from the case investigation to trial; and as a Medical Law Consultant, advising 10 Air Force hospitals and clinics on legal matters including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As rewarding as it was to practice law in uniform, three things led me to leave the Air Force and start my own practice: First, I always found my work most rewarding when it was directly serving the needs of another human being rather than doing the administrative legal work of an institutional client, and I wanted to be able to do that exclusively. Second, private practice better fit my family's needs. And third, I wanted to return to Charlottesville.

Today I live in the city of Charlottesville with my wife Lindsey, a cancer researcher, and our four children. I have successfully concluded dozens of cases for my clients including divorces, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, adult guardianship, change of name, and seeking and contesting protective orders. On the criminal side, I have handled domestic assault, robbery, fraud, probation violation, and expungements, among others. With my diverse legal background and litigation experience, I'm ready to represent you in your case, as well as in related legal issues that may arise.

Virginia, 2020

Active

Colorado, 2012

Withdrawn in 2023

Fluent: English, Spanish

Conversational: German, French