Michael A. La Fratta is the founder and owner of La Fratta Law, PLLC, a criminal defense firm based in Charlottesville, Virginia. A Virginia-based trial attorney with more than 14 years of experience, Attorney La Fratta has built his practice around representing individuals facing criminal charges, DUI/DWI offenses, serious traffic violations, and related matters throughout Central Virginia with clear guidance, practical strategy, and a strong emphasis on honest communication.
Since being admitted to practice in Virginia in 2011, Attorney La Fratta has handled thousands of criminal and traffic cases in courts across the Commonwealth, including General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, and Circuit Court. His experience includes both bench and jury trials, with cases ranging from minor traffic infractions to serious felony charges, including violent offenses and first-degree murder cases. His courtroom background reflects a practice built on real litigation experience rather than volume-based or administrative representation.
Alongside his role as a trial lawyer, Attorney La Fratta has developed La Fratta Law into a client-centered criminal defense practice focused on preparation, responsiveness, and straightforward legal advice. The firm’s approach emphasizes direct communication, practical case evaluation, and helping clients understand both the risks and realistic outcomes of their cases. This philosophy reflects Attorney La Fratta’s belief that effective representation requires honesty, preparation, and consistent personal involvement in each matter.
In his legal practice, Attorney La Fratta focuses on criminal defense and traffic-related matters, including DUI/DWI defense, reckless driving, speeding tickets, moving violations, expungements, protective orders, and a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges. He also has experience handling drug offenses, theft and property crimes, probation violations, firearm-related offenses, and other serious criminal matters. His approach is grounded in careful case preparation, courtroom readiness, and a practical understanding of Virginia’s local courts and procedures.
Attorney La Fratta earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2011. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University and completed a post-baccalaureate health science certificate program at Virginia Commonwealth University. During law school, he served as Student Bar Association Vice-President, was a member of the Trial Advocacy Board, and was a finalist in the Moran Brown Trial Advocacy Competition.
Attorney La Fratta has been recognized throughout his career for professional achievement, including selection to Virginia Business Legal Elite, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys Top 10 Under 40. He has also received multiple client-focused honors, including Avvo’s 10.0 rating and Client’s Choice awards, as well as recognition from Best of C-Ville and C-Ville’s Finest for criminal defense.
In addition to his legal practice, Attorney La Fratta is active in the Charlottesville and Central Virginia legal community. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar, District of Columbia Bar, Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, and the Thomas Jefferson Inns of Court. He is also involved in local community and charitable efforts, including initiatives such as Keswick Sensory programs, reflecting his commitment to serving both clients and the broader Central Virginia community.
