Attorney David J. Dischley is the Managing Partner of Dischley Law, PLLC and a criminal defense trial attorney with nearly 20 years of experience representing individuals charged with criminal offenses throughout Virginia. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI and DWI matters, reckless driving, traffic offenses, drug cases, assault matters, serious felonies, and federal criminal defense.
Attorney Dischley brings a unique perspective to criminal defense through experience gained from multiple sides of the justice system. As a former prosecutor, intelligence community professional, military veteran, and trial attorney, he understands how criminal cases are investigated, developed, and prosecuted. That experience allows him to provide clients with practical insight into both the legal process and the real-world consequences that criminal charges can create.
Attorney Dischley graduated from George Mason University School of Law in 2006. While attending law school, he clerked with the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and gained substantial courtroom experience early in his career. During his third year, while practicing under the supervision of licensed attorneys, he took a lead role in more than 100 bench trials and 10 jury trials. Prior to graduation, he also served as third chair in a prominent murder prosecution.
Following law school, Attorney Dischley joined the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, where he prosecuted a broad range of criminal matters, including DUI offenses, narcotics cases, violent crimes, and felony offenses. During that time, he worked alongside investigators on cold homicide investigations and advised the Loudoun County Narcotics Unit. He was also the recipient of the Victim Witness Award.
Attorney Dischley later accepted a position within the intelligence community where he focused on criminal and narcotics issues affecting national security interests. His work included matters involving financial crimes, money laundering operations, and international narcotics investigations. He ultimately returned to courtroom litigation and later continued his prosecutorial experience with the Fauquier County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, where he handled matters in General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, and Circuit Court.
Prior to entering the legal profession, Attorney Dischley served in the United States Marine Corps with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa, Japan and Headquarters and Service Battalion at Quantico, Virginia, attaining the rank of Corporal. His military service continues to shape his approach to the practice of law through discipline, preparation, and commitment to those he represents. Attorney Dischley remains closely connected to the veteran community and is a fully service-connected disabled veteran.
Attorney Dischley earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Administration of Justice from Northern Virginia Community College, graduating cum laude, and later graduated from George Mason University with distinction, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice.
Attorney Dischley has been recognized by clients, peers, and legal organizations throughout his career. He maintains Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, the organization’s highest peer-review distinction for legal ability and ethics, as well as an AVVO Superb rating. He has been selected to Virginia Super Lawyers and previously recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. Additional recognitions include National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and membership in the National College for DUI Defense.
Attorney Dischley is licensed to practice before all Virginia state courts and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
