John R. Fletcher

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John R. Fletcher

John R. Fletcher

I want to take a moment to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the continued care, service, and diligence you are providing as we walk through this case and process together. Every step of the way, your professionalism, integrity, and clarity reflect a standard of excellence that is both reassuring and rare. Your guidance has been timely, your counsel wise, and your presence consistent. You not only handle the details with precision, but you do so in a way that brings peace to what can easily feel like a chaotic or overwhelming space. That kind of leadership speaks volumes, not just about what you do, but how you do it. The care and intentionality you and your team bring to each aspect of this journey are exemplary. I recognize the energy, patience, and heart it requires, and I want you to know it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for listening intently, advising thoroughly, and standing with such integrity and grace. I look forward to continuing this process with the strength of your team alongside me. It is an honor to be supported by individuals who lead with both conviction and compassion. With gratitude and respect,

~Michelle A. Poitier
I have on my wall a framed, signed photograph from a client I served more than 20 years ago. He’s written on the photo: ‘When nobody cared, you did. When nobody listened, you did. You made a difference in my life. Thanks!’ THAT’S what’s most satisfying about being a lawyer...making a difference in people’s lives.

John R. Fletcher has been in the private practice of law with the law firm of Tavss Fletcher in Norfolk, Virginia since 1978. Before coming to Norfolk, he served as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Hampton, Virginia, from 1976 to 1978. Mr. Fletcher received his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary in 1972, and his J.D. from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in 1975. He has been admitted to practice law in Virginia and North Carolina.

Most clients I see are either in big trouble or have been seriously injured, often accompanied by loss of job or income. They’re struggling to pay bills, hold the family together, regain function, and get well. During these struggles, I try to help them keep going, let them know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel before I can make them whole financially, get them a sufficient award to be able to compensate for what they’ve lost. Make a difference.

Mr. Fletcher concentrates in representing plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice litigation and in criminal defense. He has served on the faculty of numerous seminars on professional responsibility and trial practice relating to civil and criminal litigation; is a past member of the Virginia State Bar Council, elected from the Fourth Judicial Circuit; is a past member of the Executive Committee of the Virginia Bar Association; is a past member and chair of the Second District Disciplinary Committee; is past Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Virginia Bar Association; served for fifteen years on the Virginia Model Jury Instruction Committee; served on the faculty of the Virginia State Bar Course on Professionalism; is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and is an emeritas member of the I’Anson-Hoffman American Inn of Court, where he served as President and a member of the Executive Committee. He was elected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Virginia Law Foundation, where he also served as President and a member of the Board; he is a member of the Boyd-Graves Conference, and a member and past Co-Chair of the Virginia Criminal Justice Conference.

Mr. Fletcher has been named to Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite, Richmond Magazine’s Top Virginia Lawyers, Virginia Super Lawyers, and Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia.

He is married, has two children, one grandchild, and lives in Virginia Beach.

1. What’s the value of my case? What am I going to get?

The value of an injury or malpractice case comes from medical costs, lost income, and how the injury changes daily life. Most injury cases in Virginia do not have a legal cap on these damages. State law sets a total limit for medical malpractice cases, increases it yearly, and caps punitive damages.

2. Have you ever handled a case like this before?

Yes. I have tried and resolved serious injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and felony and misdemeanor cases in Virginia and North Carolina for more than forty years.

3. Is there a way to pay my bills while we’re waiting for this case to mature?

Yes. Health insurance can cover treatment, and auto policies may include Medical Payments coverage that reimburses medical bills no matter who was at fault. Some doctors and hospitals will delay collection until the case settles if they know payment is coming from the settlement.

4. Will I go to the penitentiary?

Felonies and certain offenses with mandatory sentences can result in prison time. Misdemeanors carry shorter jail terms and may allow probation instead. The sentence depends on the charge, the facts, and your prior record. A defense lawyer can review the evidence, explain the sentencing range, and work to reduce or avoid jail time through negotiation or trial.

Testimonials

HERE'S WHAT SOME OF OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT TAVSS FLETCHER.