Allen F. Bareford - a Fredericksburg, 22030 (VA) Criminal Defense Lawyer

Fredericksburg Criminal Defense Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense
Family Law

Attorney Information

Overview

The reason I became a lawyer was to try to help people.My first lawyer job as a military prosecutor did not give me a sense that I was helping people. Later, I had a chance to do defense work and I immediately knew that I had found my calling. I have done defense work ever since. Being a Defender has made me a better person because I look for the best in people to highlight in court. I know that an accused person is not defined by their worst mistake and I work hard to make sure that the best things about an accused person are discovered and revealed.

I devoted much of my legal career to public service. For 31 years Iwas the Chief Public Defender for Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania and King George with overall responsibility for criminal defense services for defendants who are poor.I oversaw the growth of the Public Defender office from three full time attorneys in 1990 to twenty attorneys and numerous support staff in 2021. When I retired from state service in 2021, I joined Spencer, Meyer & Koch, PLC because they also want to help people. If you need assistance with a legal matter then I offer my vast experience and excellent trial skills for your consideration.

During my career I have represented numerous high-profile clients for every type of crime in the Commonwealth.When Virginia still had the death penalty, Iwas lead-counsel qualified for death penalty eligible cases. I succeeded in five capital murder cases to avoid the ultimate sanction for my clients. While not all cases have stakes as high as life or death, I recognize that your case may be the most important and stressful thing happening in your life until it is concluded. You can be certain that I give your case my full attention.

I am a respected leader in the local and state bar. I have served as the President of the Fredericksburg Area Bar Association and the chair of the Rappahannock Regional Community Criminal Justice Board on which I served 26 years. I serve on the Executive Committee ofthe Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and hold membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 2020, I was elected by fellow lawyers in this region to be their representative on the Virginia State Bar Council for a three-year term.

My desire to help people also leads me to serve in our community as a board member of Be Well Rappahannock and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank.I also chair the Outreach commission of my church where we operate a food pantry serving one hundred families twice each month.

Finally, I also love our country. During law school, I enlisted in the Virginia National Guard and served two years in a field artillery unit. Following law school, I served on active duty as a Judge Advocate inthe Army for five years. I spent another 24 years serving in the Army Reserve. My service took me to numerous countries including Egypt, Panama, Japan and several countries in Europe. I retired from the Army Reserve in 2011 at the rank of Colonel.

I would love to use all my lifeand legal experience and skills to help youwhen you need it. Feel free to contact me at the office or on my cell number (540) 845-1888 to discuss your situation.

Education

Legal Education
- University of Richmond, School of Law, Richmond, Virginia, 1985
  Juris Doctorate
Non Legal Education
- University of Richmond, 1982
  B.A.
  Honors: Magna Cum Laude
  Major: English/Speech

Current Employment Position(s)

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Associate Attorney
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Past Positions

Fredericksburg Public Defender’s Office,Fredericksburg, Virginia, Public Defender, 1990 - 2021

Bar Admissions

Virginia, 1985
United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia

Other Affiliations

Virginia State Bar (Council Representative)
Fredericksburg Area Bar Association (Past President)
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Executive Board, Treasurer)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Rappahannock Regional Community Criminal Justice Board (past Chair and vice-Chair)

Reviews

Customer Reviews for Allen F. Bareford

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2 Reviews

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Highlights

5.0 Value
5.0 Quality of Service
5.0 Professional Competence

By Joy D. on Feb. 06, 2026
Consulted Attorney 2026

Recommends this Attorney

Mr. Bareford is so very approachable and personable & is immediately willing to help in any way that he possibly can. I don't believe anyone would go wrong in choosing him for legal counsel.

Value: 5.0 out of 5

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Quality of Service: 5.0 out of 5

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Professional Competence: 5.0 out of 5
Related to:

Criminal Defense
By Jennifer B. on Sep. 06, 2025
Hired Attorney 2025

Recommends this Attorney

I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible service and support Allen Bareford provided to a close family friend, and ultimately, to our entire community. He went above and beyond to help navigate a criminal matter that surfaced at a pivotal moment in my friend's life, occurring a week before he was scheduled to start his first professional job with a national employer. What truly sets Allen apart is not only his deep knowledge of the legal system and its processes, but his embodiment of restorative justice and compassionate advocacy. He took the time to understand not just the facts, but the person behind them, employing a whole-person approach that considered the long-term impact on my friend, his children, and the community. He advocated for a solution that preserved dignity, opportunity, and community well-being. Thanks to Allen’s respected standing in the judicial system and his ability to present the full picture with clarity, compassion, and thoughtfulness, my friend was granted probation instead of jail time. That opportunity allowed him to begin his new job, support his family, and helped restore his self-worth. Allen didn’t just provide legal support, he helped change a life. If you're looking for someone who blends legal expertise with humanity and heart, Allen Bareford is definitely that person. His impact reaches far beyond the courtroom, and we are deeply grateful for his compassionate and professional service.

Value: 5.0 out of 5

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Quality of Service: 5.0 out of 5

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Professional Competence: 5.0 out of 5

Contact

Fredericksburg, VA

660 Cambridge Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Directions

Phone: 540-372-4046

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.smklawgroup.com

Credit Cards Accepted
Free Consultations

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Allen F. Bareford - Fredericksburg, VA