D. Jeffrey "Jeff" Coale
contact
PO Box 980
Emory, Virginia 24327
276.614.4537 (phone)
276.944.4674 (fax)
philosophy
I am a trial attorney accepting select civil and criminal cases, including auto accidents, felony cases, misdemeanors, dui cases, speeding tickets, reckless driving and other traffic tickets, divorces, child support, child custody and visitation. I also welcome business clients, especially those faced with contract disputes, lawsuits or regulatory compliance issues.
I aggressively represent my clients' interests. I also strive to keep clients informed, which means they get the answers they need and copies of everything. I also make it a practice to return phone calls promptly.
I have extensive trial experience, and that has allowed me to be creative in my strategy and presentation. The jury is never bored, and the judge has to pay attention, too.
work experience
Jeff Coale, PLC (2003-present)
Since my return to private practice, I have enjoyed branching out. Not only am I trying a wider variety of cases, but I also get to travel to many jurisdictions all over Southwest Virginia, such as Washington County, City of Bristol, Smyth County, Wythe County, Russell County, Scott County, Buchanan County, Dickenson County, City of Radford and Bland County and the towns of Abingdon, Marion, Wytheville and Lebanon.
In select instances, I can appear in other states by associating local counsel.
Commonwealth's Attorney (1999-2003)
I continued to try cases after being elected chief prosecutor. I also joined the faculty at the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Trial Advocacy School at William & Mary to teach other specially selected prosecutors. I also spent some time in Richmond lobbying on behalf of the Commonwealth's Attorneys.
Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney (1996-1999)
Along with daily trial work in the lower courts, I took on supervisory duties and primary responsibility for jury trials in Circuit Court. I tried everything from petty offenses to bank robberies and capital murder.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney (1995-1996)
I entered the prosecutors' ranks with more experience than the typical Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney. I appeared in General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court almost every day and handled thousands of cases per year.
Trial Attorney (1990-1995)
As a young trial attorney, I gathered experience in a variety of civil and criminal cases across Southwest Virginia. I primarily tried auto accidents.
Police Officer/ SWAT Team (1985-1987)
Fresh out of college, I joined the James City County, Virginia Police Department. I served as a police officer in this rapidly growing suburban county near Williamsburg, Virginia. I was also a member of the Emergency Response team, more commonly known as a SWAT Team or Tactical Team. It's a great job when you're young, but I knew I would not want to do it forever. I was very fortunate to win an academic scholarship to attend law school.
education
Washington & Lee University (Lexington, Virginia)
J.D., 1990, magna cum laude
Emory & Henry College (Emory, Virginia)
B.A., 1985, summa cum laude
