About Gardner & Burks
When Everything Is on the Line, You Need a Team That Has Been Here Before
Gardner & Burks has been that team for families across Fredericksburg and the surrounding area since 1979. This is not a side practice. Criminal defense is all we do, and we do it with the experience, the local knowledge, and the commitment you deserve.
Experienced Probation attorneys
Choosing the Wrong Attorney Can Cost You Everything
Not every lawyer is the same, and in criminal defense, that difference is everything. You need someone who responds fast, knows the local courts inside out, and treats your case as the priority it is from day one. The wrong choice means missed opportunities, weak advice, and a bad situation that gets worse.
The right choice means a team that picks up the phone, explains exactly what is happening, and fights hard to get you the best possible outcome. That is what Gardner & Burks does, for every client, on every case.

- 45 years defending families in Fredericksburg
- Ghislaine brings 20+ years of criminal defense experience
- Criminal defense is the firm’s core focus
- Every case reviewed as a team, every time
- Responses within 24 hours, without exception
- Deep knowledge of local judges, prosecutors, and court process
- Former clients say they felt like family, not just a casE
Why it matters
What It Feels Like to Have Gardner & Burks in Your Corner
From the moment you call, you will notice the difference. You will speak to people who know your case, answer your questions in plain language, and keep you informed every step of the way. You will never be left wondering what is happening or what comes next.
You Get a Full Team, Not One Overworked Lawyer
Your case is reviewed regularly by the whole team. More than one set of eyes is always on your situation, so nothing gets missed and no detail gets overlooked.
You Get Answers Within 24 Hours, Always
When something changes or a question comes up, you should not be left waiting. Gardner & Burks responds within 24 hours, and immediately when it is urgent. You will never feel alone with this.
You Get Honesty From the Start
We explain what you are facing, what the process actually means, and what your real options are. No jargon, no vague reassurances, just straight answers from people who know.
You Get Local Knowledge That Works in Your Favor
Our attorneys appear regularly in courts across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the surrounding areas. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the court procedures. That familiarity directly benefits your case.
Meet The Team
The People Fighting for You
Gardner & Burks is built around attorneys who chose criminal defense because they care about people facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Every member of this team, attorneys and staff alike, is focused on one thing: getting you the best possible outcome.
Ghislaine M. Storr Burks, Partner
Ghislaine M. Storr Burks joined Gardner & Haney, P.C. in October 2014, bringing nearly a decade of experience handling serious criminal matters in jurisdictions throughout Virginia.
Mrs. Burks has practiced almost exclusively in the area of criminal defense since 2005, representing adults and juveniles charged with criminal offenses including violent felonies, serious traffic offenses, and misdemeanors in both District and Circuit Courts. She has also represented clients in criminal appeals before the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
In addition to being admitted to practice law in Virginia, Mrs. Burks was admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan in 2018.
Mrs. Burks is affiliated with the Michigan State Bar, the Maryland State Bar, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Mrs. Burks has practiced almost exclusively in the area of criminal defense since 2005, representing adults and juveniles charged with criminal offenses including violent felonies, serious traffic offenses, and misdemeanors in both District and Circuit Courts. She has also represented clients in criminal appeals before the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
In addition to being admitted to practice law in Virginia, Mrs. Burks was admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan in 2018.
Mrs. Burks is affiliated with the Michigan State Bar, the Maryland State Bar, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Ahuna Johnson, Associate Attorney
Ahuna is a criminal defense attorney. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology before earning her Master’s in Psychology. She then attended the University of Richmond School of Law.
After completing her master’s degree, Ahuna spent 17 years working in the nonprofit and government sectors, concluding her public service career as Deputy Director of a large social services agency. She holds multiple certifications in assessing and treating trauma, evaluating substance abuse issues, and analyzing family needs and support systems.
As a criminal defense attorney, Ahuna utilizes her extensive experience working within large social service agencies and the Virginia judicial system to diligently and zealously represent her clients. Ahuna also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for children, where her passion for children’s advocacy and familiarity with the local courts allow her to serve effectively in this vital role.
Prior to practicing law, Ahuna served as a legal assistant for the Stafford Circuit Court judges and later represented clients through the Public Defender’s Office.
After completing her master’s degree, Ahuna spent 17 years working in the nonprofit and government sectors, concluding her public service career as Deputy Director of a large social services agency. She holds multiple certifications in assessing and treating trauma, evaluating substance abuse issues, and analyzing family needs and support systems.
As a criminal defense attorney, Ahuna utilizes her extensive experience working within large social service agencies and the Virginia judicial system to diligently and zealously represent her clients. Ahuna also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for children, where her passion for children’s advocacy and familiarity with the local courts allow her to serve effectively in this vital role.
Prior to practicing law, Ahuna served as a legal assistant for the Stafford Circuit Court judges and later represented clients through the Public Defender’s Office.
Kyle Jourden, Associate Attorney
Kyle Jourden is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a strong background in criminology and law. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of West Georgia. Following his studies, he served as a Probation Parole Officer for the North Carolina Department of Safety, covering the Outer Banks region.
Kyle then pursued his Juris Doctorate at the University of Richmond School of Law, where he received a Certificate of Concentration in Family Law. During his time at Richmond, he was honored with the Orell-Brown Award for Clinical Excellence in the Children’s Law Center.
Before joining Gardner & Burks, P.C., Kyle worked as an Assistant Public Defender for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. His diverse experiences have shaped him into a committed and knowledgeable attorney, ready to advocate for his clients.
Kyle then pursued his Juris Doctorate at the University of Richmond School of Law, where he received a Certificate of Concentration in Family Law. During his time at Richmond, he was honored with the Orell-Brown Award for Clinical Excellence in the Children’s Law Center.
Before joining Gardner & Burks, P.C., Kyle worked as an Assistant Public Defender for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. His diverse experiences have shaped him into a committed and knowledgeable attorney, ready to advocate for his clients.
get started
Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Now
01
Call Us
Start with a simple phone call and tell us what's going on.
02
Meet Us
We'll talk through the situation, gather the facts, and explain what happens next.
03
Let's Fight
Once you decide to move forward, we begin working on the case right away.
Why People Trust Gardner & Burks for Criminal Defense
True sharks in the courtroom...
...strategic, confident, and relentless in the best way. Each case resulted in a victory.
bridgett bassett
She absolutely got us a great outcome...
...I'd say she's the best lawyer around and highly recommend her!
erica gatewood
Sees and cuts through the garbage...
...highly, highly recommend her for a person’s custody / visitation case.
theresa branham
Handle my case with ease...
...ease and eliminated any and all stress I had
tyler cowell
Take the first step
Get The Attorneys You Need Fighting In Your Corner