Practice Areas

Murder / Manslaughter

Newport News, Virginia Murder Defense Attorney

Murder and manslaughter cases are seldom straightforward, regardless of the evidence prosecutors initially claim to have against a suspect. Even if it is clear that the accused is responsible for the death of the victim, the degree of responsibility and criminality will depend on establishing the state of mind of the defendant at the time of the alleged murder or crime. Did the accused act with forethought and malice? Did he or she intend to kill the victim?

In cases involving manslaughter, did the accused act with depraved indifference and negligence? As a criminal defense lawyer with over 35 years of experience, I understand the limitations and difficulties prosecutors face when trying to establish motive and state of mind in murder and manslaughter cases. I also realize police don't always secure crime scenes properly, handle evidence carefully, or interview all relevant witnesses. At the law office of John J. Rice, I expose the mistakes of police investigators while providing information and evidence that contradicts the official story of the prosecution.

If you've been arrested on a homicide charge or are currently under investigation, contact criminal defense attorney John J. Rice today to schedule a confidential consultation protected by the attorney-client privilege.

Murder Cases - Challenging "Business as Usual" Investigations

Most criminal investigators will tell you that the majority of murder victims knew their killer. As a result, when a murder happens, police almost always focus their attention on family members, friends, lovers, or neighbors. As information is collected, a theory typically emerges that begins to connect evidence - some or all circumstantial in nature - that points in a few directions. Consequently, alternative suspects or leads that contradict the "working theory" are often discarded; after all, police and investigators only have a limited amount of time and money to investigate and prepare a case.

Putting the Prosecution on the Defensive - Undermining the "Working Theory"

As a murder defense attorney, my office exposes gaps in the prosecution's working theory and investigation against my client. Not only do I meticulously evaluate how evidence was mishandled or the crime scene tainted, I also take the time track down eyewitnesses ignored by the prosecution. In murder cases, it's not unusual for a witness who contradicts the prosecution's version of events to be excluded from its witness list. I find these witnesses, look carefully at alternative suspects, and put the prosecution's case on trial.

Contact Murder Defense Attorney John L. Rice Today

Police and prosecutors are interested in convictions - not in discovering exculpatory evidence in favor of the accused. Consequently, they're unlikely to look for evidence that exonerates the person they believe fits their working theory. I have the resources and experience needed to fight the prosecution and expose their groundless assumptions and mistakes.

To schedule a consultation to discuss your case and how I can help you, contact murder defense attorney John J. Rice today.