Virginia Beach Murder Defense Attorney
We Restore Order When Legal Challenges Create Chaos
757-337-2500
Defending Murder, Homicide, and Manslaughter Charges Throughout the Virginia Beach Area
Being charged with murder, homicide, or manslaughter is one of the most serious legal situations a person can face. Your freedom, reputation, career, family, military service, and future may all be at risk. A conviction can result in decades of incarceration or even life imprisonment.
At Invictus Law, our criminal defense team represents individuals charged with murder and homicide offenses throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads communities. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and experienced trial lawyers who understand how homicide cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted.
Whether you are facing allegations of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, felony murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, or aggravated vehicular homicide, we are prepared to develop a strategic defense focused on protecting your rights and your future.
Speak With a Virginia Beach Murder Defense Attorney Today
When the stakes are this high, every decision matters.
Understanding Murder and Homicide Charges in Virginia
Virginia law recognizes several homicide-related offenses, and the specific charge often depends upon factors such as intent, premeditation, malice, and the circumstances surrounding the death.
Capital Murder
Certain aggravating circumstances may elevate a homicide allegation to capital murder. These cases often involve specific statutory factors and are among the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in Virginia.
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder generally involves a willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. These allegations often arise when prosecutors believe the evidence demonstrates planning or intent before the act occurred. A conviction may result in a sentence ranging from twenty years to life imprisonment.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder generally involves an unlawful killing committed with malice but without the level of premeditation required for first-degree murder. While the penalties are different, a conviction still carries the possibility of lengthy incarceration and permanent consequences.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter typically involves a killing that occurs during the heat of passion or in response to significant provocation. Although often considered less serious than murder, a conviction can still result in substantial prison time.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter generally involves an unintentional death resulting from criminal negligence or reckless conduct. These cases frequently involve complex factual and legal issues regarding intent and responsibility.
DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter
Fatal motor vehicle accidents involving intoxication, reckless driving, racing, or criminal negligence can result in manslaughter or aggravated homicide charges. These cases often require careful analysis of accident reconstruction, toxicology evidence, and law enforcement investigations.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Charges We Defend
How Invictus Law Helps
With Murder Charges
Immediate Action
Murder cases require immediate action, thorough preparation, and a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case. At Invictus Law, we begin by assessing the allegations, identifying immediate legal concerns, and developing a clear understanding of our client’s goals and priorities.
A Detailed Review of Your Case
Our team conducts a detailed review of witness statements, forensic evidence, digital evidence, and law enforcement procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and opportunities for the defense. We then develop a strategic plan designed around the specific circumstances of the case, whether that involves challenging evidence, disputing intent, asserting self-defense, negotiating with prosecutors, or preparing for trial.
Clear Guidance Throughout the Process
Throughout the process, we provide clear guidance, ongoing communication, and strong courtroom advocacy focused on protecting our clients’ rights, freedom, and future.
Why Murder Cases Are Especially Complex
Murder cases are among the most complex criminal matters in Virginia courts, often involving high stakes, extensive evidence, and fast-moving decisions.
Why Early Decisions Matter
The earliest stages of a homicide investigation can shape the entire case. What is said to law enforcement, how witnesses are interviewed, and how evidence is collected may all have a lasting impact on the outcome.
Common Mistakes People Make
People often hurt their defense without realizing it by:
· Talking to investigators without a lawyer
· Agreeing to searches
· Discussing the case with friends or family
· Posting about the situation on social media
· Waiting too long to hire experienced defense counsel
Potential Consequences of a Murder Conviction
A murder charge affects far more than the possibility of incarceration.
Potential consequences may include:
- ✓Decades in Prison or Life Imprisonment
- ✓Permanent Felony Record
- ✓Loss of Firearm Rights
- ✓Loss of Voting Rights
- ✓Professional Licensing Consequences
- ✓Security Clearance Revocation
- ✓Military Administrative Actions
- ✓Damage to Employment Opportunities
- ✓Financial Hardship for Family Members
- ✓Long-Term Reputational Harm
For active-duty military personnel, reservists, government employees, and defense contractors throughout Hampton Roads, criminal allegations may create additional concerns involving military careers, security clearances, and future employment opportunities.
Common Defenses to Murder Charges
Every homicide case is unique, and the available defenses depend on the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances involved. A successful defense may focus on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, disputing intent, asserting a legal justification, or identifying violations of constitutional rights.
Potential defenses may include:
- ✓Self-Defense
- ✓Defense of Others
- ✓Lack of Intent or Premeditation
- ✓Mistaken Identity
- ✓False Accusations
- ✓Insufficient Evidence
- ✓Constitutional Violations
- ✓Challenging Forensic Evidence
- ✓Witness Credibility Issues
- ✓Alibi Defenses
Protect Your Rights Before Speaking to Investigators
Why Hire Invictus Law for a Murder Case?
Experience Matters
When your freedom and future are at stake, experience matters. Our criminal defense team includes former prosecutors and experienced trial attorneys who understand how serious felony cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted. We regularly represent clients throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads and are familiar with the local courts, procedures, and legal challenges that often arise in homicide cases.
Proactive, Trial-Ready Approach
We take a proactive, trial-ready approach to every case, focusing on preparation, strategy, and early intervention whenever possible. Clients benefit from a team-based approach, responsive communication, and attorneys who understand the collateral consequences a murder charge can have on careers, military service, security clearances, professional licenses, and family relationships. Our goal is to provide disciplined representation and a clear path forward during one of the most difficult challenges a person can face.
What Makes Invictus Law Different
Focused Criminal Defense Practice
We focus our criminal defense practice on serious criminal matters rather than attempting to handle every type of legal issue.
Former Prosecutors
Our team includes attorneys who previously prosecuted criminal cases and understand how the government builds its cases.
Military and Security Clearance Experience
Hampton Roads is home to one of the nation’s largest military populations. For active-duty service members, reservists, and military families, a murder allegation may affect more than a criminal case.
Criminal charges can lead to military administrative actions, security clearance concerns, adverse career consequences, and potential separation proceedings. In some situations, allegations may involve overlapping military and civilian legal issues that require careful coordination and planning.
Our team’s military experience allows us to understand these unique concerns and incorporate them into the overall defense strategy whenever appropriate.
Process-Driven Representation
Our structured approach helps clients understand where they are, what comes next, and how decisions affect the overall strategy.
Our Attorneys
Each of our attorneys brings unique experience and perspective to the firm. Together, they collaborate on strategy, share ideas, and leverage one another’s strengths to help clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Rather than working in isolation, our attorneys regularly discuss complex legal issues, evaluate strategy, and draw upon one another’s courtroom experience. That means every client benefits from the collective knowledge of the firm—not just the experience of the attorney assigned to the case.
Eric Leckie
Founding Attorney. Marine Corps JAG. Former Prosecutor.
Founder of Invictus Law and a former United States Marine Corps Judge Advocate with over 23 years of trial experience in federal criminal defense, military law, and security clearance matters.
Shemeka Hankins
Former Prosecutor, Decorated Trial Attorney & Fearless Criminal Defense Lawyer
Partner. Former Prosecutor with the Virginia Beach and Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney's Office, recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Virginia State Bar Local Bar Leader of the Year.
Yolanda Beasley
Family Law and Trial Attorney. Certified Guardian ad Litem.
Virginia Beach native and certified Guardian ad Litem recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023, 2024) and National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
Reviews & Results
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I can't afford a murder lawyer?
If you can’t afford private counsel, the Virginia Beach court may appoint a public defender at no cost to you. A private murder lawyer can often provide more time and resources for complex cases, so it’s worth exploring all options.
Can murder charges be reduced to a lesser offense?
In some cases, a charge may be reduced to manslaughter or second-degree murder depending on the facts and evidence. This outcome is never guaranteed, but diligent legal work may create opportunities to pursue a lesser charge.
What if I was present but didn't commit the act?
Virginia law on “principal in the second degree” can still expose you to serious charges if you were present and aided in any way. A murder lawyer serving Virginia Beach clients can work to show that your role did not meet the legal standard for criminal liability.
How long does a murder case typically take in Virginia?
Murder cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court often take one to three years from arrest to trial, depending on evidence volume and court scheduling. Complex cases with forensic review or many witnesses tend to run longer.
Does it matter if the killing was accidental?
Intent is a key factor in Virginia murder law. An accidental death may support a manslaughter charge rather than murder. Your lawyer can present evidence of the lack of intent to seek a more fitting charge that reflects the true facts.
Legal Insights
