Murder

Murder Attorney in Norfolk

Former Prosecutor. 100+ Jury Trials. Fighting for Norfolk Clients.

A murder charge is the most serious accusation Virginia law can bring against a person. Every charge is a felony, and a conviction can mean decades or life in prison. At The Gregg Law Group, we represent clients facing murder charges in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads, bringing more than 20 years of criminal law experience to every case. Our team includes a former prosecutor who understands exactly how the Commonwealth builds a homicide case. That background, combined with more than 100 jury trials, means we approach these cases with insight that comes from both sides of the courtroom.

Getting counsel in place early matters. Before charges are formally filed, our team can examine evidence, identify weaknesses, and work to prevent the prosecution’s narrative from solidifying. Every day counts.

If you or someone you love is facing a murder charge in Norfolk, contact The Gregg Law Group today for a free consultation. We offer virtual options for clients who can’t come in person. Call us now at (757) 697-2900.

Murder Charges Under Virginia Law

Virginia Code Title 18.2, Chapter 4 establishes that all murder and manslaughter charges are felonies under state law. The specific charge carries significant weight because each requires the prosecution to prove different elements and because potential sentences vary considerably.

Aggravated Murder (Va. Code §18.2-31): A Class 1 felony punishable by life imprisonment. This charge applies to willful, deliberate, and premeditated killings under specific circumstances: killing for hire, killing a law enforcement officer in the performance of official duties, killing during a robbery, or killing a child under age 14 when the defendant is 21 or older.
First-Degree Murder (Va. Code §18.2-32): A Class 2 felony carrying 20 years to life in prison and fines up to $100,000. It covers killings by poison, lying in wait, imprisonment, starvation, willful and premeditated conduct, or killings committed during arson, rape, robbery, burglary, or abduction.
Second-Degree Murder (Va. Code §18.2-32): Covers killings that don’t meet the criteria for aggravated or first-degree murder, punishable by 5 to 40 years in a state correctional facility.
Felony Homicide (Va. Code §18.2-33): Occurs when a person accidentally causes a death while committing another felony. Also punishable by 5 to 40 years.

Why Norfolk Clients Choose The Gregg Law Group

Murder cases are decided by juries. We’ve handled more than 100 jury trials, and our former-prosecutor background gives us a direct window into how the Commonwealth structures homicide cases, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and where those cases can be challenged. That combination applies concretely to the work we do for clients facing these charges.

We believe you and your family deserve to understand every step of the process. Our entire staff stays current on each case so you’re not left without answers. We fight aggressively on your behalf while maintaining the integrity and ethical advocacy our clients can rely on.

Speak With a Norfolk Murder Attorney Today

Facing a murder charge, or knowing someone who is, can feel overwhelming. We offer free consultations, including virtual options, so you can get clear answers about your situation without delay. The Gregg Law Group serves clients in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads. Call (757) 697-2900 to schedule your free consultation now.

Defense Strategies in Virginia Murder Cases

Every murder defense begins with a close look at what the prosecution must prove. The charge itself matters: aggravated murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and felony homicide each require the Commonwealth to establish different elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Targeting those elements is where strategy starts.

Our former-prosecutor background informs how we anticipate the tactics the Commonwealth uses to build homicide cases. We examine forensic and physical evidence, witness credibility, and whether the facts actually support the elements of the charged offense.

Common defense approaches in Virginia murder cases include:

Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Virginia law recognizes self-defense as a legal justification when a person uses force to protect themselves or another from imminent harm. A homicide committed in lawful self-defense isn’t a crime under Virginia law.
Lack of Intent or Premeditation: Challenging whether the prosecution can prove intent or premeditation can affect the degree of the charge, which directly impacts potential sentencing.
Challenging Forensic or Physical Evidence: We examine the reliability of forensic evidence and the methods used to collect and analyze it, looking for grounds to challenge admissibility or weight.
Suppression of Unconstitutionally Obtained Evidence: Evidence gathered in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights can be challenged and excluded from trial.

Early involvement by defense counsel allows our team to preserve evidence, identify favorable witnesses, and engage with investigators before the prosecution’s case takes shape. The sooner we’re involved, the more options remain available.

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Murder Cases in the Norfolk Circuit Court

Murder charges in Norfolk are prosecuted as felonies in the Norfolk Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all violent crime trials in the city, and its local criminal plan governs how cases move from grand jury indictment through trial.

A case typically passes through Norfolk General District Court for a preliminary hearing before being certified to the Circuit Court. Having counsel in place before that preliminary hearing covers both stages. The Gregg Law Group is located near the Norfolk City Hall Complex and Civic Plaza Station, and we represent clients at every stage of the process in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads.

What to Do After a Murder Charge or Investigation in Norfolk

If you or a family member has been contacted by law enforcement in connection with a homicide investigation, the most important step is speaking with a defense attorney before answering any questions. The right to remain silent and the right to counsel apply from the moment of contact with law enforcement, not just after an arrest.

If an arrest has already been made, a defense attorney can appear at the arraignment, address bond hearings, and begin building the defense before the case reaches the grand jury phase. The earlier counsel is in place, the more options remain available.

Key steps in the hours and days that follow:

Don’t Speak to Investigators: Anything said to law enforcement can be used against you. Decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Defense Attorney Immediately: Early intervention allows counsel to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and respond to investigators before the prosecution’s case takes shape.
Understand the Process: A Norfolk murder case moves from a preliminary hearing in General District Court to trial in the Circuit Court. Knowing what to expect can reduce uncertainty.
Keep Your Family in the Loop: Family members often have as many questions as the person charged. We communicate with both clients and their families throughout every stage of the case.

The Gregg Law Group offers free consultations, including virtual options, for individuals and families navigating a murder charge in Norfolk. Call (757) 697-2900 to speak with our team today.

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125 Saint Pauls Blvd
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Norfolk, VA 23510

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