Hampton Roads
Manslaughter Lawyer
At McCormack & McCormack, our Hampton Roads criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling serious criminal cases in Virginia courts. We carefully examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, investigate the available evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of each case.
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Accused of Manslaughter in Virginia?
Don't face the
uncertainty alone.
A manslaughter accusation can begin a complex and high-stakes criminal prosecution. The prosecution may rely on witness statements, forensic evidence, medical evidence, photographs, video, expert testimony, or other evidence to establish what happened and how the death occurred. The sooner you speak with an experienced manslaughter defense lawyer, the sooner your legal team can begin evaluating the allegations, preserving important evidence, and determining the strongest strategy for your defense. Virginia recognizes both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. While the circumstances can vary significantly between cases, manslaughter generally involves an unlawful killing that does not meet the legal requirements for murder. Voluntary manslaughter is generally associated with an intentional killing committed under circumstances that distinguish the offense from murder. Involuntary manslaughter involves an unintentional killing that may arise from unlawful, reckless, or criminally negligent conduct, depending on the circumstances and applicable law. The distinction between manslaughter and other homicide offenses can be legally complex. The specific facts surrounding the death, the defendant's conduct, the available evidence, and the applicable Virginia law all matter when determining how a case should be defended. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-35, voluntary manslaughter is punishable as a Class 5 felony. Virginia Code § 18.2-36 similarly provides that involuntary manslaughter is punishable as a Class 5 felony. Virginia law also provides separate provisions for certain types of involuntary manslaughter, including cases involving driving under the influence, watercraft offenses, and certain drug offenses. Some of these offenses can carry enhanced penalties, making the specific circumstances of the alleged conduct particularly important. Because manslaughter charges can involve different statutes and factual circumstances, anyone accused of manslaughter should have an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney evaluate the specific allegations and potential consequences.
What Do Manslaughter
Lawyers Do?
Our attorneys explain the charges you are facing, the potential consequences, and the legal options available in your case. We provide guidance throughout the criminal process and help you make informed decisions as your case moves forward.
Legal Counsel and Advice:
A gun crimes lawyer in Virginia Beach can help you understand the charges against you, the laws that apply to your situation, and the potential consequences you may be facing. Our attorneys explain your legal options and help you make informed decisions throughout your case.
Case Evaluation:
We carefully review the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, including charging documents, police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, medical information, photographs, video, and other available evidence.
Investigation:
A thorough investigation is critical in a manslaughter case. Our attorneys examine the evidence and circumstances surrounding the death to identify inconsistencies, unanswered questions, potential defenses, and information that may support your position.
Legal Representation:
Evaluating Forensic and medical evidence:
Manslaughter prosecutions can involve substantial forensic and medical evidence concerning the cause and manner of death. Our attorneys carefully examine the evidence presented by the prosecution and evaluate whether the conclusions drawn from that evidence are supported by the available facts.
Examining intent, recklessness, and causation:
The distinction between different homicide offenses can depend on the defendant's state of mind and the circumstances that resulted in the death. We examine the prosecution's allegations concerning intent, recklessness, negligence, and causation to determine how those issues may affect the defense.
negotiation and resolution:
Not every criminal case proceeds to trial. When appropriate, our attorneys evaluate potential resolutions and negotiate with prosecutors while keeping the specific facts and circumstances of the case in mind.
Trial preparation and defense:
When a manslaughter case proceeds to trial, thorough preparation is essential. Our attorneys analyze the prosecution's evidence, prepare to challenge witnesses and testimony, and develop a trial strategy designed to present the strongest defense supported by the facts and applicable law.
Proven Defense Lawyers
with Decades of Experience

McCormack & McCormack has extensive experience handling serious criminal cases in Virginia state and federal courts. Our attorneys bring decades of combined legal experience, including backgrounds in military JAG service, prosecution, criminal defense, and litigation.
Our attorneys have represented clients in a wide range of criminal matters and understand the significant preparation required when a case involves a potential loss of life and serious felony allegations. We approach each case individually, taking the time to understand the circumstances, review the available evidence, and identify the legal issues that may affect the outcome.
Members of our team have experience serving as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. That perspective provides valuable insight into how the prosecution may approach a serious criminal case and allows our attorneys to anticipate potential arguments while preparing a comprehensive defense.
Whether a manslaughter case involves questions of intent, recklessness, causation, forensic evidence, witness testimony, or another issue, our attorneys work diligently to understand the details and build a defense based on the individual circumstances of the case.
McCormack & McCormack represents clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and surrounding communities.
Meet The Attorneys Behind Your Defense
Results Driven and
Client Focused Since 1982

Greg D. McCormack
OF COUNSEL
Greg D. McCormack is a former U.S. Army Judge Advocate with decades of experience representing military and civilian clients in complex criminal, administrative, and federal matters. Known for his aggressive courtroom advocacy, sharp cross-examination skills, and straightforward approach, Greg has successfully represented thousands of clients throughout his career and is committed to providing honest, relentless defense for every client he serves.

Jarrett L. McCormack
President
Jarrett L. McCormack focuses on criminal defense in state and federal courts, with extensive experience representing current and former military members, including cases involving security clearances and military disciplinary actions. Known for his analytical approach and aggressive courtroom advocacy, Jarrett is committed to developing the strategy that best positions each client for success.

Robert W. Canoy Jr.
Senior Attorney
Robert Canoy brings more than a decade of criminal litigation experience, including 11 years as an active-duty military Judge Advocate. He has served as both a trial defense counsel and prosecutor, handling more than 500 criminal cases ranging from minor offenses to serious charges including sexual assault and homicide. Now with McCormack & McCormack, he continues to serve as a JAG officer in the military reserves, bringing extensive courtroom and military legal experience to every case.

Drew T. Lail
ASSOCIATE Attorney
Drew T. Lail is an associate at McCormack & McCormack, representing clients in family law, criminal defense, and traffic matters. A former U.S. Navy aircraft structural mechanic and federal police officer, Drew brings firsthand military and law enforcement experience to his legal practice. He earned his J.D. from Regent University School of Law and is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts. Known for his dedicated and practical approach, Drew works to provide strong advocacy tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
