Practice Areas

Military Defense on Criminal/Traffic Charges

Defending Members of the Military

Criminal Charges · Drunk Driving · Traffic Offenses · Drug Charges

An instance of poor judgment can have a significant, even a lifetime impact on a military career. But with proper legal representation, you can get through this difficult time.

If you're facing charges in civilian criminal court, it helps to work with an attorney who understands the challenges you face with your role in the military. Contact me at the law office of John J. Rice. I offer experienced representation in criminal defense and traffic cases.

Service in the Military

As a former military officer myself, I have always stood for justice. I served in the U.S. Army as an officer in Asia and the U.S., and as Commander of Company C, First Battalion. About a third of my criminal defense clients are active or retired military stationed nearby at Norfolk Naval Base, the Cheatham Annex, Little Creek Amphibious Base, Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe, the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center - Yorktown, and Langley Air Force Base. I've represented service members from all branches—army, navy, air force, marines, coast guard—as well as students at nearby military academies.

As a Newport News military defense lawyer, many of my clients find me by word of mouth referral. News of quality service and excellent results travels quickly.

Defending Military Personnel on Criminal Charges

Are you due in court for traffic violations but shipping out to the Middle East before your court date? You don’t want a warrant issued for your arrest. I can help you respond to legal charges when you're on the move from state to state or overseas.

Were you charged with drunk driving with a blood alcohol content over the limit? Facing charges of drug possession for a baggie of marijuana? That can seriously jeopardize your military career. It requires the strongest defense and an attorney who can argue for alternative sentencing options.

Speeding tickets? Reckless driving charges? Too many tickets and you can lose your drivers license. What will be the impact of those charges if you need to drive for a living?

When you find yourself in trouble – which happens to all of us at one time or another – a criminal lawyer with common sense, compassion, and a concern for your welfare makes a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Contact an experienced Newport News military defense lawyer by e-mailing my office, or call my office at (757) 873-8809 during business hours or for after-hours emergencies.