Two of our attorneys built their careers on the other side of a Norfolk courtroom — one as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city, one as a Norfolk public defender. Between them they have watched a Norfolk case get charged, screened and prepared long before it ever reached a defense file. Decker Law has defended people in this courthouse since 1961. Call 757-622-3317 — free, confidential, any hour.
TWO OF OUR ATTORNEYS USED TO WORK THE OTHER SIDE
George Neskis spent four years as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Norfolk. Cole Roberts began his career as a Public Defender here. Between them, they have watched a Norfolk case get charged, screened and prepared long before it ever reaches a defense file.
That is a practical advantage, not a relational one. It means knowing which files the Commonwealth quietly worries about. What a reduction in this court usually requires. How the General District docket really runs on the morning you’ve been told to appear, and how much of that morning you’ll spend waiting.
We handle misdemeanors and felonies in the Norfolk General District Court, the Circuit Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court — from the bond hearing through a jury verdict. Cole has tried Norfolk juries on charges from assault and battery to murder, which changes the arithmetic on a file. A prosecutor who expects a trial handles a case differently from one expecting a plea.
WHAT THAT GETS YOU
A former Norfolk prosecutor
Four years deciding which cases the Commonwealth could win — now spent the other way around, on the same docket.
A former Norfolk public defender
Cole Roberts learned this courthouse carrying the heaviest caseload in the building. Nobody sees more of a docket than a public defender does.
Tried, not just filed
Assault and battery through murder, in front of Norfolk juries. Prosecutors know which attorneys will actually try a case, and it changes what they offer.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS AFTER AN ARREST IN NORFOLK
Most people we hear from have never been through this and have no idea what comes next. So: an arrest in Norfolk normally means a magistrate’s bond determination, then an arraignment in the General District Court, then either a trial date there or — if the charge is a felony — a preliminary hearing to decide whether the case is certified to a grand jury and on to the Circuit Court.
Each of those steps has a window in front of it where something useful can be done, and each window closes. Getting the discovery request in. Getting a bond argument prepared instead of improvised. Getting to a witness while they still remember clearly. What you cannot do is make up the time later.
That is the whole reason to call before the first hearing rather than after it. Nobody at this firm will tell you what you want to hear about a charge — but you will hear, on the first call, what the realistic range of outcomes looks like and what has to happen this week to protect the better end of it.
Peter Decker, III focuses his practice on criminal, traffic, and personal injury. He regularly practices in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Suffolk and Newport News.
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Martin Thomas, Jr.
Martin Thomas, Jr. focuses on personal injury, criminal, and traffic law, along with contract law and civil litigation. He tries cases in the courts of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake, and serves on Norfolk City Council.
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Joel Weintraub
Joel Weintraub has been practicing law for over 40 years and focuses his practice on civil litigation involving disputes between individuals and corporations. Joel’s recent cases involve corporate litigation, personal injury, business law, will and trust contests and interpretation, shareholder rights, and estate administration.
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Joseph Rigney
A Chesapeake native and former prosecutor, Joseph Rigney focuses on personal injury and criminal defense, including traffic law. He tries both civil and criminal cases in the courts of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.
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Cole Roberts
A Norfolk native and former Public Defender, Cole Roberts represents clients in criminal defense and traffic matters, from reckless driving and DUI to serious felonies. He has tried numerous jury cases across the seven Hampton Roads cities.
years one of our attorneys spent prosecuting for Norfolk
65+
years practicing in Norfolk’s courts
HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE DECKER LAW HAS HELPED
John M.
I was so nervous, as I sat in the court room, waiting for my case to come up. In strolled Mr. George Neskis, and he approached the front of the room with great confidence. After some talk with the officer who ticketed me, I was called up to the bench, and the case was dismissed. Apparently, Mr. Neskis had found holes in the officer’s report, and the judge kindly agreed to let the case go. Thank God I had such a terrific lawyer, as I would have been intimidated by the whole scene. I was so relieved, and still am, with the results of the case. Thank you, George Neskis!
Attorney Jeff Partington with a few minutes on the phone was able to put all my worries to rest on a car accident from last year my “friend” cause. He gave me the exact defense, citation, and all the information I would need to protect myself in court for nothing more than a few minutes of my time. Super helpful and very knowledgeable and understanding!
I highly recommend the Decker Law Firm to anyone needing legal help or dealing with an accident. They are reliable, dedicated, and made a difficult time much easier for me. A special thank you to my lawyer Jeff P. and his paralegal for their hard work and support throughout the process.
I sustained a back injury due to an auto accident. A neighbor referred me to The Decker Law Firm, where I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Martin Thomas Jr. and his associates. Thomas Jr. and his associates were very professional, courteous and responsive to all of my questions, thoroughly explaining the process and providing regular updates on my case. The settlement was extremely close to the maximum allowed. I would certainly use The Decker Law Firm for any future legal services needed and highly recommend Decker Law to family, friends, co-workers, etc.
George Neskis is on speed dial when it comes to anything related to law. He gave me the best possible outcome for a traffic ticket on one occasion. A year later he has helped me get a great settlement for a car accident I endured. He is the best in the business and I highly recommend him for any of your needs!
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