Westendorf & Khalaf

Welcome to Westendorf & Khalaf, Virginia Beach's premier criminal defense firm. Our team of seasoned trial attorneys is dedicated to providing honest and aggressive representation to individuals facing criminal charges in Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads area. At Westendorf & Khalaf, we understand that criminal defense is not a side practice, but a specialized field that requires expertise, determination, and a deep understanding of the law. Our attorneys have a proven track record of victories in high-stakes situations, and we are always prepared to go to trial if necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

Our Team

Our team consists of two experienced trial attorneys, Taite Westendorf and Bassel Khalaf. Taite Westendorf has been practicing law for over a decade and has extensive experience in criminal defense. She has a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and has built a reputation for her tenacity, intelligence, and creativity in the courtroom. Bassel Khalaf is a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of cases and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in criminal law. Together, our attorneys have the skills, experience, and resources to provide the best possible defense for our clients.

Our Services

At Westendorf & Khalaf, we handle a wide range of criminal cases, including bond hearings, DUI, domestic assault, drug offenses, gun charges, malicious and unlawful wounding, sexual offenses, homicide, juvenile charges, property offenses, probation violations, and expungements. We understand that every case is unique and requires a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible result. Whether it's a trial, a motion to suppress, or accepting a plea agreement, we have the experience and expertise to analyze every aspect of your case and guide you to the best outcome.

Bond Hearings: If you or a loved one is being held in jail, we understand the urgency of the situation. We have conducted thousands of bond hearings and have a proven track record of success in securing the release of our clients. We know how to put a plan of action into place to give our clients the best possible chance of being released.

DUI: We have handled hundreds of DUI cases and have the knowledge and resources to provide the best possible defense for our clients. We offer a free DUI guide that provides no-nonsense, straightforward advice on what to expect if you've been charged and how to get through it.

Domestic Assault: We understand that most people charged with domestic assault aren't "wife beaters." Most of these cases are simply arguments that spiraled out of control. We offer a free guide to help individuals understand their rights and the legal process.

Possession of Drugs: We have handled thousands of drug cases and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area of the law. We often come up with a plan to keep our clients' records clean and achieve the best possible outcome.

Distribution of Drugs: These cases are high-stakes and often involve complex legal issues. We have represented hundreds of people charged with distribution and know the best possible ways to fight back against the government.

Malicious & Unlawful Wounding: These cases often involve self-defense. We have a deep understanding of the law of self-defense and can make sure that the full story is told in the courtroom.

Gun Charges: We have successfully defended hundreds of gun cases and have the skills and resources to provide the best possible defense for our clients.

Sexual Offenses: These cases are almost always high-stakes and require specialized knowledge and experience. We have helped save many clients who were falsely accused and have a proven track record of success.

Murder & Manslaughter: We are one of the few firms that have experience handling murder cases and are proud to be in the small group that handles the toughest cases and knows how to fight back.

Juvenile Charges: Juvenile charges require special knowledge and experience. We have the knowledge and skills to guide you down the path that best minimizes the damage.

Probation Violations: We have handled hundreds of violations of probation and have the knowledge and ability to guide you down the path that best minimizes the damage.

Appeals: We are proud to be in the small group of attorneys who appear frequently in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. If you've already been convicted, we can help give you the best possible chance to fight back.