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Kyle Manikas
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Kyle Manikas
Manikas Law LLC
1660 International Drive
Suite 400
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: (703) 556-0004 | Fax: (703) 556-0080
http://www.manikaslaw.com
Fairfax, VA Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Criminal defense and traffic cases.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
NY, Jan 2002
Bar Number: 4019162
DC, Aug 2002
Bar Number: 478343
VA, Oct 2005
Bar Number: 71234
Other Court Admissions
All State Courts in Virginia, D.C., and New York; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia, U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, U.S. District Court Northern District of New York; U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit; and U.S. Supreme Court.
Association Memberships
- American Bar Association, Member
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
- Virginia Bar Association, Member
- District of Columbia Bar Association, Member
- New York Bar Association, Member
- Fairfax County Bar Association, Member
Continuing Education
I attend seminars about criminal law subjects and trial practice.
Papers and Publications
The Nine Most Common Mistakes that Can Destroy the Defense of Your Criminal Case - The Essential Guide to Understanding and Surviving the Criminal Process in Virginia. Also, please see my blog at http://www.manikaslawblog.com.
Example Cases
I have represented a number of clients where I have able to either (i) intervene in the investigation while it was still proceeding and prevent my client from ever being charged, or (ii) convince the prosecution to dismiss the charges and to not proceed with the case based upon legal, factual, and other arguments.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Syracuse University
City:
Syracuse
State:
NY
Year:
1998
Honors:
Graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Dual Major in Economics and Political Science.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Washington College of Law, American University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Year:
2001
Honors:
Graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Law Review.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Virginia, District of Columbia, and New York
Firm Focus and History
Manikas Law LLC is a Virginia Criminal Defense and Traffic/Motor Vehicle Defense firm that stands out from the crowd. Having earned the respect of the legal community and judiciary, Manikas Law LLC provides solutions to the most challenging legal problems and delivers unmatched results. Through my guidance and counsel as former prosecutor, Manikas Law LLC possesses the judgment and steady hand required in federal and state criminal defense litigation.
At Manikas Law LLC, we take our commitment to our clients seriously and understand that our clients have placed their trust in us at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. For this reason, we believe that clients should never be afraid to call their attorney. We believe that clients should have a full and complete understanding of their case and have all their questions answered. Rather than looking at the practice of law as a business, as many firms do, at Manikas Law LLC we view the law as a noble profession that at its core is about helping people solve their problems.
We recognize that each case is unique and presents its own set of challenges. For this reason, each client of Manikas Law LLC receives individualized attention and focus. Lawyers and law firms are not an interchangeable commodity. There is no substitute for experience and skill in the criminal defense arena. Manikas Law LLC was founded upon the premise of fulfilling this need.
Previous Employment Summary
I am a trial attorney. I began my legal career practicing white collar criminal and civil litigation in New York, New York and Washington, D.C. defending individuals and large corporations during the corporate scandals that began surfacing in late 2001. The firm that I was with was retained as lead counsel for Enron, Global Crossing, WorldCom, and other large corporations after those companies found themselves at the center of allegations of fraud, corruption, and unethical behavior.
After representing some of the largest corporations in the United States and their executives in high profile matters, I accepted a position as a prosecutor in Fairfax County. As a prosecutor in the largest and busiest jurisdiction in Virginia and Metropolitan Washington, D.C., I handled over 900 felony cases ranging from white collar offenses, involving embezzlement and other forms of fraud and theft, to the most serious of violent crimes, including murder, aggravated malicious wounding, bank robbery, and violent drug distribution and gang cases. I also handled numerous felony DWI, eluding, and other motor vehicle offenses.
I subsequently re-entered private practice and founded Manikas Law LLC. Utilizing the wealth of knowledge and experience obtained as a prosecutor, and the legal crisis management skills I developed defending large corporations, I represent clients with the judgment and steady hand required in federal and state criminal defense litigation. I handle all state and federal criminal charges and continues to be involved in high profile murder, white collar, and other complex criminal cases. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to litigate hundreds of trials, jury and bench, and have earned the respect of judges and my colleagues alike.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think all clients should educate themselves regarding their legal issue. In fact, my website is designed around the premise of educating the reader about their particular type of case. Educated clients are better able to choose the best lawyer for their case and can more meaningfully participate in their legal defense.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I offer a free consultation to those who have been charged with a criminal offense or are under investigation in Virginia. In the area of criminal law, clients should not be involved in preparing documents as they may unknowingly create evidence the government can use against them.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No client charged with a criminal offense should represent him or herself. The system is far too complex and foreign to those that do not practice criminal defense law on a daily basis. Most non-criminal defense lawyers would not even represent themselves if they were charged with a crime. Therefore, I do not recommend that someone with no legal training whatsoever represent him or herself. When a person's freedom, reputation, and livelihood are at stake, they need a trained professional as an advocate.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Rather than looking at the practice of law as a business, as many lawyers do, I have always viewed the law as a profession that at its core is about helping people solve their problems. The law can be a very powerful tool and there is no reward like helping someone, who is at one of the weakest and most vulnerable points in their life, use the law to their advantage to get justice. For this reason, I ensure that every client of my firm receives the individualized attention and focus they deserve.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My work as a prosecutor in Fairfax, the largest and busiest jurisdiction in Virginia, is, by far, the most important experience which makes me a better lawyer. Prosecutors in jurisdictions like Fairfax have handled and tried significantly more cases than the vast majority of defense attorneys. Moreover, they understand how investigations and prosecutions work from the inside out, and generally have a good, working relationship with police officers and current prosecutors. Having handled hundreds of a particular type of case gives a former prosecutor insight that cannot be gained by a defense attorney, even over many years of practice. It is a perspective that puts former prosecutors at a distinct advantage in handling your case.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Unlike contract law, real estate law, or other areas of the law, criminal law involves real life human consequences. What is at stake is always significant, as the outcome of any matter necessarily involves the freedom and reputation of the accused. I enjoy litigating cases and appearing before judges and juries. No other area of the law provides such an opportunity.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best is being able to help people get through very difficult situations in their lives. I like being able to use my knowledge and experience to help people.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a number of people who work with me in my firm. However, each client of mine has significant and direct contact with me. My clients not only have my office number, but have my cell phone number as well. I make myself available to my clients. Unlike many lawyers, I do not use my staff to prevent my clients from contacting me. My clients are free to call me any time they have a question and if an office meeting is needed, I always make myself available. I pride myself on the incredible feedback I receive from all my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
Unlike many lawyers, I know when to negotiate and when to fight/litigate, and can execute a successful litigation strategy. To effectively handle a criminal law case, a lawyer must prepare for and be willing to go to full-scale litigation. This is not to say that litigation is always necessary, but the prosecutor has to know that if push comes to shove, not only is the lawyer willing to go to trial, but (more importantly) that the lawyer he is facing is skilled at trying a case.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my family, sports, music, shooting, and the outdoors.
Fax
(703) 556-0080
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I offer both fixed and flat fee prices as well as hourly rates for those that prefer to pay on an hourly basis.
Hourly Rates
Please call our law firm for hourly rates.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. I offer a free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
My retainer varies from case to case depending on the issues involved and the complexity of the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
