John C Belcher

John C Belcher

4.6
Rating: 7.1

Licensed for 41 years

Family Lawyer at Oxon Hill, MD
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, Appeals ... +4 more

6188 Oxon Hill Rd, Suite 811, Oxon Hill, MD

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Family 35%

Divorce, custody, child support, property distribution, domestic violence, & all other family law issues. Premarital & separation agreements. Trials and appeals. Maryland & D.C.

30 years | 350 cases

35%
Criminal Defense 20%

10 years of experience (1984-1994) as a federal prosecutor assigned to the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. 15 years (1994-2009) as defense attorney doing state & federal trials and appeals in D.C. & Maryland. Serious traffic (DWI), misdemeanors & felonies including white collar, drug offenses, & violent crimes.

42 years | 1,000 cases

20%
Appeals 10%

In private practice, have represented parties in criminal, civil, & family law appeals in federal & state appeals in MD & D.C. Experience includes assisting with federal criminal appeals in 4th, 5th, 9th, & 11th circuits while employed by U.S. Department of Justice.

42 years | 30 cases

10%
Business 10%

General counseling, contract preparation & review, litigation support for small businesses.

30 years | 100 cases

10%
Civil Rights 10%

Civil rights practice includes two sub-areas: (a) Section 1983 & related actions based upon police misconduct. (b) Employment discrimination based on Title VI, Rehabilitation Act, ADA, ADEA, and other federal & state statutes.

30 years | 100 cases

10%
General Practice 10%

In addition to major areas of practice--family law, criminal defense, civil rights business counseling, & appeals--available to counsel & represent clients in wide variety of other areas of law.

30 years | 2,000 cases

10%
Personal Injury 5%

Represent persons injured as a result of car accidents, slip & falls, defamation, & other torts. Unlike high volume personal injury firms, my focus is on obtaining maximum recovery for my clients through all ethical means.

30 years | 50 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 100-250 per hour

Contingency

35%-50%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 29 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1996

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 29 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Louisiana for 41 years

State: Louisiana

Acquired: 1984

Eligible to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John C Belcher

6188 Oxon Hill Rd, Suite 811, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745-3113

Law Offices of John C Belcher

Ste 811, 6188 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745

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John C Belcher's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

5 star (10)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | December 24, 2021 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

BEWARE

On December 19, 2021, I consulted with Mr. Belcher about representation and asked whether he was practicing in the DC Federal Court and Mr. Belcher responded, “This sounds like a marketing ploy.” I responded that it wasn’t a marketing ploy and that it was an attempt to find representation. When I inf...ormed Mr. Belcher that I was no longer interested in him, he responded, “The only thing worse than a con man is a con man who can't admit the con.” The Preamble to the Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct states that an attorney shall, among other things, preserve the dignity and the integrity of the profession by his conduct, serve the public interest by communicating clearly with the general public, reflect a spirit of respect. Further, professionalism require civility in all dealings including showing respect and empathy for others. Ideals of Professionalism is to be observed in every kind of communication including resisting the impulse to respond uncivilly to electronic communications in the same manner as he would resist such impulses in other forms of communication.

Posted by Peggy Anderson | January 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Miracle Worker

Five years ago I had the good fortune of finding Mr. Belcher in a very random search of the entire internet! Our collaboration was the result of my ex filing a civil suit against me. Mr. Belcher accepted my case which as years passed, became quite complicated for various reasons. His strength and b...elief in his talents and skills helped me persevere through dark days that made me feel like throwing in the towel! Steadfastly and with the utmost professionalism and compassion he proved to me that he truly is a GREAT attorney and a fantastically honest human being! Accolades to both Mia and Heba!!!! Such wonderful human beings who really know their stuff!!!! Well-spoken, funny, talented and focused, I will always be grateful for their understanding and support. I served 22 years in the military and from that experience, I am well aware of the hallmarks of "leadership." True leaders touch people's lives and influence them towards success. I learned so much from this. Mr. Belcher is my hero and a true leader in his profession! I wish AVVO had five more stars because five stars cannot adequately convey how pleased I am at the service I received. I absolutely had to win this case on principle. I needed the best attorney and that's EXACTLY what I got! THE BEST...

Posted by Sherry | February 6, 2015

BY FAR THE GREATEST ATTORNEY I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH

Mr. Belcher has been our company attorney for 8 years now. No matter how small or large the case is he has has been there with amazing representation and advice. We sleep better at night knowing he stands behind us. His knowledge of the law is impressive as is his dedication to each and every mat...ter at hand. He has taken on matters that involve the IRS, insurance claims, assault and child support. Not only has he provided us with outstanding representation but everyone we have recommend to Mr. Belcher is very pleased as well.

Posted by R.S. | January 9, 2015

Great Attorney to Work with!

I retained Dr. John Christopher Belcher after dissatisfaction with a prior attorney. I wish I would have hired Dr. Belcher first! He is very straightforward and explains everything in basic terms. My case was for divorce, which is never an easy process. It weighs on you emotionally and financially.... Dr. Belcher and his team, Mia and Heba were awesome. They were very patient when I had a lot of questions and provided encouragement when I became frustrated and angry. If you are seeking an attorney that will support you and fight for your rights I highly recommend Dr. John Christopher Belcher and his legal team!

Posted by Sonia | December 4, 2014

I could not have chosen a better attorney to represent me.

I highly recommend Attorney John Christopher Belcher. He did an outstanding job representing me during a long, bitter, and painful divorce. My husband and I were fighting over custody of our minor daughter, distribution of marital property, alimony, and child support. There were allegations of do...mestic violence, adultery, and desertion. As you can imagine, things got pretty ugly and it was a very tense and stressful period for me. There were times when I got discouraged and wanted to throw in the towel and give my husband whatever he wanted. But, Mr. Belcher and his very capable staff (Mia and Heba) were there for me, every step of the way, providing sound legal advice, encouragement, and a sympathetic ear. It took about a year for my divorce to become final and overall, I was very pleased with the manner in which Mr. Belcher handled my case. He was thorough, well prepared, and always prompt about returning my phone calls and emails. Mr. Belcher was also very knowledgable about Maryland's divorce laws and was an experienced and impressive litigator during the trial. In the end, Mr. Belcher secured a successful outcome for me and the judge awarded me everything that I asked for plus a little bonus__my husband was required to reimburse me for my legal fees! How sweet is that? It is an understatement to say that I could not have chosen a better attorney to represent me. Mr. Belcher was a godsend; my guardian angel and I will forever be grateful to him for helping me to close this very painful chapter in my life. Now, my daughters and I are free to move on with our lives, in peace.

See All Client Reviews

John C Belcher's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch litigation attorney who is dedicated to client success."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Belcher is an outstanding attorney who brings a wealth of knowledge to his legal practice. He is a credit to the legal profession and I highly recommend his legal services. His resume is impeccable and his credentials speak for themselves."

View All Endorsements
Sonya A Smith-Valentine headshot
Sonya Smith-Valentine

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.1 (Very Good)

Honors

1994

Honorary Special Agent--prosecution of Tony Alamo, U.S. Department of Treasury

1991

Tax Division Outstanding Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice

1990

Honorary Special Agent--S&L Task Force, U.S. Department of Treasury

1987

Tax Division Outstanding Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Attorney, John Christopher Belcher, Attorney at Law

1984 - 1994

Senior Trial Attorney, United States Dept. of Justice

Associations

1996 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

1996 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

1984 - Present

Louisiana State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Acquittal and mistrial in arson case with alleged confession and surveillance tape

Acquittal on one count & hung jury on nine counts

Civil fraud and breach of contract

Judgment for $81,800

Dismissal of accessory after murder charge

Major charge dismissed--probation before judgment

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

University of New Mexico

PhD - Doctorate

1984

Tulane University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1973

University of Georgia

A.B.

Languages

Spanish

French

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution