Due in large part to the success of the Capital Defender offices ( no death sentences in the last 11 years) the death penalty was abolished this year and my career of 30+ years as a Public Defender and Capital Defender came to an end. As Capital Defender I led a defense team that successfully represented over 50 clients charged with capital murder none of whom received a death sentence. As a Public Defender I represented people charged with offenses ranging from trespassing to murder in both bench and jury trials. I have extensive jury trial experience, am a skilled courtroom advocate and persuasive litigator. I look forward to bringing my skills and experience to defend those who the government seeks to fine or imprison.
Practice areas
Jury Trials and defense of criminal charges in General District and Circuit Court
34 years
Personal Injury, Real Estate, Divorce and Custody
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 1988 | 07/02/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Bill Geimer Award | Virginia Capital Case Clearinghouse, Washington and Lee Law School | 2016 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | Steven P Milani PC | 2020 - Present |
Public Defender | SW District of Virginia | 2003 - 2021 |
Public Defender | City Of Martinsville | 2000 - 2003 |
Public Defender | Roanoke City | 1990 - 2000 |
Capital Defender/Public Defender | Office of the Capital Defender for South West Virginia | 1990 - 2021 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section | Board Member | 2017 - 2021 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
LexisNexis publication | Swain vs. Commonwealth | 1998 |
LexisNexis publication | Commonwealth VS. Dennis J Lawrence | 1995 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
George Mason University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1988 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Virginia Continuing Legal Education | Considerations Representing Non Neurotypical Defendants- CLE Attended | 2021 |
Virginia State Bar | Indigent Criminal Defense advanced Skills-CLE Attendee | 2021 |
Virginia Continuing Legal Education | Bodily Injury CLE Attendee | 2021 |
Virginia Continuing Legal Education | Supression, Road Blocks, K-9 Delays.... CLE Attended | 2021 |
Virginia State Bar | Annual Criminal Law Seminar -CLE Attendee | 2020 |
Virginia State Bar | 20th Annual Capital Defense CLE Attendee | 2020 |
Virginia Bar Association | Criminal Law Section Meeting | 2017 |
Virginia State Bar | Annual Capital Seminar | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Commonwealth v. James Reginald Jones, II | Client found not guilty of Capital Murder, all other jury verdicts vacated upon hung jury on sentencing |
Commonwealth v. Billy Ray Manns | Not Guilty on all charges |
Commonwealth v. Willie James Caldwell | Not Guilty all charges |
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February 9, 2022
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September 28, 2021
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September 8, 2021
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