I have practiced criminal law, Family Law and Personal Injury law in two states for over 27 years. I have tried all types of cases from parking tickets to capital murder to multi million dollar divorce cases. I was a chief deputy prosecutor, am a special judge and a certified law enforcement instructor. The protection of the rights of the accused and the rights of people suffering through a divorce is my only business.
Practice areas
Divorce, Custody, Visitation DFACS, Grandparents and Adoptions
30 years, 2,500 cases
I was also a former prosecutor who handled DUI prosecutions
30 years, 750 cases
All types of trafic tickets, Including Juvenile
30 years, 2,000 cases
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2000 | 04/18/2021 |
| AR | Active | 1992 | 04/07/2021 |
| Legal answers | 1 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Best Trial Lawyers | Arkansas Times | 1998 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Hac Judge | Cobb County State Court | 2007 - Present |
| Owner | Rife Law Firm | 2000 - Present |
| Pro hac Judge | Yell County Municipal Court | 1998 - 2000 |
| Deputy Prosecutor | 15th Judicial District | 1994 - 1998 |
| Partner | Tatum, Rife and Tatum | 1992 - 1998 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Forsyth County Criminal Defense Bar Association | Vice Chairman | 2006 - Present |
| Cobb County Guardian Ad Litem Program | Guardian Ad Litem | 2005 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2004 - Present |
| Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2003 - Present |
| Cobb County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section | Member | 2003 - Present |
| Cobb County Bar Association- Family Law Section | Member | 2003 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| North Fulton Bar Association | Former director | 2002 - Present |
| U.S. District Court- Northern District of Georgia | Member | 2001 - Present |
| U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals | Member | 2001 - Present |
| State Bar of Georgia- Criminal Law Section | Member | 2000 - Present |
| State Bar of Georgia- Family Law Section | Member | 2000 - Present |
| United States Supreme Court Bar | Member | 1998 - Present |
| State Bar of Arkansas | Member | 1992 - Present |
| U.S. District Court- Eastern & Western Districts of Arkansas | Member | 1992 - Present |
| U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals | Member | 1992 - Present |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 1991 |
Posted by Bristiel
Sat Sep 26 2015
Posted by Donna
Wed Sep 17 2014
Posted by MichelleH.
Mon Dec 16 2013
Posted by Sandra
Tue Mar 05 2013
Bridgett Bray, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. One of the most down to earth attorneys I have ever met. Very knowledgeable and always zealously fights for his clients.
Minerva Blanchette, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Outstanding trial lawyer. He is very knowledgeable in his field.
M. Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Scott Semrau, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known John for many years as an ethical and hardworking lawyer. He was a tough prosecutor and now he is a tough defense lawyer.
G. Thompson, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable and ethical. John cares about his clients and goes the extra mile for them. He is also well known in the community and liked by all. I highly recommend him.
Anthony Hallmark, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is fearless and experienced. He works zealously and diligently for each and every one of his clients. He truly cares about every case that he handles and obtains great results. I without question endorse John Rife.
Jack Klein, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 30, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known John Rife for quite a few years and have found him to be very competent, professional and skilled in his handling of cases. He has also taken time to give back to the community by serving on local high school mock trial programs.
J. Salata, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 29, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. John is meticulous and vigorous in defense of clients. A great lawyer to have during difficult times.
Douglas Chanco, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 29, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is a tough, zealous advocate who is never afraid to push it to the limits in order to protect his clients and their rights. He is a phenominal litigator, who will always work to keep "the constitution from becoming a doorstop on the way to the courtroom." Finally, he is a wealth of legal knowledge, and an exceptional teacher. No words can truly describe how good he is... you just have to see him to believe it! I endorse this lawyer's work.
James Hamilton, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 29, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
John is a lion in the trial arena. He is a no-nonsense lawyer, with a compassionate side that is readily seen. Whether John is co-counsel, or opposing counsel, he is an excellent attorney who will test you constantly.
Kimberly Frye, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 11, 2008
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
John is a tenacious advocate for his clients. He has excellent relationships with the courthouse community which always benefit the clients he represents. I have great respect for his legal skills.