Taite Westendorf
Google Rating
4.9(80 reviews)
- 1 Columbus Center Suite 600 Virginia Beach, VA 23462
- +1-757-961-3311
- info@wkdefense.com
About:
Taite has devoted his entire legal career to the practice of criminal defense. Prior to co-founding Westendorf & Khalaf, Taite worked as a supervising attorney in the largest Public Defender's office in the state (Virginia Beach). His career has been defined by taking on a variety of tough high stakes cases. In a state where a fraction of felony cases go to trial (and less than 1% go to jury trial), Taite has taken over one hundred felony cases to trial and has won not guilty verdicts following jury trials for murder, rape, robbery, abduction, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, malicious wounding, burglary, larceny, abduction, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, sexual battery, and others. Taite has worked on almost every kind of criminal case imaginable and his vast experience with serious charges gives him a unique ability to tailor strategic plans for success in your case no matter what the charge. In addition to his trial work, Taite has extensive appeals experience and has argued dozens of times before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. While in the Public Defender's Office, he ran the internship program and is proud to have mentored, supervised, and trained many attorneys who are currently public defenders, prosecutors, and members of the private bar. Taite co-founded Westendorf & Khalaf with the mission of providing high quality representation in high stakes criminal cases. He knows that no two cases are the same and prides himself on painstakingly examining every case to find the angle that can get his client the best result. He has learned through hard fought experience that trials, motions to suppress, and appeals can be won. Taite is a proud alumni of the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond School of Law. He lives in Virginia Beach with his wife and four children.
Jurisdiction:Virginia
Practice Area
Victims’ Rights
Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.
Criminal Law
Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.
Languages
English
Fees
Free Consultation
Education
J.D.
Awards
Avvo Rated Superb
Peer Rated
Associations
Member
Member
Member
Reviews
RATED 5.0
Jul 20, 2025via Google
Corey Franklin
"Short answer? 10/10 standing ovation. Long answer: My charge was manslaughter (involuntary). I spoke to the police and gave full details of the incident. I hid nothing. I spoke of details both inconsequential and incriminating. I left my attorneys with little room to work with as far as defense goes. Even so they felt confident in their ability to represent me in court. Their confidence in the courtroom bolstered my own. They weathered the scrutiny of the prosecution. And fought on my behalf as if they knew me my entire life. Made themselves available to me for any questions I had approaching the trial. And truly believed in me and my situation. Their understanding of law and the way they communicated the details of the case to the jury was masterclass. My verdict was delivered: NOT GUILTY. In my (slightly) biased opinion. There are no other defense attorneys i would have representing me. And (God forbid) if I ever find myself in a situation such as this again. They will be the first people I call. Mr Khalaf. Mr Westerndorf. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you."
RATED 5.0
Jul 10, 2025via Google
Holly Muth
"Mr. Khalaf assured me the charges would be dismissed or found not guilty. The outcome was what he predicted. He assured me time and time again. He also is helping me with another matter that he didn’t have to take on. So I am grateful. He’s truly a caring person. Thank you again!"
RATED 5.0
Apr 10, 2025via Google
G Artist
"Mr. Khalaf took over my case and did an exceptional job ! He is articulate and the perfect balance of energy, aggressiveness and sensitivity. He's simply a rockstar! He answered questions whenever I was uncertain or confused. He helped get a case dismissed when I was falsely accused of something. The case was continued for one reason or another prior to him becoming my lawyer and I had it hanging over my head for 7 months. He understands the legal process and it's intracacies as well as the temperament of judges. He is definitely who you want in your corner! I would definitely recommend him and am very grateful for his representation."
RATED 5.0
Apr 10, 2025via Google
Jaime Borland
"Mr. Khalaf was a strong communicator and was extremely knowledgeable. I really appreciated his confidence and humor as well. Absolutely a fantastic lawyer!"
RATED 5.0
Apr 10, 2025via Google
Amira Mohammad
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Bassel and Tate for the exceptional work and dedication you showed throughout my case. I have had a case that has been a nightmare for 2 and a half years now. Bassel was more than open and willing to go to jury trial with me. After going through two previous lawyers, I was feeling hopeless. From the moment I have dealt with them, they not only listened but truly believed in my story. I was always advised that you need to have a lawyer who is genuinely by your side and this is exactly the case in this firm. Your expertise, strategic approach, and unwavering commitment gave me the freedom and liberty I deserve, and for that, I am forever thankful. You have given me a fresh start, and I will always appreciate the hard work you put into securing my freedom. Highly recommend!!!!"
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