About Murphy Law Office

An experienced criminal defense team with a wealth of knowledge is key to getting the best results.  At Murphy Law Office, John R. Murphy and Brandy M. Rhead have over 25 years of combined criminal law experience in South Dakota. Together, they will prepare your defense to achieve the best outcome possible.  All of their attention and experience is devoted to criminal law and your case will get the individual attention it requires.

Hiring a law office is an important decision. Therefore, we encourage you to fully investigate our credentials.  Do not hesitate to call us with any questions you may have about this firm's qualifications or experience.

John R. Murphy has undergraduate degrees in political philosophy and political science from Syracuse University.  He received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1992.  After receiving his law degree, Mr. Murphy clerked for the Honorable Donald J. Porter, United States District Court Judge for the District of South Dakota.  He was then selected as a Skadden Fellow for a two year fellowship at Black Hills Legal Services, where he acted as senior staff attorney and the director of the Indian Law Project.  As a Skadden Fellow, Mr. Murphy focused his practice on representing persons accused of child abuse and neglect.  In 1995, Mr. Murphy established his private practice law firm.  He has emphasized criminal defense since that time.  He has been published multiple times in books, articles, and law reviews.  Mr. Murphy handles all levels of criminal cases in both state and federal courts, and at the trial and appellate levels.  Mr. Murphy is a member of the following organizations: National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; American Bar Association (Criminal Justice Section); South Dakota State Bar Association; South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association; South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; and, the Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar Association.

Brandy M. Rhead has undergraduate degrees in English and political science from the University of South Dakota.  Ms. Rhead received her law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2002.  She has worked at Blackburn & Stevens, Moore & Kandaras, and the Pennington County Public Defender’s Office. She also had her own practice prior to joining Murphy Law Office.  Ms. Rhead is a member of the South Dakota State Bar Association and the Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar.

More information about the firm can be obtained from reviewing our Facebook page or by visiting Martindale Hubbell's web site, which is an attorney peer review service.