Warner Bros. has acquired the rights to William Landay's novel Defending Jacob, with Mary Parent producing through her Disruption Entertainment company.

The novel, which was published in February, centers on a Massachusetts assistant district attorney, whose life is turned upside down when his 14-year-old son is charged with the murder of his classmate. The father takes the case and becomes ostracized by his neighbors in the suburban town. The book debuted in fourth place on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and it is still in the top 10 for eBook sales.

A screenwriter and director have not been attached to Defending Jacob at this time, and no production schedule was given. William Landay is a former assistant district attorney from Boston, and Defending Jacob is his debut novel.