Now that the calendar has turned to 2022, several new laws have officially gone into effect in Virginia. Since several of these new laws could affect you and your rights, here is a brief summary. Car insurance SB 1182: Auto liability insurance policies will now...
Criminal Defense
3 times you could challenge the evidence against you
Defending yourself against a criminal offense requires planning and an understanding of the law. The right approach to take will depend on the charges involved and the circumstances leading to someone's arrest. However, there are certain defense options that may apply...
What happens if you refuse a breath test in Virginia at a traffic stop?
It’s never pleasant to look up and see blue and red lights flashing in your rearview mirror. A traffic stop can turn serious, however, if the officer suspects that you may be intoxicated. The next thing you know, you may be asked to submit to a breath test to try to...
Do you need to consider an affirmative defense strategy?
When someone gets charged with a criminal offense, they have the right to defend themselves in court. Depending on the circumstances, there are a number of strategies that can help someone prove that they didn't commit the crime in question. An alibi can prove that...
How accurate was the breath test in your DUI arrest?
The Commonwealth of Virginia can bring stiff penalties to bear for a DUI conviction, depending on the results of your breath test. However, are breath tests always accurate? Your defense may focus on challenging those results. Looking at the law In Virginia, a judge...
Is drug court an option for you?
These days, drug crimes often lead to serious consequences. If a judge or jury convicts you on a drug-related charge, you should anticipate facing some stiff penalties. You may, for example, have to pay sky-high fines, attend substance abuse treatment and perform...
Are federal authorities listening to your phone calls?
A funny meme has been making the rounds on social media. In the meme, users make light of a scenario where an agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation listens to every phone call or reads every text message a person sends. While memes are often far from reality,...
What is probable cause in a criminal case?
Watching any measure of crime TV will introduce you to the term "probable cause." You may hear it concerning a traffic stop or entry into a residence during a tense situation. Do you understand what constitutes probable cause and when the police can institute it? If...
Solitary confinement: Protecting the rights of Virginia inmates
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has challenged the treatment of inmates in Virginia prisons, particularly the "Super Max" Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, where a young inmate was found dead in January. The 20-year-old man's death was reportedly a...
Fight an aggravated DUI if you’re placed under arrest
An aggravated DUI is not the same as a typical DUI charge, because it means you're driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) well above the limit of .08 percent. Typically, the aggravated limit is between two and three times higher than .08 percent, making it...
