Criminal Defense

We recently discussed some of the options that you have for a defense against theft charges. If you recall, the circumstances of your case can impact what options you have for the defense. That post brings up an important point -- it is imperative that you don't try...

If you've been caught with marijuana in your possession in Virginia, you might think that you won't be penalized heavily, but the truth is that the manner in which people are arrested and prosecuted can vary in the state. The last thing you want to have to deal with...

Every criminal case has certain elements that must be present. Last week, we discussed how a drunk driving case has to be based on a legal stop. This is only one example of how the circumstances of a case can impact the charges that you face.When we work on your...

If you are driving under the influence of alcohol and are stopped by a police officer, you may be arrested. The first step of any criminal process is to place a person under arrest. The use of handcuffs as restraints is not required to place a person under arrest, and...

It sounds like a terrible nightmare for many people, and it can often seem like the worst-case scenario. Even if you are somewhat familiar with the criminal justice system from either side, being charged with a crime is frightening. It's not the worst-case scenario,...

Recently, a man from Virginia was on his family vacation when he was arrested during a child sex sting. The man, along with 12 others, were arrested in Volusia County, Florida. During the sting, officers had posed as teens under the age of 14.Officers say that the men...

If you're falsely accused of committing an offense like child abuse, there are some things that you should and should not do to protect yourself. Here are some of the most important things to do.First, try to avoid custody disputes amicably to reduce the risk of...

Most people know that they have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney when they are dealing with law enforcement officers. The Miranda rights are ones that the person should be informed of, but the person must opt to invoke that right if he or...

Do you think that the Fourth Amendment protects you from searches and seizures? This is a common misconception. While the Fourth Amendment does offer protections, it just says that the police can't carry out unreasonable searches and seizures. So, what is a reasonable...

If you are facing criminal charges, there's a chance that you might experience the criminal trial process. Because facing the unknown can trigger stresses -- even above the stress you are probably already facing -- it's a good idea to ask questions about and...