People who are facing criminal charges often want to be released from jail while their case is working its way through the criminal justice system. Unless the person is able to receive a release on their own recognizance with only a promise to appear, they’ll likely...
Criminal Defense
How do police officers try to prove that drivers are drunk?
Many traffic violations are only minor offenses. People receive traffic tickets and may have to pay a fine. However, they don't end up facing criminal charges or dealing with a permanent criminal record. Other traffic violations are far more serious. Allegations of...
Drug paraphernalia: What’s illegal and what’s not?
Drug paraphernalia laws in Virginia cover a wide range of items linked to illegal drug use. These laws apply to both possession and distribution, with penalties depending on the circumstances. Even common household objects can be considered paraphernalia if used with...
You don’t have to drink to get a DUI
The most common way to get a DUI charge is to drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel. For many drivers, the legal limit is 0.08%, which means they have to have a few drinks to break this limit. But some drivers, such as commercial drivers and underage drivers,...
Potential defenses to an assault charge
If you find yourself facing criminal assault charges, you may believe that you did not violate the law. This can be true even if you were genuinely involved in a physical altercation with someone else. That doesn’t necessarily mean you committed assault or battery,...
Virginia butterfly knife laws: Facing illegal possession charges
If you’re facing charges for illegal possession of a butterfly knife in Virginia, you need clear information about the state’s laws. Butterfly knives, also known as “balisongs,” have a blade concealed within two handles that rotate around the tang. Virginia law...
How severe is a drug possession conviction?
Illegal drug possession can lead to serious criminal charges. Every criminal case is unique, however. A defendant’s penalties for drug possession may be different depending on a few factors. The three factors that can influence the severity of a drug possession case...
Reckless driving in Virginia is more than just a speeding ticket
Many drivers are shocked to learn that going 20+ miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit in Virginia is not just a simple traffic violation. It is a criminal offense. Before you decide to handle that ticket on your own, here is what you need to know. A misdemeanor...
Can police search my car during a DWI stop?
The Fourth Amendment safeguards citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, but how does this apply during a DWI stop? When can an officer legally search your car, and what are your options if they overstep their boundaries? Police must operate within legal...
How many calls can I make after a police arrest?
Popular media often portrays post-arrest scenarios with characters making countless calls from jail cells. This portrayal, however, does not always reflect reality. The number of calls you are allowed after an arrest can vary, making it vital to understand your rights...