All families fight sometimes. However, when the fighting escalates to violence, the perpetrator may be charged with domestic assault. Under Virginia Code Sec. 18.2-57.2, domestic assault, a Class I misdemeanor, is essentially defined as an assault and/or battery...
Criminal Defense
What is naturalization fraud?
Naturalization fraud can refer loosely to federal criminal charges related to deception about a person’s status as a citizen of the United States. Narrowly speaking, the federal government may accuse a person of naturalization fraud if they lie while they are pursuing...
Understanding driver’s license suspensions
There are several reasons a person’s driver’s license can be suspended and in Virginia, if they drive during that time, there can be serious penalties. Reasons for suspension One of the most common reasons for suspension is a traffic violation. This can include...
In addition to jail and fines, what are other penalties for DUI?
In Virginia, when a person is arrested for driving under the influence, they might be aware of the potential for jail time, fines and a loss of driving privileges if they are convicted. As problematic as these consequences are, there can be other penalties that people...
Can I expunge my criminal record in Virginia?
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you will wonder if you can clear your criminal record and move on with your life. Having a criminal record can affect your employment, education, housing and credit opportunities. Fortunately, Virginia law allows some...
Common mistakes the police make in drunk driving cases
A drunk driving charge can put your future in jeopardy. While the mere allegations themselves can damage your reputation and threaten your employment, a criminal conviction and its resulting mar on your record can land you in jail or prison, strip you of your driving...
Understanding expungement eligibility
If you are charged with a crime, it can affect your employment and housing opportunities, as well as your reputation. However, the charges may not have to stay on your record forever. In Virginia, the expungement process allows people to clear their record if they...
How will my criminal case affect my immigration status?
Northern Virginia is the home to many people who are not United States citizens. People who live in the area but do not have citizenship need to be especially careful to understand their rights if they are charged with any type of crime. The reason is that, even if a...
Understanding Virginia’s penalties for drug possession
Being arrested for having drugs on you can be scary. You may have many questions about the potential penalties that come with a drug possession conviction, especially if this is your first experience with the criminal system. Drug possession penalties largely depend...
What are the potential penalties for drug possession charges?
There are many reasons why people use drugs in Virginia, but if they do not have a valid prescription for the drug, they could be charged with drug possession crimes. There are many different types of drugs that people use though and the severity of the potential...