Monthly Archives: February 2018
Virginia Senators Stand Up for Victims of Domestic Violence and Other Abuse
Virginia U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have co-sponsored bicameral and bipartisan legislation to protect victims from domestic violence, sexual assault, and other abuse, as reported by NBC affiliate WVIR. Referred to as the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, Senators Warner and Kaine are seeking to protect humans and pets from all… Read More »
Virginia Laws Concerning Prescription Drugs, Bath Salts and Inhalants
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits the possession or distribution of illegal drugs classified as controlled substances. Certain illegal drugs tend to dominate the headlines, including but not limited to cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. But Virginia laws provide guidelines for numerous other controlled substances. Moreover, the penalties for infraction are quite severe, making it vital… Read More »
Survey of Virginia Penalties for Driving Under the Influence
In the interest of public safety, the Commonwealth of Virginia employs strict guidelines and harsh penalties for driving under the influence (DUI). Virginia prohibits any person from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for alcohol consumption in Virginia is a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08. Any… Read More »
Holding pattern: How the US is detaining seafarers
Act for Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“APPS”) whistleblowers – Tradewinds, February 22, 2018) Mariners who are Act for Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“APPS”) whistleblowers are being held in the U.S., often against their will, while waiting to give evidence in pollution trials. It can be difficult for the crew and costly for… Read More »
Adult Trial for Virginia Teenager Charged with Burglary and Animal Cruelty
A Virginia teenager who allegedly broke into a police officer’s home and shot his dog will not be tried as a juvenile, as reported by The Virginian-Pilot. The teenager faces criminal charges for armed burglary, conspiracy, and animal cruelty. A judge in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court considered arguments and evidence before… Read More »
Overview of Aggressive Driving in Virginia
Not to be confused with reckless driving, aggressive driving is a separate offense in Virginia. In order to differentiate between these two offenses, the following sections will provide an overview of Virginia laws and penalties for aggressive driving. Definition of Aggressive Driving in Virginia The overarching law against aggressive driving appears in Code of… Read More »
Protecting Your Church in Troubled Times: A Guide to Establishing Church Security Protocols
By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and Bethany R. Horvat, Paralegal It was just last month when the final surviving victim from the Sutherland Springs church shooting returned home from the hospital. Shot five times, young Ryland is only six years old. He lost his stepmother and two sisters (ages five and seven) in… Read More »
Operation Tin Panda Blasts Drug and Weapon Trafficking in Virginia
Operation Tin Panda featured approximately 300 law enforcement agents in a coordinated effort to hinder drug trafficking and weapon crimes, as reported by InsideNoVA. As a result of Operation Tin Panda, police were able to arrest and charge 28 people. Police were also able to seize the following contraband: 36,075 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC);… Read More »
Crash Between Two Virginia Drunk Drivers Ends in Death and Prison
A 29-year-old man from Chesapeake, Virginia, received a four-year prison sentence for DUI and DUI involuntary manslaughter after killing another drunk driver in a fatal crash, according to an article by U.S. News & World Report. The deceased driver – a 22-year-old man from Norfolk, Virginia – was at a complete stop on Interstate… Read More »