Monthly Archives: May 2018
NOT EVERYTHING IS A POLITICAL ISSUE: A REFRESHER FOR CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS ON LOBBYING AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING
By: Justin R. Coleman, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. For the last few years, it seems that every topic or issue has devolved into a political debate. Even those matters that were once thought collectively agreed-upon have resulted in shouting matches, even between Christians and other people of faith. With the 2018 mid-term elections… Read More »
Classification of Illegal Drugs in Virginia
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is a clearly defined system for the classification of illegal drugs. Furthermore, the penalties for possession of illegal drugs fluctuate based on the established classification system. The following sections will provide an overview of the illegal drug classification system and the penalties for illegal possession. How Does Virginia… Read More »
What is the Difference Between DUI and DUID in Virginia?
The subject for exploration today centers on the differences between two intoxicated driving charges in Virginia — DUI and DUID. The following sections will cover important definitions of and penalties for both offenses. What is the Definition of DUI in Virginia? Code of Virginia 18.2-266 makes it unlawful to drive under the influence (DUI)…. Read More »
7 Types of Reckless Driving in Virginia
Reckless driving is a crime in Virginia that refers to general and specific driving conduct. From a general standpoint, reckless driving occurs when a driver endangers other people or property. Additionally, Virginia law addresses a number of specific situations that qualify as reckless driving. The following sections will provide an overview of seven types… Read More »
How Does Virginia Protect Whistleblowers from Retaliation?
Under Virginia law, a whistleblower is an employee who witnesses or has evidence of their employer’s wrongdoing or misconduct. If the whistleblower reports the alleged wrongdoing — or indicates that they will make such a report — it is unlawful for the employer to retaliate. What Qualifies as Misconduct or Wrongdoing in Virginia? The… Read More »
Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Relax Reckless Driving Standards
The Virginia Senate passed a bill to relax certain speeding standards for the criminal charge of reckless driving, reported WTOP. The Senate bill proposes to increase the upper limit of a reckless speeding charge from 80 to 85 miles per hour. Before dissecting the Virginia Senate’s proposed changes, the following sections will provide an… Read More »
Five Types of Domestic Violence in Virginia
Sometimes referred to as “family abuse” in the Commonwealth of Virginia, domestic violence is a broad term for certain criminal acts perpetrated against a family or household member. Virginia law includes both actual family members — such as parents, children, grandparents, etc. — and household members — such as roommates, romantic partners, and other… Read More »
Virginia Drunk Driver Gropes Police Officer
A 35-year-old Virginia man was arrested for DUI and felony assault after allegedly grabbing a police officer’s genitals, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Police officers initiated a traffic stop after noticing that the Virginia man had a defective light on his license plate. During the traffic stop, the officers detected that the man was under… Read More »
New Virginia Law Expands State Approach to Medical Marijuana
A recently signed Virginia law provides the basic structure for medical marijuana across the state, reported the News Leader. Officially referred to as HB1251, the new law is the result of a partnership with the Joint Commission on Health Care. Medical Marijuana Under HB1251 From an overall standpoint, HB1251 allows doctors to prescribe oil-based… Read More »