Monthly Archives: June 2018
Aggressive Driving Laws in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia has strict laws in place to ensure public safety on state highways, including prohibitions on reckless driving and aggressive driving. While both reckless and aggressive driving offenses are similar, there are slight differences under the law. Today, the examination will center on aggressive driving. What is the Definition of Aggressive… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Huge Free Speech Win for Pregnancy Resource Centers in California
In a close 5-4 decision on Tuesday in National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra, 2018 U.S. LEXIS 4025, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the State of California violated the First Amendment by requiring licensed Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) to post notices referring women to state-provided services, including abortion clinics. The… Read More »
What is the Virginia Uniform Machine Gun Act?
The Uniform Machine Gun Act regulates the possession and use of machine guns within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The following sections will provide an overview of several important components of the Uniform Machine Gun Act in Virginia. Definition of Machine Guns Under Code of Virginia § 18.2-288, a machine gun is any weapon that:… Read More »
Virginia National Guardsman Takes Armored Vehicle on Intoxicated Joy Ride
A National Guardsman was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after taking an armored vehicle on a 65-mile joy ride into downtown Richmond, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The 29-year-old lieutenant in the Virginia Army National Guard stole M577 vehicle from a training exercise. This vehicle resembles a tank, but there are no weapons… Read More »
Cocaine Crimes in Virginia
Today’s blog entry will take a deep dive into cocaine crimes in Virginia. To gain a deep appreciation of these offenses, the following sections will explore the classification of cocaine as a controlled substance as well as the crimes of possession and distribution. How Does Virginia Classify Cocaine? Under the Drug Control Act, Virginia… Read More »
What is the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program?
The Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) arose in the 1970s to address driving under the influence (DUI) and general highway safety. At that time, the Virginia General Assembly approved legislation to expand VASAPs across the state. The General Assembly also approved a cost-efficient manner to fund VASAPs. Essentially, each local VASAP is allowed… Read More »
Special Penalties for the Manufacture of Methamphetamine in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia has enacted special rules and penalties for the drug crime of manufacturing methamphetamine. The reason for this approach is simple. The manufacturing process for methamphetamine involves dangerously toxic chemicals. Years after the manufacturing ends, the process leaves behind fumes and residue from the chemical process. If ingested or inhaled, these… Read More »
Four Different Types of Larceny Crimes in Virginia
Larceny is another word for theft. From a legal standpoint, larceny refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property, without any intention to return the property. Though the definition of and penalties for larceny crimes in Virginia fluctuates based on a number of circumstances, such as the type or value of the stolen… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decides For Religious Liberty
After many months of deliberation, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS” or “the Court”) found in favor of Jack Phillips, the Masterpiece Cake shop owner, in a 7-2 holding (i.e. seven Justices found in his favor, and two dissented). In short, Masterpiece Cakeshop is a custom bakery owned and operated out of… Read More »
Six Potential Consequences of Reckless Driving in Virginia
In order to preserve highway safety, the Commonwealth of Virginia operates strict laws and penalties for reckless driving. Virginia uses a broad standard that encompasses most types of dangerous or careless driving conduct. Furthermore, severe penalties exist to discourage and deter reckless driving in Virginia. While each reckless driving case is unique, Virginia employs… Read More »