Monthly Archives: April 2024
Top Five DUI Checkpoint Requirements
The Bill of Rights protects people from government overreach. But some Constitutional protections, most notably the Fourth Amendment, don’t apply at DUI checkpoints. Because of this shortcut, most police departments would probably set up DUI roadblocks every weekend if they could. But checkpoints are very costly and usually rolled out during Memorial Day Weekend… Read More »
The Three Ps of Drug Possession Offenses in Virginia
Yes, we know that possession only has one P. But in criminal court, the state must establish not only this P, but also two other Ps. More on that below. Back in the day, a drug possession offense was a slam-dunk conviction. The old days are over. Today, to many jurors, drug possession and… Read More »
FAQs About Protective Orders in Loudoun County
When they make domestic violence arrests, most Northern Virginia law enforcement departments require officers to tell alleged victims about their right to seek a protective order. At this point, there’s little evidence of a crime, beyond the alleged victim’s statement. But that’s enough evidence to obtain a protective order, because the burden of proof… Read More »
Would More Cameras Mean Lower Crime?
Virginia’s Attorney General believes that giving law enforcement officers access to private security cameras, along with additional technology bought with forfeiture funds, would reduce the state’s crime rate. Many of the technologies in question are already in place — like toll booth cameras, license plate readers, and privately owned security cameras — but could… Read More »
