Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Virginia?
Basically, reckless driving is operating a motor vehicle with conscious disregard for the safety of other motorists. The law lists several examples, including losing control of a vehicle or driving a vehicle with a serious mechanical defect, like faulty brakes. Reckless driving is not a fix-it ticket that courts dismiss upon proof of compliance…. Read More »
What Do You Need for a Gun License in Virginia?
Until 2020, Virginia had some of the most liberal gun possession laws in the United States. That year, lawmakers passed a bundle of laws that greatly restricted gun-carrying abilities. These laws included some objective roadblocks, like a background check, and some subjective ones, such as a red flag law (of sorts). Furthermore, pretty much… Read More »
Domestic Violence in Criminal and Civil Court
Most Americans have a very complex view of domestic violence, mostly depending on their gender and ethnicity. The method of communication is important as well. Civil and criminal domestic violence laws, however, apply equally to everyone. Police officers usually aren’t too concerned about disputes they see as civil matters. Domestic violence is an exception…. Read More »
Community Center Worker Faces Sex Crime Charges
Fairfax County officials arrested a 23-year-old woman who allegedly had an “illicit relationship” with a teenager who attended the center. The investigation began in early April 2024 after other center employees said they noticed an inappropriate relationship between the man and the teenager. Police arrested the man on April 20 on four counts of… Read More »
If Drugs Were in the Car, Am I Guilty of Possession?
Not necessarily. Proximity is the major element in a Section 18.2-250 or related matter. However, it’s only one of three elements of possession. The other two are outlined below. The state must establish all three elements beyond any reasonable doubt. So, essentially, prosecutors must amass an overwhelming amount of evidence on each point. Two… Read More »
What Happens After I Plead Guilty to a DUI?
For one thing, after you plead guilty to a DUI, the bills keep coming. In most cases, these individuals must obtain high-risk SR-22 insurance and keep it for at least three years. SR-22 insurance is usually at least three times higher than other forms of auto insurance. So, if your auto insurance is already… Read More »
The FTC Slams the Brakes on Non-Compete Agreements: What Employers Need to Know
By Kyle Winey, Esq and Robert Showers, Esq In a landmark regulatory decision, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took a decisive step toward protecting worker mobility by banning most non-compete agreements. This ruling, effective 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register (likely around late summer 2024), significantly impacts employers’ ability to restrict… Read More »
Lawmakers Tout Success of Operation Ceasefire
Attorney General Jason Miyares says the Commonwealth’s lower crime rate is due, in large part, to heightened enforcement efforts like Operation Ceasefire. “Roughly 3 to 5 percent of felons are committing over 50 percent of the violent crime. So, if you want to bring down crime, you have to go to those violent, repeat… Read More »
Top Five Non-Moving Traffic Violations in Virginia
The Virginia traffic code mostly penalizes moving violations, like speeding and turning illegally. These traffic offenses usually have large fines and significant points. Non-moving violations, like the ones listed below, are usually fix-it tickets. Generally, the judge dismisses the case if the driver resolves the issue before the court date or before a court-ordered… Read More »
Virginia Gun Laws and Location Restrictions
In recent years, gun possession laws in Virginia have changed significantly, and the laws are still in a state of flux. Likewise, location restrictions have changed significantly and will likely change again at least once. But we’ll break down these restrictions as they exist as of May 2024. The penalties for carrying a weapon… Read More »
