Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Dozens Arrested During Anti-Crime Sweep
In under two days, police officers arrested more than fifty individuals during Spring Break 2025 in Virginia Beach. Most of the charges were related to firearms violations, police said, but they also responded to several shots-fired and shooting-related offenses. Police Chief Paul Neudigate said, “We are a community that values safety, hospitality, and respect… Read More »
What are DWI Traffic Stops?
DWI traffic stops usually don’t start as DWI traffic stops. Instead, in most cases, a police officer pulls over a motorist for a traffic violation and then conducts a DWI investigation. The officer must have reasonable suspicion for both the stop and the investigation. Basically, reasonable suspicion is an evidence-based hunch of criminal activity…. Read More »
What Could Throw Off the Results of a Breathalyzer?
As outlined below, many deficiencies could throw off the results of a Breathalyzer. This gadget is simply an updated version of the 1920s Drunk-O-Meter. The same flaws that plagued this device, which was invented more than a century ago, plague modern Breathalyzers. Additionally, with all their bells and whistles, modern Breathalyzers often have additional… Read More »
Preliminary Protective Order FAQs in Virginia
For alleged victims, a domestic battery case is often a temporary solution. Most Loudoun County-area law enforcement agencies place a twenty-four hour hold on domestic violence defendants. So, these people cannot make bail until they serve at least twenty-four hours behind bars. However, they’re usually free during the pretrial process and often receive probation…. Read More »
Common Non-Moving Traffic Violations in Loudoun County
Most people can’t drive more than six or eight blocks without breaking at least one traffic law. In fact, many people cannot pull out of parking lots without breaking at least one traffic law. The Virginia Code includes numerous non-moving traffic violations, some of which are examined below. Non-moving violations, like speeding and other… Read More »
Should I Plead Guilty to a Drug Case?
Yes, because in most cases, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A favorable plea deal (a bird in the hand) is preferable to a possibly better outcome at trial, such as a complete dismissal of charges (two in the bush). Most defendants approach criminal cases the same way. Over… Read More »
Are DUI Roadblocks Legal in Virginia?
Yes, DUI roadblocks are legal in Virginia, if they completely adhere to a set of very strict requirements. These requirements are so strict because roadblocks enable police officers to get around the Fourth Amendment and its prohibition on random stops. Notably, DUI checkpoints don’t affect a driver’s Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. All… Read More »
Three Kinds of Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges
All criminal cases, including drug trafficking cases, begin with a presumption of innocence. That presumption alone is sufficient to acquit a defendant. If prosecutors have enough evidence to reverse that presumption, and that’s a big “if,” one of three defenses may still apply. These defenses reduce or eliminate the harsh direct and indirect consequences… Read More »
Why Don’t Women Press Domestic Battery Charges?
According to one researcher, about 70 percent of domestic violence incidents are never reported to the police. Some specific reasons that many women don’t report domestic violence or want to testify against alleged abusers are listed below. Contrary to popular myth, an alleged victim cannot “press” or “drop” criminal abuse charges. Prosecutors have the… Read More »
Former Police Officer Released from Prison
In March 2025, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin granted clemency to a former police sergeant who shot and killed an unarmed man accused of stealing sunglasses. “I am convinced that the court’s sentence of incarceration is unjust and violates the cornerstone of our justice system — that similarly situated individuals receive proportionate sentences,” Youngkin, a… Read More »
