Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Surveying Three Consequences of Reckless Driving in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits reckless driving and other forms of dangerous behavior on public roads and highways. As detailed in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-852, a person commits reckless driving if they operate a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers other people or property. Under Virginia law, there are misdemeanor and felony… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Adult & Underage DUI in Virginia?
Drunk driving is a particularly dangerous activity across the Commonwealth of Virginia, resulting in numerous instances of property damage, physical injury, and death each year. Depending on the age of the drunk driver and the amount of alcohol consumed, there are both underage and adult versions of DUI in Virginia. How Does Virginia Define… Read More »
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crimes
A Virginia man pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges for drug crimes involving fentanyl that resulted in a death by overdose, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. According to court records, the Virginia man distributed fentanyl to an intermediary on October 7, 2019. The intermediary supplied the fentanyl to the buyer. Then… Read More »
Overview of Unlawful & Malicious Wounding Crimes in Virginia
Unlawful wounding and malicious wounding are variations of assault crimes under Virginia law. These crimes involve unlawful actions or malicious intent to inflict harm upon a victim. Consequently, Virginia assigns severe criminal penalties to unlawful and malicious wounding offenses, up to, and including, prison time as well as criminal fines. Unlawful Wounding The definition… Read More »
Can I Face Reckless Driving Charges for Speeding in Virginia?
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal offense that involves a risk of property damage, physical injury, or even death. While there is a general rule against reckless driving, there are also specific laws that qualify certain driving conduct as reckless driving, including unreasonable and excessive speeding. Any person who commits reckless driving will… Read More »
Can First-Time Drug Offenders Get a Reduced Sentence in Virginia?
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits various types of drug crimes, including, but not limited to, possession and distribution offenses. Upon conviction for a drug crime in Virginia, the offender is subject to serious criminal penalties. Significant time in jail or prison and expensive fines are common penalties in this context. That being said, Virginia… Read More »
Virginia Man Faces DUI Charges for the Ninth Time
A 58-year-old man from Virginia faces drunk-driving charges for the ninth time, according to an article by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Law enforcement arrested this Virginia man on August 28th, in response to a car accident. Allegedly, the Virginia man was driving his wife’s vehicle while intoxicated and, in the process, crashed and totaled the… Read More »
Overview of Marijuana Possession & Distribution Laws in Virginia
On July 1st of this year, several new laws adjusted Virginia laws governing the drug crimes of marijuana possession and distribution. Broadly speaking, Virginia decriminalized unlawful possession of marijuana, turning it into a civil offense without a jail sentence. Marijuana distribution laws saw several changes also, though it remains a criminal offense with the… Read More »
Drunk Driver Crashes in Virginia After Trying to Elude Police
Local authorities arrested a 23-year-old Virginia man for driving under the influence (DUI) and several other charges, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This arrest occurred on October 4th, at approximately 11 p.m., when deputies of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office tried to execute a traffic stop in Ashburn around the 21000… Read More »
Analyzing Three Versions of Computer Crimes in Virginia
With the explosion of the use of technology in recent memory, it is not surprising that computer crime has followed a similar path. To help address this reality, the Commonwealth of Virginia features laws against computer crimes at the misdemeanor and felony levels. Depending on the type and nature of the offense in question,… Read More »