Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Proof Issues in Criminal Possession Cases
Usually, proximity and possession are the same thing, for arrest purposes. That’s because the arrest standard of proof (probable cause) is much lower than the criminal trial standard of proof (beyond any reasonable doubt). The higher standard of proof makes a big difference at drug possession and other illegal possession trials in Loudoun County…. Read More »
What Does it Mean if Someone is a Whistleblower?
Whistleblower employees report illegal, unethical, or fraudulent activities within an organization that could harm employees, customers, the government, or the public. In this context, an “employee” is usually a regular, W-2 employee. Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers could also be employees in some cases. That’s especially true if these individuals seek protection under Virginia’s… Read More »
Granting Money from a U.S. Charity or Church to a Foreign Individual or NGO: Substantial Risks and Best Practices
By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and Justin R. Coleman, Esq. Updated 2026 Churches and nonprofit organizations often carry out their charitable and religious missions beyond the United States by supporting missionaries, global workers, foreign ministry partners, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While these endeavors are exciting, they unfortunately can be complicated and risky. One of… Read More »
What are the Different Types of Motorcycle Crashes?
Three types of accidents, which are outlined below, account for most of the motorcycle crashes in Loudoun County. Typically, these crashes aren’t accidents. People accidentally leave the water running. They don’t accidentally drive carelessly and sideswipe motorcycles or drive drunk and cause left-turn motorcycle crashes. If negligence, or a lack of care, substantially causes… Read More »
Being the Most Effective Client You Can Be
Family law clients often feel as if judges, lawyers, and court procedures control what happens next. While the legal process matters, clients can still make choices that help their attorney protect their interests and move the case forward. In family law matters, being present is only the starting point. Clients are often best served… Read More »
What Does FTYROW Mean in Virginia?
Many traffic citations include this acronym, which stands for Failure to Yield the Right of Way. Most often, officers issue FTYROW citations in accident cases to establish driver fault. These citations may also apply in one of the two areas discussed below. A traffic citation could be a game-changer in a civil case. Drivers… Read More »
Medical Treatment Issues in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrian crash injuries are usually much worse than car crash injuries, which is saying quite a lot. Steel structures and advanced safety devices protect vehicle occupants during crashes. Pedestrians, on the other hand, are completely exposed to danger. These high treatment costs have increased significantly in the last decade. After they leveled off during… Read More »
D.C. Cops Look for Reckless Motorcycle Rider
Fairfax County law enforcement officers are working with Virginia State Police troopers to find a motorcycle rider who tore through Northern Virginia in May 2026. Initially, troopers tried to pull the rider over for speeding on the westbound Interstate 66 Express Lanes near Monument Drive. The motorcycle was last seen on Old Centreville Road… Read More »
The “508(c)(1)(a) Church”: Separating Fact from Marketing
If you lead a church, you have likely encountered someone selling a package to set up your church as a “508(c)(1)(a) organization.” The pitch usually sounds appealing: a special status that frees a church from IRS oversight, government regulation, and the restrictions that come with Section 501(c)(3) recognition, all while remaining fully “tax exempt”… Read More »
Appeals Court Rejects Reasonable Use of Force Claim
A police officer who fatally shot an armed man in 2023 cannot claim qualified immunity, according to an April 2026 Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision. On a Saturday afternoon in July 2023, a 34-year-old man attempted to break into homes in Wycliff Court after being released from a hospital during a mental health… Read More »
