Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Virginia Woman Pleads Guilty To DUI & Involuntary Manslaughter
A Virginia woman recently pleaded guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) and involuntary manslaughter after causing a fatal accident in 2020, according to an article by WJHL. This incident occurred on September 23, 2020, at approximately 8 p.m. in Wise County. The Virginia woman was driving drunk on U.S. Highway 23 and crashed… Read More »
Virginia Legalizes Marijuana For Recreational Possession & Use
As of July 1, 2021, it is no longer a drug crime to possess or use marijuana recreationally in the Commonwealth of Virginia, subject to specific limitations. When Senate Bill 1406 became law, it also created the Cannabis Control Act to regulate the possession and use of marijuana by adults who are at least… Read More »
How Does Virginia Define & Punish Criminal Street Gangs?
Virginia law makes it a felony crime to participate in a criminal street gang. A criminal street gang, to be defined as such, must meet a multifaceted system of requirements. Not all criminal associations meet the Virginia legal standard for a criminal street gang. How Does Virginia Define a Criminal Street Gang? The state… Read More »
Virginia Truck Driver Charged With Distracted Driving & Reckless Driving
A Virginia truck driver faces criminal charges for distracted and reckless driving after losing control of their vehicle and causing a fire, according to an article by ABC-affiliate WRIC. According to reports from the Virginia State Police, this 36-year-old man was transporting diesel fuel in a tractor-trailer. The truck driver was apparently heading west… Read More »
Exploring Controlled Substance Schedules For Virginia Drug Crimes
Virginia legal code includes many laws against drug crimes, ranging from possession to distribution or possession with intent to distribute. In many cases, the charges for a Virginia drug crime can fluctuate from misdemeanor to felony, depending on the schedule of the controlled substance in question. These schedules are managed by the Virginia Board… Read More »
Passenger Dies In Virginia Crash & Driver Faces DUI Charges
A Virginia man faces criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) after allegedly causing a fatal crash on U.S. Route 460, according to an article by WVNS. The Virginia State Police responded to this incident on May 27. When troopers arrived at the scene of the accident on U.S. Route 460, they discovered… Read More »
What Are The Consequences Of Reckless Driving In Virginia?
Reckless driving is a criminal offense in violation of Code of Virginia Section 46.2-853. This section prohibits any driver from operating a vehicle in a way that threatens the safety of people or property. Specific types of driving behavior are also classified as reckless driving under Virginia law, including failure to maintain control and… Read More »
Potential Arson In Loudoun County Leads To Fatality
A house fire in Virginia left one person dead, in what appears to be a felony arson crime, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This incident occurred on Saturday, June 5 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Units of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System responded to reports of a fire in… Read More »
Can I Refuse A DUI Test During A Virginia Traffic Stop?
When executing a traffic stop on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), a Virginia police officer has lawful authority to request a chemical test to measure the driver’s level of intoxication. Given the severe penalties in Virginia for DUI offenses, certain drivers have attempted to refuse the DUI test. Any person who refuses… Read More »
Virginia Police Complete Investigation Into Drug Crimes
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (“LCSO”) announced the conclusion of a three-year investigation into various drug crimes, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. In collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (“EDVA”), the LCSO effectuated the largest seizure of illegal drugs… Read More »