Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Mixed Reviews on Criminal Justice Reforms in Virginia
After the Democratic Party took control of the Virginia legislature, many pundits expected broad and sweeping changes to the state criminal justice system, according to an article by the Associated Press. By now, midway through the first legislative session, however, there are mixed feelings about reform progress. On one hand, Democratic Party leaders are… Read More »
Legal Primer: Reckless Driving Under Virginia Criminal Law
In the interest of public health and safety, the Commonwealth of Virginia imposes strict rules and regulations for driving conduct. Accordingly, Virginia laws against reckless driving impose severe penalties for dangerous driving conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to: confinement, fines, and license suspension. What is Reckless Driving in Virginia? Code of Virginia Section… Read More »
New Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law in Virginia: Ramifications for Religious Employers and Others
By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Easter weekend marked the passage of the controversial Virginia Values Act (Senate Bill 868 and House Bill 1663: the “Act”) which is ironically named for political reasons. The Virginia House and the Senate recently passed the Act and on Saturday, April 11, Governor Ralph… Read More »
Police Arrest Maryland Man in Virginia on Multiple Criminal Charges
Two law enforcement agencies collaborated to arrest a Maryland man in Lovettsville, Virginia, on multiple criminal charges, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This man had outstanding warrants in Virginia for failure to register as a sex offender and in Maryland for second-degree assault. To serve the warrants, sheriff’s deputies from both… Read More »
The Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) for Virginia Drunk Drivers
Whether the underlying charges for drunk driving are misdemeanors or felonies, an offender can face confinement in county jail or prison. The applicable fines can range up to $2,500, and there is a mandatory period of driver’s license suspension. In addition to confinement, fines, and license suspension, Virginia law requires drunk drivers to complete… Read More »
Important Developments Implementing the CARES ACT and FFCRA
Important Developments Implementing the CARES ACT and FFCRA: How the PPP, EIDL, and Tax Credits Are Impacting Businesses, Churches, and Nonprofits By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Last Updated: April 14, 2020. Note: This is the subject of a rapidly evolving landscape. Please stay tuned for updates as they become… Read More »
Virginia General Assembly Passes Competing Bills to Decriminalize Marijuana
Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly approved bills to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana, according to an article by NBC affiliate WCYB. If these measures become law, possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana would not result in charges for a drug crime. On Monday, February 10th, the Virginia House passed HB… Read More »
Virginia Senate Approves Bill to Adjust Reckless Driving Laws
The Virginia Senate approved a bill that aims to increase the threshold for certain reckless driving offenses, according to an article by WTOP. In a 25-14 vote, the Virginia Senate pushed for an adjustment of the excessive speeding variation of reckless driving. If the Virginia House approves this bill as well, drivers would have… Read More »
Stay-At-Home Executive Orders: What Do They Mean and Don’t Mean for Your Church, Non-Profit, and Business
By Justin Coleman, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. In response to the increased number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 in the Mid-Atlantic potentially due to citizens ignoring the Center for Disease Control’s (“CDC”) social distancing guidelines, the mayor of the District of Columbia and the governors of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina issued… Read More »
Loudoun County Deputies Arrest D.C. Man for Marijuana Possession & Eluding Police
Loudoun County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man from Washington, D.C., for the drug crime of marijuana possession and the traffic violation of eluding police, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The underlying incident occurred in Ashburn, early in the morning on Saturday, February 8th. At approximately 2:30 a.m., deputies attempted to conduct… Read More »