Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What are the Penalties for Unlawful Possession of Illegal Drugs in Virginia?
In addition to other drug crimes, the Commonwealth of Virginia makes it unlawful to possess illegal drugs, which are referred to legally as controlled substances. If a person violates these laws, they are guilty of unlawful possession and subject to criminal penalties, including jail or prison time and substantial fines. At this juncture, it… Read More »
Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Virginia
A drunk driver from Sterling, Virginia recently pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and other criminal charges after causing a fatal accident, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This fatal car accident dates back to February 20, 2017. On that date, the driver from Sterling was on his way home from a party… Read More »
When Does Passing Another Vehicle Become Reckless Driving in Virginia?
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, is it unlawful to engage in reckless driving that puts other people or property in danger. In addition to this general rule, there are also more specific laws against reckless driving, in order to preserve public safety of state roadways. For example, Virginia law prohibits drivers from passing other… Read More »
Virginia Man Faces Hit and Run Charges after Crashing into School Bus
A man from Purcellville, Virginia, faces hit and run charges after crashing into a Loudoun County school bus and fleeing the scene of the auto accident, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This car accident occurred at approximately 3:09 p.m. on Friday, August 23rd. That is when the Purcellville man drove onto… Read More »
What is the Virginia Approach to Wrongful Death Actions?
When a person dies due to a third party’s negligent conduct in Virginia, that person’s surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death action in civil court. These actions allow certain family members and other direct relatives to step into the shoes of their loved one and seek legal damages for the untimely death…. Read More »
When Does a Speeding Ticket Become Reckless Driving in Virginia?
When a person receives a speeding ticket in Virginia, the typical punishment usually involves a fine and several driver’s license points. In certain cases, however, speeding in Virginia can result in a criminal charge for reckless driving. At that level, the offender can face steep criminal fines and even prison time. In the most… Read More »
Fatal Drug Overdoses Increasing Across USA & Virginia
The number of fatal drug overdoses increased almost 10 percent across the United States in recent years, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, opioids seem to be a driving factor behind the increase of fatal overdoses. Across the United States, opioids caused approximately… Read More »
SHARE RIDE LIABILITY-Help! I Crashed My RENTAL Car- Now What?
By J. Caleb Jones, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. Car-Share services allow users to take advantage of vehicles on a short-term rental basis. Companies like Zipcar, Car2Go, Hertz on Demand, uHaul, and Enterprise CarShare allow users to rent vehicles on per-hour and even per-mile basis. This can be extremely convenient. For example, Zipcar advertises… Read More »
Virginia’s Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drivers
A person must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Accordingly, Virginia has a zero tolerance law for any person under the age of 21 who drives under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. The terms of the zero tolerance law are much more stringent than… Read More »
Reinstating a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License in Virginia
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is unlawful to engage in dangerous driving behavior, such as distracted driving or other traffic violations. If a person violates these requirements, they may face a period of driver’s license suspension or revocation. Once a person loses their driving privileges, they must complete all license reinstatement requirements before… Read More »