Author Archives: Jay Butchko
4 New Virginia Criminal Laws Taking Effect on July 1
The Virginia General Assembly approved many new laws that will take effect on July 1, 2018, included four changes to criminal law. To gain a full appreciation of these new changes, the following sections will explore each new law in detail. Grand Larceny Officially referred to as House Bill 1550 (HB 1550), this initiative… Read More »
Federal Court Reviews Interdiction of Habitual Drunkards in Virginia
The Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a challenge to a criminal law in Virginia that targets habitual drunkards, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. On a larger level, this law allows the Virginia courts to label a person as a habitual drunkard. Then the court can issue a ruling — referred to legally… Read More »
Virginia Man Charged with Reckless Driving After Fatal Accident
A Virginia man faces criminal charges for reckless driving and failure to maintain control after causing a fatal crash in Hanover County, reported WTVR. The car accident in question occurred on Interstate 295 near the Meadowbridge Road exit in Mechanicsville. At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018, the Virginia man was driving… Read More »
Gang Members Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Five gang members received prison sentences for trafficking illegal drugs into state prisons in Virginia, reported WRIC. This drug trafficking scheme involved the distribution and possession with intent to distribute several illegal drugs, including cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. The gang members leveraged the assistance of Virginia Department of Corrections officers and staff… Read More »
Former TV Actress Causes Fatal Crash in Virginia Beach
A former TV actress pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter after causing a fatal DUI crash in Virginia Beach, reported WTKR. The car crash in question occurred last November on Interstate 264. That is when the actress began driving in the wrong direction, traveling westbound in the eastbound lane. The actress eventually crashed into another… Read More »
Aggressive Driving Laws in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia has strict laws in place to ensure public safety on state highways, including prohibitions on reckless driving and aggressive driving. While both reckless and aggressive driving offenses are similar, there are slight differences under the law. Today, the examination will center on aggressive driving. What is the Definition of Aggressive… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Huge Free Speech Win for Pregnancy Resource Centers in California
In a close 5-4 decision on Tuesday in National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra, 2018 U.S. LEXIS 4025, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the State of California violated the First Amendment by requiring licensed Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) to post notices referring women to state-provided services, including abortion clinics. The… Read More »
What is the Virginia Uniform Machine Gun Act?
The Uniform Machine Gun Act regulates the possession and use of machine guns within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The following sections will provide an overview of several important components of the Uniform Machine Gun Act in Virginia. Definition of Machine Guns Under Code of Virginia § 18.2-288, a machine gun is any weapon that:… Read More »
Virginia National Guardsman Takes Armored Vehicle on Intoxicated Joy Ride
A National Guardsman was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after taking an armored vehicle on a 65-mile joy ride into downtown Richmond, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The 29-year-old lieutenant in the Virginia Army National Guard stole M577 vehicle from a training exercise. This vehicle resembles a tank, but there are no weapons… Read More »
Cocaine Crimes in Virginia
Today’s blog entry will take a deep dive into cocaine crimes in Virginia. To gain a deep appreciation of these offenses, the following sections will explore the classification of cocaine as a controlled substance as well as the crimes of possession and distribution. How Does Virginia Classify Cocaine? Under the Drug Control Act, Virginia… Read More »