Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What is the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program?
The Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) arose in the 1970s to address driving under the influence (DUI) and general highway safety. At that time, the Virginia General Assembly approved legislation to expand VASAPs across the state. The General Assembly also approved a cost-efficient manner to fund VASAPs. Essentially, each local VASAP is allowed… Read More »
Special Penalties for the Manufacture of Methamphetamine in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia has enacted special rules and penalties for the drug crime of manufacturing methamphetamine. The reason for this approach is simple. The manufacturing process for methamphetamine involves dangerously toxic chemicals. Years after the manufacturing ends, the process leaves behind fumes and residue from the chemical process. If ingested or inhaled, these… Read More »
Four Different Types of Larceny Crimes in Virginia
Larceny is another word for theft. From a legal standpoint, larceny refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property, without any intention to return the property. Though the definition of and penalties for larceny crimes in Virginia fluctuates based on a number of circumstances, such as the type or value of the stolen… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decides For Religious Liberty
After many months of deliberation, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS” or “the Court”) found in favor of Jack Phillips, the Masterpiece Cake shop owner, in a 7-2 holding (i.e. seven Justices found in his favor, and two dissented). In short, Masterpiece Cakeshop is a custom bakery owned and operated out of… Read More »
Six Potential Consequences of Reckless Driving in Virginia
In order to preserve highway safety, the Commonwealth of Virginia operates strict laws and penalties for reckless driving. Virginia uses a broad standard that encompasses most types of dangerous or careless driving conduct. Furthermore, severe penalties exist to discourage and deter reckless driving in Virginia. While each reckless driving case is unique, Virginia employs… Read More »
NOT EVERYTHING IS A POLITICAL ISSUE: A REFRESHER FOR CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS ON LOBBYING AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING
By: Justin R. Coleman, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. For the last few years, it seems that every topic or issue has devolved into a political debate. Even those matters that were once thought collectively agreed-upon have resulted in shouting matches, even between Christians and other people of faith. With the 2018 mid-term elections… Read More »
Classification of Illegal Drugs in Virginia
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is a clearly defined system for the classification of illegal drugs. Furthermore, the penalties for possession of illegal drugs fluctuate based on the established classification system. The following sections will provide an overview of the illegal drug classification system and the penalties for illegal possession. How Does Virginia… Read More »
What is the Difference Between DUI and DUID in Virginia?
The subject for exploration today centers on the differences between two intoxicated driving charges in Virginia — DUI and DUID. The following sections will cover important definitions of and penalties for both offenses. What is the Definition of DUI in Virginia? Code of Virginia 18.2-266 makes it unlawful to drive under the influence (DUI)…. Read More »
7 Types of Reckless Driving in Virginia
Reckless driving is a crime in Virginia that refers to general and specific driving conduct. From a general standpoint, reckless driving occurs when a driver endangers other people or property. Additionally, Virginia law addresses a number of specific situations that qualify as reckless driving. The following sections will provide an overview of seven types… Read More »
How Does Virginia Protect Whistleblowers from Retaliation?
Under Virginia law, a whistleblower is an employee who witnesses or has evidence of their employer’s wrongdoing or misconduct. If the whistleblower reports the alleged wrongdoing — or indicates that they will make such a report — it is unlawful for the employer to retaliate. What Qualifies as Misconduct or Wrongdoing in Virginia? The… Read More »