Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Is it a Crime to Wear a Mask in Virginia?
After dressing up as a comic book character and meandering on public streets, a Winchester man faces criminal charges for wearing a mask, as reported by the Winchester Police Department. Authorities responded to several reports of a man dressed as the “Joker” from the Batman comic series. Police officers arrested the 31-year-old perpetrator on… Read More »
Reckless Driving versus Aggressive Driving in Virginia
Our topic of discussion today is how Virginia differentiates between reckless driving and aggressive driving. We will cover the basic elements of each crime as well as the corresponding penalties. What is the Virginia Legal Approach to Reckless Driving? Code of Virginia section 46.2-852 provides the overarching definition of reckless driving. There are two… Read More »
Virginia Beach Men Sentenced for Drug & Firearm Crimes
In the aftermath of a multiyear investigation, two Virginia Beach men were sentenced for illegally selling cocaine and firearms, as reported by The Virginian-Pilot. According to authorities, the two men first sold cocaine to a confidential police source from a grocery store park lot in 2014. The men sold the cocaine at a rate… Read More »
Positive Results from Virginia’s Ignition Interlock System Regulations
The use of ignition interlock systems in Virginia seems to be having a depressive impact on DUI arrests, according to an article by WSLS 10. Ignition interlock systems are designed to prevent DUI offenders from committing subsequent DUI offenses. After a DUI conviction, the driver is required to install an ignition interlock system that… Read More »
CHRISTIAN FOR PROFITS: UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION LAWS’ IMPACT ON CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS
By David Hyams, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. “Fascists!”…“Bigots!”…“Theocracy!!” The blood-curdling screams against humble florists and bakers seem almost comical, but the crushing fines and social stigma imposed on these small business owners are no laughing matter. Now, public accommodation laws are being employed to shut Christian businesses down so we need to… Read More »
Virginia Employee Confronts Employer’s Social Media Policy
A Virginia woman is challenging her employer’s social media policy after an allegedly wrongful termination, according to an article by The Roanoke Times. The woman contends that she was forced to resign from her position after venting her workplace frustrations on social media. The woman served for 11 years as a part-time financial assistant… Read More »
Explaining Virginia’s DMV Payment Plan Program
Uninsured motorists faced with license suspension are utilizing a new plan offered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), according to an article by the Martinsville Daily. The plan allows drivers with suspended licenses to regain driving privileges by paying off their fees and penalties in monthly installments. Until this plan came into… Read More »
How Does Virginia Handle Domestic Violence?
Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, were able to resolve a domestic violence call without further incident, as reported by NBC4 Washington. After police arrived at the scene, the alleged abuser fled upstairs and refused to leave. With the suspect upstairs, police were able to secure the home, clearing all other people and the victim… Read More »
How are Innocent People Sent to Prison?
Recently, a Virginia man named Gary Bush was proven innocent after 10 years in prison, according to WTVR News. Bush was charged with two counts of armed bank robbery back in 2006. “It was unbelievable… out of nowhere,” he said, in regards to his sudden and completely unexpected arrest. Afterwards, when his picture had… Read More »
Decoding DNA Evidence in Virginia
Forensic science has seen a tremendous rise in popularity in the recent past. With successful TV shows like CSI pushing forensic science into the public consciousness, the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred. If we rely solely on popular culture to understand forensic science, then it would appear that investigators are able to… Read More »
