Author Archives: Jay Butchko
State Crime Commission To Study Decriminalization of Marijuana
The Virginia State Crime Commission, which is made up of citizens and state lawmakers, will soon begin a study looking at the pros and cons of decriminalizing marijuana, and will later give its report to the General Assembly. This report could be the beginning process of a 2018 bill that would present changes to… Read More »
4 Items That Need to Be on Your Nonprofit or Church’s Mid-Year To-Do List
By Mike Grubbs, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. Review your budget and financial controls For churches and nonprofits on a calendar-year budget cycle, mid-year is the perfect time to consider a mid-year budget adjustment. Collect all expenses and donations and other revenue for January – June, and, in early July, project out for the… Read More »
Illegal Gambling
Gambling laws vary widely from state to state. Virginia’s gambling laws are strict, and very little gambling is permitted in any form. The exceptions include horse racing in licensed arenas and off-track licensed venues, as well as gambling set up by nonprofit organizations, such as raffles or bingo. Playing the lottery, of course, is… Read More »
Possible Expansion of State DNA Database
House Bill 711, sponsored by House Minority Leader David. J Toscano, D-Charlottesville, seeks to address the pros and cons of increasing the range of misdemeanors to be included in the state’s DNA database. The bill would enlist the assistance of the Virginia Crime Commission to examine existing data from other states that have already… Read More »
A WALKTHROUGH OF AN ANNUAL MEETING
By Justin R. Coleman, Esq. Simms Showers, LLP All organizations hold meetings throughout the year. These meetings may be a lunch meeting of the partners of a landscaping business, a congregational meeting of a local church, or the annual stockholders’ meeting of Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, Nebraska. These meetings may happen as frequently… Read More »
When Social Media is Used in Court
An argument regarding money led to the tragic death of a 25-year-old man of Henrico, Virginia, according to WTKR News. He was killed with a knife, and lost blood quickly from a gash in his arm and leg. Although he was transported to the hospital, he died during surgery. The argument that started it… Read More »
Competency
What happens when, after allegedly committing a crime, a defendant becomes ill, injured, or otherwise incapacitated? Do they still have to stand trial? If they cannot stand trial, will they be prosecuted or found guilty of a crime? A skilled attorney can answer any questions you may have pertaining to competency and standing trial…. Read More »
Criminal Defense of Street Gang Activity or Membership
The Mara Salvatrucha gang, MS-13, is an international gang comprised mostly of Central American members, in particular, El Salvadorans. The gang has a strong presence in Virginia and has been getting a lot of media attention recently because of the political atmosphere around criminal illegal immigrants. Dcw50, a Virginia television station, recently reported on… Read More »
House Bill 1485 to Affect Out of State Sex Offenders
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed off on House Bill 1485, which amends the current laws regarding sex offenders, registry, and the places they are allowed to live. The bill will go into effect on July 1st, according to The Cavalier Daily. Currently, all Virginia sex offenders must register as a sex offender within three… Read More »
Virginia Firearm Straw Purchasing
Every state has its own individual set of laws regulating firearms. As a result, it may be easier to purchase a firearm in one state versus another. This fact was recently highlighted when, according to the Washington Post, 24 men, 22 being Virginia residents, were charged with a 627-count indictment for trafficking guns from… Read More »