Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Rights of Minors Under Virginia Law
Just because someone is under 18 does not mean that they do not have any rights. In many cases a juvenile and an adult will have the same rights, but not always. In Virginia, juveniles – meaning people under the age of 18 – are often diverted to juvenile court which operates differently than… Read More »
Marijuana Arrests Down in Virginia
Marijuana arrests have been decreasing in Virginia over the last couple of years and commentators speculate it may be because the police are loosening up the enforcement of those laws. This news also comes just a few months after the Virginia Senate Majority Leader said that he was open to loosening marijuana laws and… Read More »
Basics of Virginia Domestic Violence Law
Domestic violence is a serious crime in Virginia that can come with severe penalties. If you are charged with domestic violence, it is crucial that you contact a skilled domestic violence attorney as soon as possible to defend you against the charges. Virginia Domestic Violence Laws Domestic violence in Virginia is generally charged under… Read More »
DOJ Says Virginia License Suspension Law Unconstitutional
The suspension of someone’s driver’s license is a penalty for many different crimes and misconducts under Virginia law. However, the law may have to change soon for some people facing license suspension. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently commented on a Virginia law that automatically suspends the driver’s licenses of people… Read More »
Incorporation of Churches: A New Day
While it is estimated that over 90% of all churches are now incorporated with all states now permitting it, most governing documents are not well drafted, woefully out of date or not followed. Thus, they do not adequately protect the church or its leadership or contain the 21st century risk management provisions that are… Read More »
Can a Virginia Reckless Driving Charge Put Me in Jail?
The short answer is yes. There are several different circumstances where a reckless driving charge can land you in jail. Reckless driving is a criminal charge in Virginia and can result in serious penalties. If you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you should contact a skilled reckless driving attorney as soon as… Read More »
Supreme Court Ruling May Affect DUIs in Virginia
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a crime with serious penalties. Prosecutors and police will use many different kinds of evidence to try to get a conviction in a DUI case. An especially important thing for prosecutors to prove is the blood or breath alcohol content (BAC) of a driver…. Read More »
Alcohol and Minors in Virginia
The drinking age in the United States is 21. There are many different kinds of crimes in the Virginia criminal code that relate to alcohol and minors, defined here as anyone under the age of 21. If you or your child is charged with an alcohol related offense, you should contact a skilled juvenile… Read More »
Federal Gun Laws
There are both federal and state laws related to guns and gun owners are responsible for following all of them. There are pages and pages of gun laws, and if you have any specific questions you should contact a knowledgeable weapons offenses attorney. Who Can Buy Firearms The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968… Read More »
Legal Alert: Small Business Healthcare Relief Act
Last year, we informed our readers and clients that small employers and churches that engaged in the popular practice of offering reimbursements for healthcare costs would face a steep penalty for doing so. These are employers that fall below the large employer threshold of 50 employees and therefore are not required to offer health… Read More »
