Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Arson
A Harrisonburg, Virginia fire was caused by arson, according to the Harrisonburg Fire Department and reported by NBC29 News. The fire at LSC Communications was allegedly set by an employee at the time, who is being charged with arson of an occupied building (a Class 3 felony). The fire damage is estimated at $50,000…. Read More »
The 3 Most Common Legal Mistakes Costing Companies Millions
By Kyle D. Winey, Esq. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos says there are two types of decisions every entrepreneur and business owner must make: Type I decisions: a decision that is not easily reversible, so it requires careful planning and execution. Type II decisions: a decision that is like walking through a door: if you… Read More »
PRESS RELEASE – “DON’T TIP BLACK PEOPLE” AT ANITAS ASHBURN IS A FAKE RECEIPT
FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Our firm represents a customer who visited the Anita’s Mexican Restaurant in Ashburn on January 7, 2017. Our client and his girlfriend were served by Kelly Carter, an employee at Anita’s, and paid for their meal and left at 11:09am EST. Although Ms. Carter provided what our client believed to be… Read More »
The Legal Powers of Private Security Guards in Virginia
In Virginia, security guards are given more power than in many other states. In the wake of a recent fatal shooting by an armed security guard, in which the officer killed an unarmed 60-year-old man who was simply playing Pokemon Go, it is more important than ever to understand the powers and limitations of… Read More »
Probation Violations
Were you given a probation sentence as opposed to serving your sentence, or the remainder of your sentence, in prison or jail? If so, there are certain steps you must closely follow in order to maintain your freedom and avoid probation violation. Contact an attorney today for more information and for legal representation if… Read More »
Estate Planning: Why Do I Need a Will?
By Elyse M. Smith, Esq. Everyone needs an estate plan. Certainly, not everyone needs the complicated tax sheltering vehicles some have, but everyone needs these basic estate planning documents: (1) a will; (2) a power of attorney; and (3) an advance medical directive (“living will”). Too often, people dismiss estate planning as something only… Read More »
False Confessions
In crime or detective type TV dramas, the prosecution always seeks a confession of guilt, and usually gets one from the alleged criminal by the end of each 45 minute episode. A confession is seen as a neat and tidy way of having concrete evidence that the defendant was truly guilty of the crime…. Read More »
Penalties for Crimes of Violence When Victims are Minors
All crimes are not treated equally in the state of Virginia or anywhere else. For instance, a defendant that commits the same crime as another may face a biased jury and be sentenced to years behind bars, whereas another defendant in this situation may be let off with probation and a fine. One example… Read More »
Virginia Law to Fine Slow Drivers?
We all know about speeding violations, careless driving, and reckless driving behaviors in Virginia. These actions are unlawful because they are unsafe and put everyone’s lives at risk. But is it dangerous to drive too slow? Slow drivers are normally seen as being cautious and prudent. However, a new Virginia bill that could potentially… Read More »
“The Most Dangerous Phishing Scam” Is Causing Organizations to Lose Billions
By Kyle Winey, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. “This is one of the most dangerous email phishing scams we’ve seen in a long time,” says IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, referring to the latest surge of W-2 phishing attacks. Unfortunately, according to the IRS, it is impacting churches, nonprofits and for-profits alike as well as… Read More »