Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Virginia Woman Charged with Reckless Driving After Woman Riding Mattress on Top of Vehicle Dies
In a strange and tragic case, a Virginia woman was charged with reckless driving after another woman was riding on an unsecured mattress on top of her van and fell to her death. Twenty-year-old Sindy Zelaya Gonzalez died when both she and the mattress fell off the moving van. The driver, Norma Guadron Canales,… Read More »
Jury Exonerates Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy
On November 16, 2016, a jury in Loudoun County, Virginia exonerated John Wayne Gregory of all wrongdoing, returning a verdict of not guilty on the charge of assault and battery. In August 2015, Loudoun County Sheriff Deputy Gregory was charged following an incident with Lyle Grenoble, a man he arrested for public intoxication. After… Read More »
Federal Traffic and Criminal Cases
The DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) has some unique features that can have a huge impact on people who receive traffic tickets or are charged with crimes. One anomaly is that anyone charged with crimes on federal property, including the George Washington Parkway, will be charged with a federal crime. Federal vs…. Read More »
Weapons Charges in Virginia
There are many different kinds of weapons charges in Virginia, though they mostly center around firearms. If you plan to own or use a firearm, you should know the laws and the potential penalties for breaking the laws. Concealed Weapons In Virginia it is legal to carry concealed firearms if you have the proper… Read More »
Fraud in Virginia Part 2
Since there are so many kinds of fraud in Virginia, it is impossible to cover even the tip of the iceberg of common fraud charges in one post. Identity Theft Many people have heard about identity theft. It has become much more common over the recent decade because of the rise of computers and… Read More »
Fraud in Virginia Part 1
Fraud refers to many different kinds of criminal wrongdoing. The laws against fraud in Virginia cover many different kinds of fraud, though some are more common than others. It is important to understand different kinds of fraud and how Virginia law defines them. Forgery Forgery is defined as “The creation of a false written… Read More »
Virginia Law Professor Advises Everyone to Refuse to Talk to Cops
Atlanta Black Star recently reported on Regent Law school professor James Duane and his new book which talks about—among other things—the best practices for dealing with police officers. In 2008 Duane gave a lecture where he advised his students to not talk to police, even when they feel like they have nothing to hide…. Read More »
Leesburg Hit and Run Driver Was Allegedly Intoxicated
The Leesburg, Virginia Patch recently reported on an accident where a 19-year-old woman allegedly hit another vehicle while intoxicated and then left the scene of the accident. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office says that the woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly taking her friend’s car without her permission, driving at a high rate… Read More »
Reckless Driving Signs Installed on Virginia Highways
Virginia’s reckless driving laws are unique, especially the laws regarding speeding. While many Virginians may be aware of these laws already, those travelling through Virginia from other states may not be. Now, the Virginia Department of Transportation has installed some signs on Interstate 81 and Interstate 95 warning drivers about Virginia’s reckless driving laws… Read More »
Common Interstate Crimes
There are many different kinds of federal offenses, including interstate crimes. Most of the crimes that come to mind when we think of crimes, like homicide, robbery, or larceny, are generally state crimes, which means that the state is the one doing the prosecuting. However, there are some crimes and offenses that the federal… Read More »
