Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Virginia Prosecutor to Seek Death Penalty in Murder of State Trooper
The Roanoke Times recently reported on the verdict that a Dinwiddie County jury reached. After eight hours of deliberation, the jury voted unanimously to find Russell Brown III guilty of capital murder. Brown was charged with the murder of Virginia State Police Master Trooper Junius Walker in March 2013. Brown’s defense centered on whether… Read More »
Virginia Simple Assault and Battery Laws
Like in every other state, assault and battery are crimes in Virginia. In order to understand the crime of assault and battery, the terms first need to be defined. In the Virginia code the terms that are used are “assault” and “assault and battery.” Assault means that someone acted in an overt way that… Read More »
Virginia Larceny Basics
Larceny is the legal term for what is usually called theft. Virginia breaks its theft law up into two categories – petit larceny and grand larceny. Shoplifting is one of the most common forms of larceny. This article explains the basics of Virginia larceny law. Definition of Larceny Like most legal terms, the concept… Read More »
What You Should Know About Lying to a Federal Officer
It is a crime to lie to a federal officer even if you are not the target of the original investigation. To be sure, there are certain considerations that all people should understand about the federal crime of lying to a federal officer; remaining aware of this can help you protect your rights should… Read More »
Virginia Embezzlement Basics
Embezzlement is a type of larceny, or stealing. However, embezzlement is different than other kinds of theft and Virginia law explicitly separates embezzlement and larceny. A trial memorandum from Henrico County Circuit Court provides that: “The key distinction between embezzlement and larceny is that larceny involves a trespassory taking of property while embezzlement involves… Read More »
Drug Crime Penalties in Virginia
If you are charged with a drug crime in Virginia, the penalties can be very harsh. Virginia mirrors federal law in that it divides drugs into “schedules” based on the level of addictiveness and the amount of legitimate medical uses the drugs have. Schedule I drugs are the most addictive and have the most… Read More »
Virginia Sex Offender Registry Basics
If you are found guilty of certain sex crimes in Virginia, you may be required to register with the Virginia State Police and your name will be included in the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Being included on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry means that your inclusion, and some details of your convictions, are searchable… Read More »
What To Do If You Are Arrested For A Drug Crime In Virginia
If you are arrested and charged with a drug crime in Virginia, it is important that you know your rights and how to protect them. Virginia has very tough drug crime laws and you do not want to do anything that will interfere with your defense later. This article discusses some of the things… Read More »
Reckless Driving Defenses in Virginia
If you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, it does not mean that you will automatically be convicted. It is up to the Commonwealth of Virginia to prove that all of the elements of the specific kind of reckless driving charged have been met. There are many defenses to reckless driving, and a… Read More »
Virginia Police Using New Technology to Predict Crimes
It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie: police departments able to predict when and where crimes are going to happen before they are even committed. However, it is not fiction; it is reality for Virginia police departments. According to a CBS News affiliate, Suffolk Police Department is using this technology to… Read More »
