Featured Posts
Church and Nonprofit Cybersecurity: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You
Robert Showers, Esq. and Micah Schachtner, Esq. In line with nearly all modern industries, nonprofits increasingly employ digital technology and online tools to expand their operational capabilities. But unlike larger corporations with more risk awareness and legal jeopardy, many nonprofits apply few security measures to their data storage and transactions. This common failure to… Read More »
Johnson Amendment Enforcement Relaxed for Church Political Speech
By Robert Showers, Esq and Micah Schachtner, Esq. For the first time in the Johnson Amendment’s history, the Internal Revenue Service officially agreed in July 2025 that churches may advocate for political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status, under limited circumstances. This development affects thousands of religious organizations and raises important legal compliance issues… Read More »
CTA Reporting Deadlines Paused Again Following Fifth Circuit Reversal
On December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed its December 23, 2024, decision and reinstated a temporary nationwide injunction halting enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This decision follows a legal battle surrounding the CTA’s beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements, leaving business owners in a state of uncertainty. Background:… Read More »
Recent Posts

Non-DUI Alcohol-Related Offenses in Virginia
Driving Under the Influence is the most common alcohol-related criminal offense in Virginia. According to some estimates, about half the probationers in the state were convicted of DUI. Virginia authorities have been even more aggressive in this area since coronavirus lockdowns ended. Drunk driving increased in 2020, and many law enforcement agencies still have… Read More »

Va. Police Quickly Arrest Murder Suspect
Less than twenty-four hours after officers responded to a shots-fired call, investigators arrested a suspect and charged him with multiple felonies. Police say they found the 20-year-old victim lying in the road in the 5500 block of New Colony Drive as they responded to reports of a shooting just before 10 p.m. on July… Read More »

Do I Need a Lawyer for Reckless Driving in Virginia?
Reckless driving in Virginia is a serious offense and can have significant consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Reckless driving also has significant collateral consequences, such as higher auto insurance rates and a big black mark on a permanent record. While it’s technically possible to represent yourself in a reckless… Read More »

Do Weapons Possession Cases Hold Up in Court?
No, unless the state proves the three Ps of possession beyond any reasonable doubt. Only this large amount of evidence overcomes the presumption of innocence in criminal cases. If weapons possession was a civil matter, two out of three Ps may suffice, because the burden of proof is much lower in civil court. But… Read More »

Why Would a DUI Bond Be So High?
Bond is usually high in subsequent DUIs, because of the Eighth Amendment. This provision requires reasonable bail in criminal cases. If the defendant has a criminal record and is charged with subsequent DUI, which is usually a felony, the “reasonable” amount is higher, due to the defendant’s criminal record and the severity of the… Read More »

Major Drug Bust in Culpeper County
A July 2025 arrest netted a large stash of suspected fentanyl, cocaine and drug paraphernalia, according to police investigators. According to police, detectives with the Blue Ridge Narcotic and Gang Task Force had been investigating a possible drug trafficking operation for several weeks. On July 4, they received a tip that a car suspected… Read More »

What You Need to Know About Protective Orders in Virginia
The first thing you need to know about a protective order in Virginia is that this document is not just a meaningless formality which defendants are free to ignore. Protective orders give schools, churches, daycare centers, and other third parties official notice of a situation. Furthermore, protective orders are usually easier to enforce than… Read More »

Authorities Investigate Possible Hate Crime in Fredericksburg
Authorities say they may add hate crime enhancements to misdemeanor charges stemming from a July 20, 2025 incident. Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Maj. Delbert Myrick said more charges could be filed against a 59-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, who were recorded taunting the Black couple from Richmond. A third person recorded during the incident… Read More »

What to Look For in a DUI Lawyer
At first blush, finding the right DUI lawyer seems about as easy as finding a red M&M in a bowlful of red M&Ms. Northern Virginia has one of the highest number of lawyers per capita in the country. Almost all these lawyers could handle a simple criminal case. But there’s nothing “simple” about DUI…. Read More »

Attempted Kidnapping Goes Sideways in Spotsylvania County
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a would-be kidnapper who, according to investigators, hid in a convenience store restroom and threatened a woman. The incident occurred on August 17, 2025. Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office officials said deputies were called to the 4500 block of Plank Road around 6:30 a.m. after reports of a stabbing. When they arrived… Read More »