Featured Posts
How Your AI Chats Can Be Used Against You
A recent federal court ruling sends a clear warning to anyone who has discussed legal matters with an AI tool like ChatGPT or Claude: your chats are potentially discoverable by a court, a government agency, or an opposing party in a lawsuit. I. A Case That Made Legal History In February 2026, a federal… Read More »
Sacred Spaces, Scattered Statutes: Understanding Virginia’s Fragmented Church Law Part One
By Robert Showers, Esq., with Justin Coleman, Esq., and William R. Thetford, Esq.* In this Article, the Authors have outlined portions of Virginia statutes, case law, and tax code that are most relevant to churches seeking to become more informed about their relationship with the law. The Authors intend this Article to make legislators,… Read More »
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 »
Recent Posts
What Virginia’s New Paid Family and Medical Leave Law Means for Your Business
Virginia quietly made history in employment law and if you run a business in the Commonwealth, you need to know about it. Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed amended Senate Bill 2 into law, establishing a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The legislation makes Virginia the first Southern state to enact paid leave… Read More »
Top Ten Wrongful Termination Situations in Virginia
A sudden and unexpected job loss is a tough pill to swallow, both financially and emotionally. Financially, most people live from paycheck to paycheck. So, even a short-term income disruption often has devastating consequences. Additionally, the unemployment prejudice is a real thing. Many companies won’t even talk to unemployed applicants. Emotionally, for most people,… Read More »
First-Time DUI Defense Strategies in Loudoun County
An effective defense is vital in these cases. Perhaps no other misdemeanor has the same direct and collateral effects of a first-time DUI. The direct penalties usually include extended court supervision that includes conditions like alcohol treatment and IID (ignition interlock device) use. Higher auto insurance rates may be the worst collateral effect. A… Read More »
Hiring a Divorce Attorney Can Save You Money
In an era of ChatGPT-produced court documents, hiring a Loudoun County divorce attorney may seem like an unnecessary cost during a stressful time. But this move is an investment which, in the end, saves you money. Especially in Virginia, even a “simple” divorce is a complex web of legal, financial, and emotional matters. Most… Read More »
Is a Speeding Ticket a Big Deal in Virginia?
Twenty years ago, the answer to this question was a resounding “no.” The base fine was roughly the same. But add-ons, like court costs, were low, the points weren’t as bad, and courts handed out Driver Improvement Program dismissals like candy on Halloween. Today, a speeding ticket in Virginia is a big deal. Many… Read More »
How Do Sleepy Truck Drivers Directly and Indirectly Cause Car Crashes?
Since the coronavirus pandemic, federal regulators have repeatedly watered down HOS (Hours of Service) rules, allowing truck drivers to stay on the road much longer than before. These regulatory changes have also created an environment that encourages bureaucrats to not look very closely at truckers with medical conditions that could cause serious fatigue. Fatigue… Read More »
Lawmakers Delete Virginia’s Suicide Law
For decades, committing or attempting to commit suicide in Virginia has been a criminal offense. That’s set to change in 2027. The anti-suicide law, which is rooted in the ancient British common law, allows insurance companies to deny claims because the person who attempted or committed suicide is a criminal. Twice last session, the… Read More »
Hybrid Reckless Driving Citations in Virginia
Usually, traffic tickets are moving violations, like speeding, or non-moving violations, like a dangling air freshener that obstructs the driver’s view. Section 46.2-853, which is part of the reckless driving law, could be either one. Officers may cite motorists who drive recklessly and don’t properly control their vehicles. This section also permits officers to… Read More »
Cold Case Sexual Assault Suspect Now in Custody
In February 2025, authorities arrested a Mitchells, Virginia man in connection with two attacks on females in 1988 and 1990. After executing an arrest warrant, authorities charged the man with two counts of first-degree kidnapping and rape, two counts of first-degree sexual assault, three counts of first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree assault…. Read More »
What You Should Know About Drug Trafficking Penalties in Virginia
Many people believe drug traffickers are sophisticated criminal organizations that operate in several counties or even several states. While that’s true, a drug trafficker could also be someone who gives a leftover pain pill to a neighbor. Because the definition of “drug trafficking” is so broad, almost everyone could end up facing serious charges… Read More »
