Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Supreme Court: It’s Okay for Cops to Talk
A twelve-second conversation between an officer and a driver about possible illegal items in a car doesn’t invalidate a traffic stop, according to the Supreme Court of Virginia. Officer Jordan Allen stopped the female driver on suspicion of driving on a suspended license. Once stopped, he determined that her license was suspended and that… Read More »
Top Five DUI Defenses
Alcohol is a factor in about a third of the fatal vehicle collisions in Virginia. To reduce the number of these accidents, DUI laws have become progressively tougher since the 1990s. Virginia’s per se law is a good example. Previously, a positive Breathalyzer test was only evidence of intoxication. Today, a BAC level of… Read More »
What to Expect in a Weapons Possession Case
Many people believe an illegal possession case is a quick, open-and-shut matter. I had an illegal gun, the cop caught me, I see the judge, he puts me on probation, and that’s that. This belief is not entirely misplaced, because that’s the outline of the criminal law system in Virginia. But, it’s only the… Read More »
What Are Some Non-Moving Violations in Virginia?
Minor parking or speeding tickets do not drastically affect a driving record or have high fines. However, a series of traffic violations over time can affect both your license and your insurance. Moreover, nonmoving violations are pretexts for police action. Even if you’re in a public parking lot, an officer can issue a citation… Read More »
Officials Tout Results of Statewide Drug/Weapons Crackdown
A large-scale March 2026 aggressive law enforcement campaign led to dozens of statewide arrests. Virginia State Police troopers worked with various federal and local law enforcement agencies during the crackdown. Officials said they seized eleven illegal firearms valued at $5,500. Illegal drug seizures included over 960 pounds of Psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms), along with roughly… Read More »
Statewide Anti-Crime Push Results in Multiple Arrests
In just one week (April 1 to April 7, 2026), Virginia State Police troopers worked with other law enforcement agencies to seize illegal drugs valued at over $80 million. Troopers and task force members seized 14,295 pounds of illegal marijuana (not including consumables), 366 pounds of cocaine, nearly 20 pounds of fentanyl, more than… 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 »
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 »
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 »
