Category Archives: Criminal Defense
A Closer Look at DUI Collision Cases
Alcohol is a factor in about a third of the fatal car crashes in Virginia. These wrecks usually spawn civil personal injury cases that compensate victims for their economic and noneconomic losses. These wrecks usually also spawn criminal cases that punish drivers for their misconduct. Criminal cases are more common. Civil cases are essentially… Read More »
Statewide Property Seizures Continue
During just one week (February 25, 2026 through March 3, 2026), authorities claimed they seized over $1.2 million worth of illegal drugs. The Virginia State Police and partnering task forces combined to seize the property. totaled more than 170 pounds. The breakdown of total narcotics recovered includes: Cocaine: 6.1 ounces, Crack Cocaine: 1.9 ounces,… Read More »
What is the Drug-Free Zone Around Virginia Public Schools?
The drug-free zone around Virginia public schools is the same drug-free zone that applies to daycare centers, school buses/stops, public recreation facilities, community centers, and other protected places. The drug-free zone is usually 1,000 feet around the protected place. In many states, a drug offense in a protected place is an enhancement. But in… Read More »
A Closer Look at Reckless Driving in Parking Lots
Many people don’t expect to see “reckless driving” and “parking lot” in the same sentence. That’s probably why Section 46.2-864 of the Virginia Code specifically addresses such conduct. Pedestrians in parking lots aren’t looking out for reckless drivers. Additionally, reckless driving in a parking lot endangers property, mostly the other parked cars in the… Read More »
What to Expect in a Weapons Possession Case
Until the early 2020s, Virginia had some of the least restrictive gun control laws in the country. As of 2026, the Old Dominion has some of the toughest gun control laws in the country. These laws include both more prohibition and stiffer penalties. Law enforcement agencies have stepped up enforcement as well. “Go forth… Read More »
How a Prior DUI Affects You
Prior DUI convictions are always admissible for sentencing purposes, unless those prior convictions are expunged. A prior DUI conviction, no matter how old, gives prosecutors an edge during the plea negotiations that resolve most criminal cases. A prior criminal record is one of the primary factors in sentencing hearings. More importantly for purposes of… Read More »
Outcry Over Virginia Mosque Attack
Community groups demand that authorities upgrade charges against a man accused of a November 2025 attack against a local Muslim community center. The mosque says the same man has staged multiple attacks against Muslims. Surveillance video footage from the Dal al Nur Community Center in Fairfax shows the man berating women as they leave… Read More »
A Closer Look at Reckless Driving in Virginia
Reckless driving, which is more serious than a regular traffic ticket in most states, is especially serious in Virginia. In many cases, a simple speeding ticket in Maryland or D.C. is a criminal offense in Virginia, with severe short- and long-term consequences. Therefore, understanding how Virginia defines reckless driving, the penalties involved, and what… Read More »
Legislature Green-Lights Forensic Evidence Review
Officials will be conducting an extensive review of cases that may have involved biased or incompetent forensic work. Christina Barnes Arrington, senior methodologist with the commission, said in a presentation last week that the review panel’s members will evaluate the accuracy of Ms. Burton’s testing, analysis and testimony to determine — if possible —… Read More »
Will Your License Get Suspended for a DUI Arrest in Virginia?
Yes, in most cases, your license will get suspended following a DUI arrest in Virginia, frequently because of breath test refusal. Although drivers have a right to refuse to provide a chemical sample, since Virginia is an implied consent state, withdrawing that consent has consequences. Much more commonly, the ALS process also applies to… Read More »
