Category Archives: Criminal Defense
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 »
DUI Jail Release in Loudon County: A Primer
Most law enforcement offices in Northern Virginia have mandatory DUI arrest policies. If officers have probable cause to believe a driver is impaired, they must arrest that driver and take him/her to jail. The days of “go forth and sin no more” DUI warnings are gone. So, jail release is always part of the… Read More »
Jury Acquittal In Complex DWI Case
On April 8, 2026, William “Ben” Mann, Esq., secured a jury acquittal in a highly unusual and complex DWI case—demonstrating the importance of experienced, strategic defense counsel when the stakes are high. The case arose on February 25, 2025, in the area of One Loudoun. Deputies observed a vehicle strike a median, causing a… Read More »
Challenging DUI Chemical Test Results in Court
Many people believe if they fail a breath or blood test, they’re automatically guilty of DUI. This belief is not entirely misplaced. The conviction rate in blood test cases is over 90 percent. The conviction rate in breath test cases is not much lower (around 80 percent in most jurisdictions). Although these numbers are… Read More »
What to Expect in an Ordinary Assault Case
Eventually, most defendants can expect an out-of-court settlement in an ordinary assault case. Over 95 percent of criminal cases settle out of court. However, “eventually” can be a long time, because a settlement is a process, not a result. Furthermore, it’s important to consider not only the direct effects, but the collateral effects as… Read More »
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 »
