Category Archives: Criminal Defense
DUI Penalties in Virginia: Breaking it Down
Until around 1990, DUI laws in Virginia and most other states were quite weak. In fact, DUI was basically an enhanced traffic ticket. Furthermore, because of the way the law was worded, DUIs were hard to prove in court. For these reasons, DUI enforcement was weak as well. Today, things are different. The laws… Read More »
Sterling Carjacking Suspect in Custody
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with a carjacking that killed a 54-year-old woman. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a carjacking in the 21000 block of Towncenter Plaza. Authorities said the victim and car owner, a 54-year-old Maryland woman, was struck by the stolen vehicle as the suspect fled the scene. She was… Read More »
What Happens in a Weapons Possession Case?
Most weapons possession cases, and other criminal cases, settle out of court. PLea bargains were almost unheard of in 1900, somewhat common by 1950, and very common by 2000. Today, fewer than 5 percent of criminal cases go to trial. These resolutions avoid the uncertainty and drama of a trial. However, as outlined below,… Read More »
Trump Burglary Suspect On the Loose
Loudoun County law enforcement agencies are looking for a white man who broke into the Trump 2024 campaign headquarters in Ashburn. The LCSO was contacted about the burglary yesterday at approximately 9:00 pm and deputies responded. The investigation is ongoing, and the LCSO has video surveillance of the suspect. He is a white adult… Read More »
Online Sex Solicitation Sting Nabs Six People
Officials arrested a half-dozen men between the ages of 23 and 66 who allegedly tried to have sexual relations with who they believed to be an underage girl. According to the Sheriff’s Office, all six individuals chatted online with “girls.” Several committed additional offenses, such as a child pornography offense or attempting to meet… Read More »
Family Member Fumes Over Mental Health Laws
A judge ruled a man accused of a fatal stabbing was unrestorably incompetent and therefore unable to stand trial. The alleged victim’s son called that ruling “overwhelmingly wrong.” At the time, the alleged victim was living at an assisted living facility that cared for people with mental health conditions. Immediately after his arrest, the… Read More »
Domestic Violence in Criminal and Civil Court
Most Americans have a very complex view of domestic violence, mostly depending on their gender and ethnicity. The method of communication is important as well. Civil and criminal domestic violence laws, however, apply equally to everyone. Police officers usually aren’t too concerned about disputes they see as civil matters. Domestic violence is an exception…. Read More »
Community Center Worker Faces Sex Crime Charges
Fairfax County officials arrested a 23-year-old woman who allegedly had an “illicit relationship” with a teenager who attended the center. The investigation began in early April 2024 after other center employees said they noticed an inappropriate relationship between the man and the teenager. Police arrested the man on April 20 on four counts of… Read More »
If Drugs Were in the Car, Am I Guilty of Possession?
Not necessarily. Proximity is the major element in a Section 18.2-250 or related matter. However, it’s only one of three elements of possession. The other two are outlined below. The state must establish all three elements beyond any reasonable doubt. So, essentially, prosecutors must amass an overwhelming amount of evidence on each point. Two… Read More »
What Happens After I Plead Guilty to a DUI?
For one thing, after you plead guilty to a DUI, the bills keep coming. In most cases, these individuals must obtain high-risk SR-22 insurance and keep it for at least three years. SR-22 insurance is usually at least three times higher than other forms of auto insurance. So, if your auto insurance is already… Read More »
