How serious is a criminal conviction when you’re a parent seeking custody of your child? Very serious. Any criminal conviction on your record could impact your ability to retain custody of your child. A conviction could even result in the court depriving you of all...
Criminal Defense
Your Miranda rights: Do they have to be read to you?
If you have ever watched a police drama, you've probably heard what happens when a police officer finally arrests the suspect. Handcuffs are slapped on, and the officer begins with, "You have the right to remain silent," as they read a suspect their Miranda rights....
What’s a Section 1001 violation?
You would never go out of your way to impede a federal investigation -- but having detectives show up at your door threw you for an emotional loop. In your panic, you didn’t exactly lie about what you know -- but you weren’t entirely truthful, either. You obfuscated...
Contesting witnesses and evidence can be difficult in a trial
Contesting evidence can be a precursor to obtaining a not guilty verdict when criminal cases go to trial in Virginia. Even when criminal defense lawyers have discussed the case with the prosecutor and there is questionable evidence, the jury makes the final...
Can you record the police during a traffic stop?
If a Virginia police officer believes that you have violated state law, he or she may conduct a traffic stop. As a general rule, you have the right to capture footage of the interaction between yourself and the officer who conducts the stop. You should inform the...
What is larceny in Virginia?
Larceny is the legal term used in Virginia for what you (and most other people) might call theft. It means taking something without the owner’s permission and not intending to give it back. Virginia law splits larceny into two main categories: Petit larceny and grand...
What should you say if the police want to search your house?
Everyone has rights in the state of Virginia when the police are knocking at the door. You might have to let the police inside, but you don't have to answer any questions. Here's what you should do if the police show up on your doorstep. What should you tell the...
Assault and battery in Virginia: What defendants need to know
When people use the term “assault and battery,” they often treat the words as if they were interchangeable -- but they’re not. Assault is the act of making threats of bodily harm in such a way that the victim truly fears for their safety. A battery involves actually...
Why would anyone consider a plea deal?
People who are facing criminal charges have a lot of things to think about as part of their defense. One of these is whether they want to plead guilty or not guilty. As part of that decision, they’ll have to consider whether they want to try to work out a plea deal...
Crimes can also be committed by law enforcement
White-collar crime is clearly an area of criminal behavior that has seen an increase in cases during the past two decades. People who have the authority to handle corporate or government financial resources can easily be caught improperly allocating those funds, if...
