People facing criminal charges typically need to enter a plea in response to the state’s allegations. Most people choose to either plead guilty to avoid a trial or not guilty to prove their innocence. Sometimes, neither of those options works particularly well for...
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Criminal Defense
Can having an unloaded firearm in your car get you arrested?
Keeping a firearm in your vehicle may seem straightforward, especially if the weapon is not loaded. Virginia law does not treat every situation the same, though, and the wrong combination of circumstances during a routine traffic stop could lead to criminal charges....
Can your landlord let police search your unit without a warrant?
You come home to find that police searched your apartment while you were away and your landlord is the one who let them in. It might feel like there is nothing you can do since the landlord owns the property. But the law draws a firm line between property ownership...
Misdemeanor vs felony in Virginia: What the difference means
If you or a loved one faces criminal charges in Virginia, you likely want to know if the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. This distinction determines potential jail time, fines and how a conviction affects your future. Understanding these categories is the first...
Is it reckless driving if the streets are empty?
The logic seems sound: if there are no other cars on the road and no pedestrians on the sidewalk, the risk of harm is effectively zero. But the legal definition of "reckless disregard" often operates independently of actual consequences. Understanding how a prosecutor...
Can my boss let the police search my work computer?
You likely spend more time at your work computer than at your own kitchen table. You save personal passwords, draft private emails and store sensitive files on company hardware. Many employees treat their office workstation like a personal sanctuary. The law often...
Can Virginia police take your trash to search for evidence?
When you roll your trash bin to the curb, are you also rolling away your privacy rights? Police searches of discarded garbage are a common tactic used to build probable cause and secure warrants for homes. If you are confronting criminal charges, it is crucial to...
Can a misdemeanor take away my right to bear arms?
Compared to a felony, a single misdemeanor conviction can seem minor. However, certain offenses can take away your Second Amendment rights under both federal and Virginia law. If you are facing or living with a past conviction, understanding these rules can help you...
Can an attorney help if a defendant has already confessed?
Police officers questioning individuals often try to pressure people into confessing. If an individual admits they broke the law, the prosecutor's job becomes much simpler. The case may not go to trial, and sentencing may become the main focus. Not all confessions...
What is exhibition driving?
Virginia has incredibly thorough traffic statutes. There are an assortment of dangerous choices that can lead to reckless driving allegations. The state can prosecute people who engage in street racing or who drive at freeway speeds in a residential neighborhood. The...
