Virginia takes trespassing seriously. As a coastal state with miles of farmland, we have a number of statutes addressing trespassing on all kinds of property. We’re going to look at just a few key statutes here. Signage isn’t always required People often believe that...
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Criminal Defense
What happens to confiscated illegal drugs?
When the police catch someone in possession of prohibited drugs or controlled substances for which they do not have a prescription, they will usually seize those drugs at the same time that they arrest the individual who possessed them. Often, what law enforcement...
Should you choose “house arrest” if you’re given the option?
The fact that many of our nation’s jails and prisons are seriously overcrowded can work to your advantage if you’re pleading guilty or have been found guilty of a nonviolent crime and aren’t determined to be a danger to the community. In Virginia, you may qualify for...
Can drinking too much play a role in your defense strategy?
When someone has too much to drink, they may wake up the next morning with a fierce sense of regret and a powerful hangover. Occasionally, the consequences of intoxication will include an arrest and criminal charges. People might make poor decisions after having too...
Do you understand the repercussions of jumping bail?
If you are indicted and charged with certain offenses, you may be freed on bail during the trial period. However, it is important to understand that bail comes with a set of conditions. And one of these is attending your court dates without fail. Failing to show up in...
When is it legal for the police to search your body?
You have the right to a certain expectation of privacy up to a certain point, even when interacting with law enforcement officers or subject to an investigation. There are limits to how aggressively the police can search you when they suspect that you may have broken...
Have you been accused of the spoliation of evidence?
If you’ve been accused of a crime, investigators may have searched your house for evidence. They may be trying to gather as much as they can to determine if you’re actually guilty or not. They already feel that they have some evidence if they’ve made the arrest, but...
Can the police go through your vehicle?
During a traffic stop, one of the things you should watch out for is a police officer who is attempting to get into your vehicle. They might ask you nicely if they can take a look inside your vehicle or if you have anything in the vehicle that you’d like them to get...
What happens when someone invites the police inside?
To search your property, police will typically need a warrant. They can also search or enter a property when they have probable cause to suspect a crime in progress. Police officers without the proper legal permission or justification to enter a property won't be able...
Bite mark analysis: The junk science some courts still accept
You have probably heard that bite marks match people’s teeth. If they bite someone, then those bites should be able to be lined up with their dental records. Interestingly, this is what some would call “junk science.” While it was thought of as a helpful tool in the...
