Police officers tend to get a lot of deference in Virginia courts. Prosecutors and juries tend to presume that their procedures and court testimony are always reliable, honest and accurate. But then stories like the following arise that make the public question...
Big Valley Law Is Here For You
Drug Crimes
Can drug courts really benefit society and defendants?
Defendants in the criminal justice system sometimes have a drug addiction to battle with. This can lead them to participate in illegal activities. Because addiction is a mental health condition, these individuals often have trouble breaking the cycle of feeding their...
3 reasons people seek pretrial diversion through the drug courts
The Virginia drug courts offer a viable alternative for those accused of drug possession and other nonviolent offenses related to substance abuse. If an individual can connect their crime to addiction and meet all of the other requirements for drug court, they can...
Prescription drug crimes could get you in trouble with the law
When you think about drug charges, you probably imagine someone being charged for possessing an illegal substance. What you may not imagine is someone being charged for possessing prescription medications. If you have prescription medications that don’t belong to you...
Now that marijuana is legal in Virginia, what does it mean for me?
Marijuana possession became legal in Virginia on July 1, 2021. In addition to medical marijuana being available, you can now purchase it for recreational use. There are, however, some caveats to the law. Just like with alcohol use, a person must be 21 or over to...
What happens if you are convicted for cocaine possession or sale?
Cocaine remains an illegal substance in all American states and is a popular recreational drug among college students and others. If you get caught with cocaine in your possession, you can expect a swift response on the part of law enforcement. Prosecutors serving the...
The role of a confidential informant in drug cases
They say that crime doesn’t pay, but when it comes to confidential informants it does. Confidential informants are not employed by law enforcement, but they are paid. A confidential informant is a citizen that is paid by law enforcement to help make cases against...
What if you were exposed to secondary marijuana smoke?
Many college students smoke marijuana recreationally. You may not, but odds are that you know quite a few people who do. It is one of the most common drugs on campuses across America, after alcohol. If you’re around these individuals, could you theoretically get...
Could drug court be the solution you need in your life?
If you've been charged with a drug crime, could "drug court" offer you an unexpected solution to your problems? Local officials established the Harrison-Rockingham Drug Treatment Court in Dec. 2017. Many defendants convicted of drug-related offenses often faced...
Can your roommate give the police consent to search?
You’re young and -- now that you’re no longer living at home -- you’re excited about your newfound sense of agency and freedom. All that freedom can be lost in an instant, however, if the police end up inside the apartment or house you share with your roommates and...
