While most people think college is a continuation of high school, there is more to it. College unveils a world full of opportunities to try and experience new things. It also allows students to explore their options and live independently. Unfortunately, this is where...
Drug Crimes
What are the legal risks of buying or selling study drugs?
College students under pressure to succeed often begin using study drugs, believing it will improve their grades. Since many others on campus freely take these drugs, most feel they are safe and not a serious legal issue. When prescribed by a physician and taken as...
Can Virginia’s overdose immunity law protect you?
When someone suffers a drug overdose, emergency treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, those who are with a person who appears to be overdosing are often afraid to call for help because they’re in possession of illegal drugs and don’t...
How unreliable drug field tests cause false arrests
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...
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...