Assault is a serious crime to be accused of. The penalties are often harsh, and there is a risk that you could be fined or imprisoned in some cases. While simple assault or assault and battery are just Class I misdemeanors, even that carries a potential mandatory...
Month: December 2016
Can you refuse a breath test during a Virginia traffic stop?
If a police officer suspects that you have had too much to drink before driving, they might ask you to perform a field sobriety test. If they question your performance on that test, they might then have probable cause to request a chemical breath test. The testing...
3 reasons you may face prescription drug charges in VA
Because a physician prescribes them, you may assume that medical drugs are legal drugs and basically safe. However, many types of medications are highly addictive and may have destructive side effects. Additionally, state and federal law considers certain types of...
When can authorities search a car without a warrant?
Knowing your rights when law enforcement officials stop your car may go a long way toward helping you avoid legal trouble. A Virginia traffic stop may lead to anxiety and confusion, but the more you understand about your rights in this scenario, the better the chances...
Understanding the penalties for Virginia drug crimes
Virginia law establishes strict penalties for possessing, manufacturing and selling controlled substances. The consequences of a conviction vary based on the substance, the amount and other circumstances of the case. Review the drug penalties in Virginia before facing...
A clear-cut way to invoke your Miranda rights
You can probably recite the Miranda warning from memory. After all, in virtually all television police dramas, someone advises a criminal suspect of his or her rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present for police questioning. While knowing your Miranda...
Virginia governor signs juvenile justice reform bill
Victims of crimes have rights to help them through a bad experience. Suspects in crimes also have rights to protect the presumption of their innocence and other legal requirements in America. When it comes to suspects under the age of 18, there are several other...
Virginia decriminalizes simple possession of marijuana
Thousands of people have served time in Virginia jails and prisons after being accused and convicted of drug possession or other drug charges. Many more have been searched or investigated by law enforcement agencies on suspicion of drug charges. But that era may be...
Woman failed to appear in court before misdemeanor charges
If a criminal court in Virginia is calling you to show up, there are many reasons you may not want to do that. Some people may be sentenced to a jail term directly after a hearing or trial, which makes court the last stop before some time behind bars. But whatever the...
Breathalyzer tests often have weaknesses you can challenge
Receiving a drunk driving charge after failing a Breathalyzer test is a serious matter, and anyone with drunk driving charges should build a strong legal defense to keep their rights secure. Often, drunk driving charges lead to ongoing expenses and can make it...
