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...
Month: February 2017
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...
Opioids affect Virginians: Here’s how
Opioid abuse is a significant problem throughout Virginia. In 2017, 1,241 people died from drug overdoses that involved opioids. That's around 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people, which is just above the national average.One of the biggest issues is that the number of...
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...
When is the Miranda warning not required?
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you…." We've heard television cops played by everyone from Jack Webb to Ice-T read people their rights for decades. However, when you're the person being detained and questioned by...
How will a DUI affect you?
A DUI has serious implications for those who are accused. Whether you're 22 and just graduating from college or are in your 50s and looking to advance in your job, getting a DUI could put a hold on all of your plans. For a soon-to-be college graduate, there are many...
