Most criminal cases do not make it to a trial. The vast majority are settled through plea deals. In other words, the defendant pleads guilty. Now, either the country is experiencing a wave of remorse where everyone owns up to their mistakes, or there is something that...
Criminal Defense
4 long-term consequences of a felony conviction
The repercussions of a felony conviction extend far beyond the immediate legal consequences. Individuals facing this situation encounter a web of challenges that can reshape their lives for years to come. 1. Employment opportunities One of the most challenging hurdles...
Releasing animals – harmless prank or punishable crime?
Livestock and poultry are kept to produce various products, while pets serve as companions to their owners. Humans domesticate animals for a variety of purposes. But some might find keeping animals cruel and could attempt to free the animals from captivity. Others...
Is it a crime to joke about a bomb threat?
Bomb threats are some of the most terrifying things anyone can experience. An explosive can cause both extensive property damage and injuries, and that’s not counting the panic and hysteria that a bomb threat can cause. This is why the authorities take all bomb...
Petit or grand larceny: Where does shoplifting fall under?
In Virginia, shoplifting has a broad definition. If you take unpaid merchandise from a store intending to defraud the store owner of the item's value, you’re shoplifting. Concealing goods on your person while still in-store is also shoplifting, and so is altering an...
Do you have to talk to the police when you are under arrest?
When an individual finds themselves under arrest, the situation can be frightening and confusing. One of the most common questions that arises is whether or not you have to talk to the police in this situation. You should always understand your rights and the...
What should you do if you suspect police planted drugs on you?
The trust you place in law enforcement is fundamental to the functioning of a just society. Unfortunately, there are instances where this trust gets shattered. One such disheartening situation is the suspicion of police planting evidence, such as drugs, on someone....
When can the police charge you with intent to distribute drugs?
The Virginia State Police reported that in 2022, they arrested over 13,000 people for drug-related crimes. Law enforcement in the state takes drug offenses seriously. If you or someone you know faces drug-related charges, you must understand the specific criteria and...
Can a passenger receive a drug possession charge?
When you get into another person's vehicle, even if they are a friend or loved one, you might not always know what they keep on their person or stowed away in the car itself. If you are a passenger during a traffic stop, though, you might watch as the police discover...
Do drug convictions impact financial aid eligibility?
When your child leaves home to attend school in Virginia or another part of the United States, you may count on him or her to act in a responsible manner. However, many college students “spread their wings” when they get that first taste of freedom, and in some cases,...