Criminal

There are some ways in which you can use marijuana in Virginia without breaking the law. For instance, perhaps you have a medical card for it and you're allowed to use it to treat specific ailments for which it is a recognized medical treatment. If you want to use...

You’re in pain, so seeking some kind of relief is understandable – but you’re encountering trouble finding anything that works. Worse, it’s even harder to find a doctor who is willing to give you actual pain medication, especially at the doses you need. The last...

You can have the best intentions in the world and still find yourself in legal trouble. Many people accidentally break laws that they don't fully understand or that they don't even know exist. One example of how this can happen is if you decide to share your...

If you’re looking at a potential jail sentence, you may have the option of what is commonly called “house arrest.” Virginia law refers to it as a “home/electronic incarceration program.” This option can often allow people to continue to work, go to school and care for...

Many residents of Virginia own firearms. But responsible firearm ownership also includes understanding the laws that govern the ownership, transportation, and use of firearms. Not following these rules may mean that you end up facing a weapons charge that could have...

Our state takes domestic violence very seriously, and anyone accused of assaulting or terrorizing a family member must be very careful not to end up in prison. Domestic violence cases differ from other run-of-the-mill violence cases because the alleged victim probably...

Virginia has long cracked down on distracted driving, and the state showed that it meant business this summer when it passed a bill to ban handheld devices, including cell phones, while driving. This law has only recently gone into effect in 2021, and some drivers...

Simple assault and battery are class 1 misdemeanors, which can net a person up to one year in jail, a fine (up to $2,500), and other penalties, such as restitution. However, when a defendant targets someone of a protected class, then they can see their penalties jump....

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has devastated communities throughout the country and around the world. As of April 14th, the Virginia Department of Health reports that nearly 6,200 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed—with more expected in the coming weeks. The fast spreading...

When a person is charged with a felony criminal offense, it is often clear whether it is a state or a federal offense. For example, on the one hand, if a person violates a state law of Virginia and does so completely within the bounds of the state—such as robbery in a...