After repeated cases where citizens have accused police officers of violating civil rights and using excessive force, the Commonwealth of Virginia decided to establish further protections for its residents. In March 2021, a law went into effect that bans no-knock...
If law enforcement officers charge you with simple drug possession, then you can expect relatively moderate penalties from a conviction. If you stand accused of possession with the intent to distribute, however, you will likely face much harsher consequences. Where...
Young adults expect to have fun in college and look forward to making new connections through social and extracurricular organizations. Various fraternal groups include games and challenges for initiation, and this has been a practice for centuries. However, students...
Specific state and federal laws govern law enforcement's ability to search and seize property. If police seized your property without your consent, you should understand what constitutes lawful search and seizure and what does not. What is a seizure? Seizure is the...
Going through a divorce comes with a significant range of emotions. As you and your children navigate this challenging change, finding a new sense of normal can be difficult. Both you and your children will need support as you learn how to cope with the new changes in...
Before 2021, police officers needed a criminal conviction, failed drug test or evidence of neglecting certain standards of training to have their certifications revoked in Virginia. As a result, relatively few officers experienced this disciplinary action. However, in...
After enjoying just a drink or two, you might not think twice about getting behind the wheel. You might say to yourself that you do not feel drunk, or that the small risk of a traffic stop does not justify the cost of calling a cab. The fact is, however, that any...
Many jobs in Virginia require a background check before a business hires someone. That means they will search through a candidate's criminal history. Certain ones, known as barrier crimes, can deem you ineligible for various fields. That can limit employment...
There are many thoughts and emotions that will course through your mind when a police officer places you under arrest, and even more so when they bring you in for questioning. You might even say something incriminating in your panic or lash out in frustration. When it...
A conviction for driving while intoxicated or under the influence will negatively impact your life. You can face fines, jail time and loss of your license. Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) has partnered with ride-share operators to combat drunk driving in Virginia by...
