Portsmouth Legal Blog
Could I face drug charges if I report an overdose?
The past two decades have seen a dramatic rise in overdose fatalities in the U.S., especially deaths related to opioid use. The CDC reports that more than 70,000 Americans died of an overdose in 2017, and there are 192 such fatalities in the U.S. each day. ...
Understanding the involuntary commitment of drug users to rehab
Virginia allows for the involuntary commitment of a person to drug abuse rehab centers. Like most states, Virginia has laws that establish criteria for whether an individual can be involuntarily committed for either mental health treatment or drug rehabilitation....
Avoid a DWI charge this holiday season
With the holidays coming up, you might find yourself indulging in a few drinks at a bar, casual get-together or holiday party. But if you choose to get behind the wheel afterwards, your decision to drink and drive can have major consequences. Virginia DWI penalties...
Coparenting relationships require effort from the parents
Coparenting is an excellent arrangement for many divorced parents, but it only works if you can put the past behind you and focus on the children. This type of agreement won't always be easy to handle and it's important to plan for disagreements. Always remember that...
When can police enter your Virginia home?
The freedom from unreasonable searches and seizure of your property is one of the most basic rights you have as an American. That is why it is in the Fourth Amendment to our Constitution as part of the Bill of Rights. Unfortunately, if people do not understand the way...
Probable cause and electronic information
When Virginia police officers want to search a suspect's home, car or possessions, they generally must first obtain a search warrant, and the judges who issue these warrants only do so when they are presented with probable cause to believe that useful evidence will be...
Power of attorney may be your most important legal document
While most of us would prefer not to think about it, a person’s cognitive abilities decline as they age. Once we reach an age where we can no longer manage our financial and medical affairs, we need someone we trust to step in and help make those decisions. That is...
The first step in estate planning is often the hardest
For many Virginia residents who realize the importance of creating an estate plan, getting started is often the most difficult step. The reluctance to face the harsh reality of one's ultimate death is certainly a factor, but there are other considerations as well. One...
False confessions and ignored evidence in high-profile cases
Police officers in Virginia and around the country are often put under great pressure to make an arrest when the cases they investigate attract a lot of media attention. A study published in the Northeastern University Law Review suggests that this pressure results in...
Good reasons to start estate planning immediately
Virginia residents and others may put off creating an estate plan for various reasons. However, it is generally a good idea to put one into place before getting sick of experiencing other significant life events. Significant life events include the birth of a child or...
