A criminal conviction in Virginia can have consequences that go far beyond fines and jail time. The immediate penalties are often just the beginning of a much longer struggle that affects many aspects of life. Criminal convictions present challenges that last for...
Social media is a big part of our lives today, but what you post online can have serious legal consequences. It's important to understand how social media can impact legal proceedings. Defamation on social media Defamation means making false statements that harm...
When we think about drug addiction, we focus on the legal aspects of it—the crimes and punishments associated with drugs. However, most resources do not shed enough light on the root causes of addiction—what makes it tick, what science says about its causes and what...
A conviction for driving under the influence can cast a long shadow on your life. It affects your ability to secure employment and pursue various opportunities. However, there is a chance for a new beginning through the process of expungement. This process allows...
The Roanoke Times reported that drug arrests went down from 2021 to 2022 by 8.8% in Virginia. While that is good news, many individuals will still face charges. One of the confusing elements of the drug laws in the state is distinguishing between drug possession and...
Following a public outcry over numerous highly-publicized incidents of police brutality, addressing problematic behavior among law enforcement officers is becoming a priority. As a result, Virginia leads a growing list of states holding officers accountable for...
If a law enforcement officer arrests you, you may get a release on recognizance prior to your trial. This means that you can leave jail based on your own level of trustworthiness, and do not have to pay bail. Here is some of what it means to receive a release on...
WVEC reports U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized 16.5 pounds of cocaine from a ship docked at the Port of Norfolk. The CBP estimated the value of the contraband at $225,000. The drug trade continues to be a reality of life on Virginia soil. What may be the...
While many people use the words bond and bail interchangeably, they actually have different meanings. Virginia state law has established legal definitions of these terms. Review the details about bail vs. bond if you or a loved one faces criminal charges in the state....
Virginia no longer allows law enforcement officials to use no-knock warrants. This new measure occurred in conjunction with several other police reform measures, and it went into effect as of March 1, 2021. According to ABC 8 News, Virginia is now the third state in...
