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...
Criminal Defense
What does it mean to be released on recognizance?
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...
What are the penalties for drug possession?
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...
Bail vs. bond: How do they work in Virginia?
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....
No-knock warrants are banned in Virginia
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...
Can the police search your hotel room?
When the police investigate a crime, they have to operate within the parameters of state and federal laws. Whether it is your home or a hotel room, the police have procedures to follow when searching your personal space. The Fourth Amendment protects you against...
What parents need to know about crime on campus
Generally speaking, a college campus is a safe place where your child can focus on getting a quality education. However, there are steps that the Virginia college student in your family should to take to minimize their risk of being involved in a crime. It's usually...
How possible is police reform in Virginia?
Recently, Virginia democrats moved toward police reform advancement during a special legislative meeting. However, GOP legislators assert that police reform proposals are detrimental to law enforcement. Although there are a few exceptions, police groups are in support...
The need for police reform in Virginia
Many states across the country advocate for police reform, including Virginia, and state legislators are working to develop a reform plan for law enforcement. This is especially true when considering how criminal law treats non-violent crimes such as drug use. What is...
Court protects freedom of expression in Virginia cop case
There is little doubt that many Portsmouth drug arrests have their genesis in traffic stops. While there are many valid reasons to stop a driver who has driven through a red light, driven the wrong direction on a one-way street, exceeded the speed limit and so on,...