If you or a loved one are diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder, or are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, the involuntary commitment process in Virginia is vitally important to … [Read more...]
Appeals in Virginia Criminal Cases
On January 1, 2022, one of the largest shifts in criminal law occurred in the Commonwealth. For the first time since its inception in 1985, all criminal cases that are appealed to the Court are … [Read more...]
Reckless Driving in Virginia: High Speed Reckless Driving
Over the past two years, jurisdictions in Central Virginia have seen a sharp increase in high speed reckless driving cases. Numbers like 140 mph on the highways of central Virginia were never seen, … [Read more...]
Mental Health and Criminal Law, Part Two.
In our last post, we looked at the insanity defense in Virginia. For most of the legal history of our Commonwealth, the insanity defense was the only defense available for those suffering from mental … [Read more...]
Mental Health and Criminal Law, Part One.
The criminal justice system has a very bright line rule about mental health and criminal responsibility. As long as crime has been around, the defense of not guilty by reason of insanity has been … [Read more...]
Bail and Bond in Virginia
If you are arrested in Virginia, whether on a misdemeanor or a felony, the first thought is will I be released? Or do I have to sit in jail until my case is heard. That depends on a lot of factors, … [Read more...]
Probation Reform Update
It has been six months since Virginia law changed regarding probation violations, and there are still more questions than answers as to the application of this law. A few things have become clear … [Read more...]
Firearm Restoration in Virginia
It is common knowledge that when you are convicted of a felony in Virginia, you lose the right to purchase and possess a firearm. This includes not only handguns, but also shotguns and hunting … [Read more...]
Protective Orders in Virginia
Thinking of filing for a protective order? There are a few things to know before heading to file. In the state of Virginia, there are three (3) types of protective orders: emergency protective order … [Read more...]
Don’t Let Go of That Balloon!
Effective July 1st, 2021, the Virginia legislature has passed a bill making it a civil penalty for anyone over the age of sixteen (16) to knowingly release a non-biodegradable balloon. Any person 16 … [Read more...]