Mental Health Defenses to Crimes: Know the Differences

Facing criminal charges, especially when involving mental health conditions like autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities, can be overwhelming and … [Read more...]

Driver Privilege Card in Virginia

  A new change to Virginia law allows non-U.S. citizens to qualify for a Driver Privilege Card, which functions as a driver's license exclusively for non-U.S. citizens. This card grants … [Read more...]

Major Change to Virginia’s “Move Over Law”

Most Virginia drivers are familiar with VA Code § 46.2-861.1. “Drivers to yield right-of-way or reduce speed when approaching stationary vehicles displaying certain warning lights on highways”, … [Read more...]

Involuntary Commitment Hearings in Virginia

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...]