LYNCHBURG CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG
Can you become a nurse with a felony?
You have always wanted to be a nurse, so the fact that you were recently arrested on felony charges has you thinking more about the future ramifications than anything immediate. Beyond any jail time or fines, would that conviction keep you from following your dream?...
Wrong-way driver charged with DUI
A Virginia woman was taken into custody on drunk driving charges during the early morning hours of Sept. 9 after a Stafford County Sheriff’s Office deputy allegedly saw her driving the wrong way. The 38-year-old Manassas resident has also been charged with having an...
What is drug-impaired driving?
People usually associate an impaired driving charge with alcohol, but it’s also possible to face this charge if you’re impaired by drugs. There are many considerations for this so it’s imperative that anyone who is taking any types of drugs has a good understanding of...
Is ignorance of the law a defense?
You get arrested and you ask the officer why they’re arresting you. When they tell you, you’re shocked. You had no idea that what you did was even illegal. You didn’t mean to break the law. You were just ignorant of that law. Can you use this as a defense? Generally...
Misdemeanor convictions create roadblocks just like felony convictions do
Many people mistakenly believe that racking up a misdemeanor conviction is not that big of a deal, especially if they never had to serve any time. They may eagerly jump at the plea bargains offered by the prosecution and plead guilty without ever really considering...
Possible defenses to voluntary manslaughter charges
If convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Virginia, you could face up to 10 years in prison. If charged, you need to consider the defenses available to you. What does voluntary manslaughter mean? If you kill someone, the law has to decide why and how you killed them....
Roadside drug tests can be flawed
If you are a criminal defendant in Virginia facing a drug charge, you should be aware that flawed roadside drug tests have resulted in numerous defendants having their convictions tossed. If the police arrested you on the basis of this test being administered to a...
Why it is vital to fight a DUI charge
If you have been stopped by the police and accused of drunk driving, you may decide to let it slide. If you have a busy life, you may consider it is the least of your worries. Or, you may have such a lack of faith in the system that you believe fighting a charge is...
When do you need a firearm permit in Virginia?
For most adults, owning a firearm is a basic constitutional right. However, states around the country have placed certain rules or restrictions on the ownership, use and carrying of certain firearms. A common rule involves the requirement to secure a permit for the...
Am I free to go? (What to know when dealing with a police stop)
One of the most important questions that you can ask a police officer who has stopped you is whether or not you are free to go. Their answer helps dictate where the conversation is going to go, as well. If the police are detaining you or arresting you, they have to...
