It’s not uncommon for multiple people to be charged with committing the same criminal act. From a “white collar” offense like money laundering to a “street crime” like theft or dealing drugs, two or more people are often involved. Prosecutors often like to try...
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The police do not have to be honest with you
If the police are questioning you or interrogating you, even if it’s just a traffic stop, remember that they do not have to be honest with you. They don’t have to tell you the truth. They can make things up or even lie as a means to manipulate you. For instance, a...
What is the fruit of the poisonous tree?
The fruit of the poisonous tree is a legal concept referring to how evidence needs to be gathered. If this is done incorrectly, that evidence can then become “poisoned.” This may mean that it cannot be used in court. For example, say that police officers do not have a...
Is Virginia a ‘stand your ground’ state?
We all think we know how we would react in a life-threatening situation. Out of the three - fight, flight or freeze, we tend to believe we would fight with deadly force. However, we need to understand the laws that govern our right to self-defense. Otherwise, we might...
Understanding the criminal consequences of hazing in Virginia
News stories about young people who have died as the result of hazing incidents in college – most of them young men – have seemingly become more common in recent years. Some have been here in Virginia. Many states, including ours, have enacted hazing laws to try to...
Pranks that can get juveniles into legal trouble
Teenagers tend to like pushing the boundaries. It’s natural for adolescents to go out with friends and have a laugh. Nonetheless, the line between fun acts and unlawful acts can be quite thin sometimes. Countless teenagers have found themselves facing charges due to...
Organized retail theft isn’t “shoplifting”
Thefts from retailers of all types and sizes have gotten out of control throughout the country – including here in Virginia. They’ve gone far beyond “shoplifting” and become organized, brazen and sometimes violent – as well as highly costly. Often, they involve large...
2 ways to avoid a criminal record in Virginia
The consequences of a criminal conviction in Virginia can be life-altering not just because of a criminal sentence handed down by the courts but also because of the criminal record that a conviction or guilty plea inspires. The state will report the record of...
Do not admit anything when talking to the police
A police officer pulls you over. They ask for your license and registration, which you know that you’re required to give them. You provide them with the proper documentation. But then the officer starts asking you questions. Should you answer them? Are you obligated...
When might you be grateful for police mistakes?
While it’s wise to treat the police with respect, you need to realize that they are as prone to mistakes in their work as anyone else. Unfortunately, police mistakes can have serious repercussions for other people. Fortunately, discovering police mistakes could help...