Criminal Defense

Every Virginian has seen it at least once in movies or TV shows: Police arrest a suspect, read them their Miranda rights and later take them to a tiny, windowless room down at the station for a lengthy interrogation. When you’re suspected of a felony, the situation...

When you find out that the state of Virginia intends to charge you with a crime, it is common to feel panicked. After all, prosecutors typically don't move forward with criminal charges unless they already believe they can likely win the case in court. When you know...

The warrant that the police get to search your home is based on their suspicions that you committed a certain crime. They need probable cause for the search, and the judge only issues a warrant if there is reason to do so. The warrant must also state what evidence...

If you take someone else's property without their permission, it’s always a crime -- but the terms “theft, burglary and robbery” each have distinct meanings under the law. Ordinary theft, or “larceny” in Virginia, is the most basic crime of the three. It basically...

If you've ever seen a movie or television show where someone gets arrested, you likely know that the right to an attorney or legal representation when facing criminal charges is one of your fundamental rights as an American citizen. That is why the right is included...

One of the biggest issues with the criminal justice system is that it’s dangerous to trust witnesses. They may think they know what happened, they may believe they know what they saw, and they may offer a testimony to the jury that is incredibly compelling. However,...

There are several things that a college student can do that are rather harmless. Staying up too late with friends and missing an occasional class usually aren’t big deals. College is for learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Mistakes are sometimes the...

College is a great time to discover yourself and make new friends. You may even take a romantic liking to someone and try to get their attention. While this is generally harmless, it’s possible for that person to consider your actions stalking. You may not intend to...

College is all about new experiences. But sometimes things get a little rowdy, and someone calls the police. They’re looking to contain things, and they do it by casting a wide net. Before you know it, the police arrest you for being in the wrong place at the wrong...

In Virginia, burglary and robbery are legally considered to be two different crimes. They are handled in unique ways, have separate requirements in order for a person to be accused of them, and will result in their own penalties if an individual is...