Virginia has strict regulations and penalties regarding illegal drug use. This includes prescription medicine abuse. According to Virginia Rules, almost two million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 unlawfully use prescription pills. Adults also abuse them....
Criminal Defense
Can police use facial recognition software for probable cause?
Police must have probable cause to get a search warrant from a judge or make an arrest. This means that police must have a valid reason to think a person committed a crime before they can take these actions. As facial recognition technology becomes more common, the...
Sharing prescription medications may lead to drug charges
Many people assume that, because they have a medical use, prescription drugs are “legal drugs.” However, federal and state laws consider many medications controlled substances. Just as with illegal drugs like marijuana or methamphetamine, possessing or sharing another...
New VA law prohibits traffic stops for minor safety violations
In March 2021, a new Virginia law went into effect that prohibits law enforcement officers from making traffic stops for certain minor offenses. While some Virginians have expressed concern over how the law may affect public safety, many who support the measure...
Understanding the basics of constructive possession
You do not have to have illegal substances directly on your person to be in danger of possession charges. If you are in a vehicle with another individual who does have drugs, police may arrest you. This applies even if you were previously unaware of the unlawful...
Doctor shopping may lead to criminal consequences
If you have acute or chronic pain from a back injury, you may rely on prescription pain medication to get through your day. Unfortunately, if you take certain opioids or other substances, your body is likely to adapt over time. Eventually, you may need to take more...
Know your rights when communicating with authorities
You have certain rights when you interact with law enforcement officials, and understanding what these rights are may help you avoid conflict and, in some cases, even criminal charges. The rights you have when communicating with authorities vary based on where they...
Breaking down your Miranda rights
You have probably heard about Miranda rights. They often come up in movies and television shows about law enforcement. Many people, even though who have never been under arrest, have some knowledge of the Miranda warning. This warning is more than a classic Hollywood...
Is a misdemeanor a big deal for those accused?
Misdemeanors aren't always a big deal in your daily life, and you could even get one for petty offenses like trespassing or loitering. While they're not particularly serious crimes, there is a risk that you could be found guilty and face penalties that affect you now...
Understanding aiding and abetting
Aiding and abetting is a charge used when a person is accused of helping another person commit a crime in some way. Usually, the person charged with this will not have been at the scene of the criminal act when it took place. Instead, it will be a person who had...
