It is easy to make minor mistakes that result in major implications after an arrest. People frequently fail to make use of their civil rights while in state custody, and that failure can have major implications for someone's options when responding to criminal...
Criminal Defense
K9 units and DUI stops in Virginia
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Virginia, and law enforcement utilizes various tools to enforce DUI laws. One such tool is the K9 unit, a specially trained dog and handler team. When exactly can the police use a K9 during a vehicle search at...
Common examples of inadmissible evidence
Evidence is the most important aspect of any criminal case. The police obtain evidence for the prosecution that aims to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and the defense looks to create reasonable doubt by showing flaws in the evidence. Despite...
Can a roommate give the police permission to search a shared home?
There are numerous rules that limit the conduct of police officers. For example, the Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches of their property, and the courts have ruled on many cases clarifying what constitutes a reasonable search. For example,...
Can you get expelled from college if you commit a crime?
If you break the law while attending college, you may be worried that it’s going to hinder your academic career. After all, that education was a building block toward your eventual career in the workforce, and now all the plans that you’ve made could be derailed. Are...
What police misconduct might mean for the state’s evidence
An arrest does not automatically lead to criminal consequences. The state needs to prove that someone actually broke the law. That process typically involves formal arraignment or indictment, followed by a trial if the defendant pleads guilty. Prosecutors bringing...
If you are facing criminal charges, it’s time to get off social media
If you are like most American adults, you spend a fair bit of time on social media. However, for criminal defendants, using social media can have serious repercussions on their case. As a result, if you’re facing criminal charges, it’s important to stay off social...
What’s the point of a plea deal?
In the modern criminal justice system, plea bargains have become more common than trials – but that does not mean that they’re always the best route to take in every case. If you’ve been charged with a crime and are being offered a plea deal, here are several things...
What are the penalties for criminal conspiracy in Virginia?
An agreement between two or more individuals to commit a crime can lead to conspiracy charges, even if the intended crime is not completed. In the eyes of the law, it does not matter who is the ringleader or chief planner. All participants in the conspiracy can be...
Do you know your Miranda rights?
When it comes to legal procedures, knowledge is power. This couldn't be truer than when it comes to understanding your Miranda rights. If you're not entirely sure what your Miranda rights entail, you've come to the right place. Exploring your Miranda rights and why...