Fairfax Legal Blog

Any drug charge has the potential to be a serious legal problem for a Virginia resident. Readers are encouraged to use the information provided in this post as a starting point for learning about their criminal defense options to such criminal allegations but are reminded that this post does not offer legal advice. Readers should consult with their attorneys for case-specific strategies for overcoming their legal dilemmas.

A charge of drug possession alleges that a person had on their person or under their control a substance that has been deemed illegal under the law. One of the most basic defenses that an individual may be able to assert is mistake. If a law enforcement official makes an error in the identification of a substance as an illegal drug, then it may be possible for the individual to have their charges dropped.

Readers of this Fairfax-based legal blog may know that the penalties residents can face for alleged drunk driving charges and accidents are heavy. The loss of one's driving privileges, jail time and fines can all befall a person who is convicted of a DUI charge. Now, though, there is a movement in the Commonwealth to increase the penalties for individuals who are convicted of drunk driving charges that involve accidents and injuries.

At present a person can be charged with a felony if they are allegedly drunk and cause an accident that inflicts significant permanent damage on a victim. A felony charge is not a mandate, but under a new bill proposal it would be. For example, a driver who is allegedly drunk and who causes a victim to suffer significant permanent damage would be charged with a Class 4 felony.

In the months and years following a divorce, many parents find it difficult to know when to protect their parenting time and when to practice flexibility. Some parents allow too much flexibility in their shared parenting time and miss valuable experiences with their children, while others may not allow for events beyond the other parent's control.

Most parents understand that the time they spend with their children is precious and once it is gone, they cannot replace it. Protecting parenting rights is important, especially if one parent's behavior takes away time from the other parent. Depending on the circumstances and impact on parenting time, bad behavior like this may require the help of the court.

Getting into an altercation can be physically painful and legally problematic. Depending upon how a law enforcement official interprets the events of a fight, a Virginia resident may find themselves facing serious assault or battery charges. A conviction on such a criminal accusation can have lasting effects on a person's record and may impact their future in a negative way.

It is therefore in the interests of criminal defendants to offer defenses to the allegations that have been made against them. When a person is charged with assault or battery they may be able to assert self-defense as an explanation for the facts surrounding their charges. A claim of self-defense generally requires that several elements be proven in order to be successful at trial.