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Cellphones and Driving in Virginia

As of January 1, 2021, holding a cellphone or any other electronic communication device while driving became illegal. This includes talking. If you want to talk while driving, you must use a handsfree device. If you’re using your phone as a GPS, it needs to be propped up, not in your hands. Primary and Secondary Offenses In traffic law, there are two kinds of offenses, primary and secondary. A ... Continue Reading

I’ve Been Accused of Shoplifting. What Now?

If you’ve been charged with a shoplifting crime, the authorities will try to make you believe that there’s nothing you can do. They will tell you that you’ve been caught “red-handed,” and that just going along with the charge is your best option. This is not true. Remember that the authorities have a constitutional obligation to assume you are innocent until proven guilty, not the other way ... Continue Reading

What Is Involuntary Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is a tricky charge to define. It involves taking another person’s life, but it also assumes that the killing was an accident. This is different from a murder charge in that the former is intentional, and the latter is not. The offender wanted the victim to die. Manslaughter accusations get confusing when they are further defined as “voluntary” and “involuntary.” If killing someone was ... Continue Reading

What Is Virginia’s Statute of Limitations on Embezzlement Crimes?

When a crime has been committed, there is usually a length of time the state will allow before it drops the case. This is referred to as the crime’s “statute of limitations.” Generally, the statute of limitations is in direct proportion to the severity of the crime. The law will try to find justice for a grizzly murder for as long as it is able. For shoplifting, it’s going to give up much sooner. ... Continue Reading