Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Does Virginia Define & Penalize Stalking?
The Virginia Criminal Code establishes a blanket prohibition against repeated contact of an unwanted nature. Referred to legally as stalking, this crime does not always feature actual violence. Similar to assault, stalking places a victim in reasonable fear of potential violence. What is the Virginia Definition of Stalking? Code of Virginia Section 18.2-60.3 defines… Read More »
School Bus Driver Charged With DUI In Virginia
A D.C. school bus driver faces criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Virginia, according to an article by NBC News. Nine children sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident. Police reports indicate that the bus driver was transporting 44 children and nine adults on a field trip… Read More »
How Does Virginia Classify Substances For Drug Crimes?
Drug crimes under Virginia law are not created as equals. Depending on the type of drug in question — referred to legally as controlled substances — charges for possession or distribution crimes can vary wildly. The penalties for drug crimes involving more dangerous substances like heroin or cocaine are more severe than offenses involving… Read More »
Federal Court Sentences Virginia Man For Drug Distribution Crimes
A U.S. federal judge sentenced a Virginia man to five years in prison for various drug distribution crimes, according to a press release from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Official reports indicate that the Virginia man engaged in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine from 2018 to 2020. To break this case, law enforcement… Read More »
Can I Drive On A License Suspended For Virginia DUI?
The Virginia Criminal Code imposes severe penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Within this sphere, DUI offenders are subject to various penalties in Virginia, including: (a) confinement in jail or prison, (b) criminal fines, and (c) driver’s license suspension or revocation. In most cases, DUI… Read More »
What Happens If I’m Charged With Reckless Driving In Virginia?
Reckless driving can come in many shapes and sizes in Virginia. Though there is a general definition under Code of Virginia Section 46.2-852. This offense occurs when a driver operates a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous fashion — thereby creating a risk of property damage, physical injury, or death. But Virginia law does… Read More »
Examining 3 Versions Of Forgery Under The Virginia Criminal Code
The Virginia Criminal Code categorizes forgery as a version of fraud. At a baseline level, forgery generally involves a false document or similar device. In certain cases, the mere creation of a false device can qualify as forgery. But the use of a forged document or device — knowing or having a reason to… Read More »
DUI Charges Filed Against Virginia State Police Trooper
A Virginia State Police trooper faces criminal charges for DUI and other offenses, according to an article by NBC12. After allegedly committing DUI on June 23 on Interstate 64, the trooper in question faces criminal charges for DUI, refusing a DUI test, and reckless driving. While legal developments in this matter continue to unfold,… Read More »
Examining 3 Virginia Drug Crimes Involving Minors & Schools
In the interest of protecting children from the dangers of controlled substances and cannabis, Virginia law criminalizes certain actions involving minors or schools. Although functionally similar to other drug crime laws, offenses involving minors or schools feature more severe penalties. To learn about these specific offenses, the following sections will examine three Virginia drug… Read More »
Reckless Driving Injures Virginia State Police Officer
A Virginia man faces reckless driving charges after allegedly crashing into and injuring a state trooper on Interstate 664, according to an article by 13News Now. This incident occurred on June 10 at approximately 8 a.m. At that point, a Virginia State Trooper was traveling on I-664 and stopped to assist a vehicle. While… Read More »