Author Archives: Jay Butchko

What Happens if I Refuse a DUI Test in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances and, thus, incapable of driving safely. Referred to legally as driving under the influence (DUI), any person who commits this offense in Virginia will face criminal charges and severe penalties. Upon the first or second offense,… Read More »

Virginia Men Arrested for Robberies in Sterling & Herndon
Law enforcement arrested two Virginia men in connection with felony robberies that occurred Sterling and Herndon, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the Town of Herndon Police Department to complete these arrests. According to official reports, the two men in question allegedly robbed a convenience… Read More »

Is Reckless Driving a Criminal Offense in Virginia?
Every year, across the Commonwealth of Virginia, reckless driving is the cause of many incidents of damage, harm, and injury. Accordingly, Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal offense, meaning that any person charged with reckless driving faces the real possibility of confinement and expensive fines. What is the General Rule Against Reckless… Read More »

Man Extradited to Virginia on Charges of Abduction in 2011
Law enforcement extradited a former Virginia resident from North Carolina to Loudoun County on felony charges of abduction, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The 40-year-old man in question faces abduction charges in a cold case that dates back to 2011. At that time, this man lived in Loudoun County with his… Read More »

Surveying Three Consequences of Reckless Driving in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits reckless driving and other forms of dangerous behavior on public roads and highways. As detailed in Code of Virginia Section 46.2-852, a person commits reckless driving if they operate a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers other people or property. Under Virginia law, there are misdemeanor and felony… Read More »

What is the Difference Between Adult & Underage DUI in Virginia?
Drunk driving is a particularly dangerous activity across the Commonwealth of Virginia, resulting in numerous instances of property damage, physical injury, and death each year. Depending on the age of the drunk driver and the amount of alcohol consumed, there are both underage and adult versions of DUI in Virginia. How Does Virginia Define… Read More »

Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crimes
A Virginia man pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges for drug crimes involving fentanyl that resulted in a death by overdose, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. According to court records, the Virginia man distributed fentanyl to an intermediary on October 7, 2019. The intermediary supplied the fentanyl to the buyer. Then… Read More »

Overview of Unlawful & Malicious Wounding Crimes in Virginia
Unlawful wounding and malicious wounding are variations of assault crimes under Virginia law. These crimes involve unlawful actions or malicious intent to inflict harm upon a victim. Consequently, Virginia assigns severe criminal penalties to unlawful and malicious wounding offenses, up to, and including, prison time as well as criminal fines. Unlawful Wounding The definition… Read More »

Can I Face Reckless Driving Charges for Speeding in Virginia?
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal offense that involves a risk of property damage, physical injury, or even death. While there is a general rule against reckless driving, there are also specific laws that qualify certain driving conduct as reckless driving, including unreasonable and excessive speeding. Any person who commits reckless driving will… Read More »

Can First-Time Drug Offenders Get a Reduced Sentence in Virginia?
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits various types of drug crimes, including, but not limited to, possession and distribution offenses. Upon conviction for a drug crime in Virginia, the offender is subject to serious criminal penalties. Significant time in jail or prison and expensive fines are common penalties in this context. That being said, Virginia… Read More »