Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Loudoun County Authorities Charge Virginia Woman with Child Endangerment & DUI
Local authorities in Loudoun County arrested a Virginia woman and charged her with child endangerment and DUI, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to an automotive accident on August 1st at approximately 10 p.m. When deputies arrived at the scene near City Center Boulevard and Harry… Read More »

Virginia Man Arrested & Charged for Construction Site Thefts
Multiple state law enforcement agencies collaborated to arrest a Virginia man for the theft of approximately $170,000 in construction site materials, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. After receiving reports of stolen materials from several construction companies in the Dulles South Station region, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Prince William County… Read More »

Virginia Drug Crimes: Possession vs. Possession with Intent
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a drug crime to possess a controlled substance. It is also illegal to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Despite the apparent similarities between these offenses, they are actually punishable as separate crimes. It is important to note that Virginia has separate laws for marijuana…. Read More »

When Does Failing to Signal Become Reckless Driving in Virginia?
On roads and highways across the Commonwealth of Virginia, drivers are required to use vehicle signals to indicate when they will turn, slow down, or stop. Any driver who disregards these requirements can face criminal charges for reckless driving. If convicted, a reckless driving offender can face prison time and severe criminal fines. Required… Read More »

Repeat DUI Offender Arrested After Fleeing Virginia Police
A Virginia man faces criminal charges after attempting to elude police officers while also driving drunk, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. Official statements say this will be his fourth DUI offense. On Tuesday, July 14th, at approximately 3 a.m., police officers attempted to execute a traffic stop near Loudoun County Parkway… Read More »

Loudoun County Police Arrest Virginia Men for Assault & Attempted Robbery
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Virginia men after an alleged assault and attempted robbery, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This incident occurred in Ashburn on July 4th. At approximately 10:30 p.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to the victim’s call from the 43000 block of Van Metre Drive. According to the… Read More »

Virginia Institutes New Rules for Careless & Reckless Driving
On July 1, 2020, several new Virginia laws took effect, creating rules against careless driving and increasing the penalty for certain reckless driving offenses, according to an article by NBC12. More specifically, Senate Bill 437 instituted rules against careless driving to protect “vulnerable road users.” At the same time, House Bill 885 increased the… Read More »

Marijuana Possession Officially Decriminalized in Virginia
As of July 1, 2020, possession of marijuana is officially decriminalized and technically no longer a drug crime under Virginia law, according to an article by NBC12. The new laws should have an immediate impact, as studies indicate 29,000 arrests were made in Virginia for possession of marijuana in 2018. The new laws concerning… Read More »

New Virginia Law Adjusts Ignition Interlock Rules for DUI Offenders
A new Virginia law will relax the ignition interlock system requirements for first-time DUI offenders. Certain provisions of the new law took effect on July 1, 2020. Other provisions will not take effect until July 1, 2021. Officially referred to as Senate Bill 439, this new measure changed the conditions for a restricted driving… Read More »

What is the Virginia Difference Between Drug Distribution & Trafficking Crimes?
The Commonwealth of Virginia has laws against and penalties for numerous drug crimes, including distribution and trafficking. Although these offenses are both felonies, they are defined and punished separately under Virginia law. Drug Distribution Crimes Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248 makes it unlawful to distribute, manufacture, sell, or gift illegal drugs. This section also… Read More »