Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Police Arrest Virginian man for DUI, Larceny & Property Damage
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Virginian man for alleged DUI, larceny, and property damage offenses, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on May 24th, sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a suspected theft near the 20000 block of Quiet Walk Terrace in Ashburn. The deputies were… Read More »
Virginia Child Pornography Charges Levied Against New York Man
A New York man faces felony charges for child pornography in Virginia after soliciting explicit photos from a minor, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The New York man allegedly used a fake social media profile to connect with a Virginian juvenile. After receiving several explicit photos, this man allegedly tried to… Read More »
Does Failing to Yield Right-of-Way Qualify as Reckless Driving in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, reckless driving is a traffic offense that prohibits certain types of dangerous driving behaviors. From a general standpoint, reckless driving occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle in a way that endangers other people or property. Any person who commits reckless driving in Virginia can face severe criminal punishment. On… Read More »
Virginia Ends Driver’s License Suspension for Drug Crimes
Under the terms of a newly signed law, Virginia will no longer suspend the driver’s license of certain people convicted of drug crimes, according to an article by The Washington Post. Before this new law became effective, Virginia featured relatively harsh policies for driver’s license suspension for nonpayment of certain fees. Officially referred to… Read More »
Does Virginia Require Driver’s License Suspension for DUIs?
In the interest of public health and safety, the Commonwealth of Virginia has stringent laws against driving under the influence (DUI). Virginia law does not discriminate between intoxication or impairment from alcohol or drugs. If a driver loses the ability to operate their vehicle safely due to alcohol or drugs, it can qualify as… Read More »
How Does Virginia Criminal Law Address Terrorism?
Even though many years have passed since September 11th, terrorism remains a hot button topic across the United States. Although it is generally prosecuted as a federal crime, acts and weapons of terrorism are also illegal under Virginia state law, punishable as a felony with severe criminal penalties. Defining Acts & Weapons of Terrorism… Read More »