Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Resolving Reckless Matters in Virginia
Traffic enforcement dropped off almost everywhere during 2020 coronavirus lockdowns. However, in Virginia, that 2020 drop was part of a long-term trend. Since 2018, traffic enforcement has dropped 20 percent in Virginia. Probably not coincidentally, the number of fatal crashes has increased by nearly the same amount during this period. Many police officers are… Read More »
Gun-Free Zones in Virginia
Loudoun County has unusually restrictive gun laws. For instance, no one can carry a loaded semi-automatic weapon in public, if the weapon has a silencer, a folding stock, or a magazine holding more than twenty rounds. Additionally, shotguns with magazines that can hold more than seven rounds are also restricted. . These rules apply… Read More »
DUI Penalties in Virginia: Breaking it Down
Until around 1990, DUI laws in Virginia and most other states were quite weak. In fact, DUI was basically an enhanced traffic ticket. Furthermore, because of the way the law was worded, DUIs were hard to prove in court. For these reasons, DUI enforcement was weak as well. Today, things are different. The laws… Read More »
Sterling Carjacking Suspect in Custody
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with a carjacking that killed a 54-year-old woman. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a carjacking in the 21000 block of Towncenter Plaza. Authorities said the victim and car owner, a 54-year-old Maryland woman, was struck by the stolen vehicle as the suspect fled the scene. She was… Read More »
Companies Now Required to Report Beneficial Owner Information to Federal Government
By Kyle D. Winey, Esq. and Melissa L. Ruby, Esq. In 2021, the U.S. Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), a law which authorizes the collection of beneficial ownership information (“BOI”) of domestic and foreign corporations and limited liability companies. This law, purportedly enacted to counter money-laundering schemes and financial terrorism networks, creates… Read More »
Street Racing Law in Virginia: Breaking it Down
Many local law enforcement agencies highlight street racing enforcement. Although fewer than 0.5 percent of fatal crashes involve street racing, these incidents receive lots of attention. Multiple news outlets report about them, many people blog about them, and politicians crow about them. To stem the street racing “epidemic,” Virginia law includes a number of… Read More »
What Happens in a Weapons Possession Case?
Most weapons possession cases, and other criminal cases, settle out of court. PLea bargains were almost unheard of in 1900, somewhat common by 1950, and very common by 2000. Today, fewer than 5 percent of criminal cases go to trial. These resolutions avoid the uncertainty and drama of a trial. However, as outlined below,… Read More »
Watch Out for DUI Checkpoints
The number of fatal alcohol-related wrecks spikes over Labor Day Weekend. Largely for that reason, peace officers are usually out in force during this three-day weekend. Their show of force often includes DUI checkpoints. If they had their way, police officers would operate checkpoints every day of the year. But roadblocks are so costly… Read More »
VA Couple Arrested in PA on Drug Charges
Few details were available after Somerset County law enforcement officers arrested a Virginia couple and charged them with drug possession. A 45-year-old man and 44-year-old woman, from Beaverdam, Virginia, allegedly gave inconsistent stories about why they were traveling through the area. They gave Somerset police consent to search their vehicle, Somerset County District Attorney… Read More »
Protective Order Basics in Virginia
Virginia, like most other states, has a comprehensive protective order law. Protective orders are extremely common in domestic violence cases. Typically, when they make domestic violence arrests, police officers must inform alleged victims of their right to request a civil protective order. Furthermore, protective orders are easier to enforce than assault, stalking, or other… Read More »
