Police Arrest Maryland Man in Virginia on Multiple Criminal Charges
Two law enforcement agencies collaborated to arrest a Maryland man in Lovettsville, Virginia, on multiple criminal charges, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. This man had outstanding warrants in Virginia for failure to register as a sex offender and in Maryland for second-degree assault.
To serve the warrants, sheriff’s deputies from both Loudoun County, Virginia, and Frederick County, Maryland, went to North Light Street on February 27th at approximately 10 a.m. The Maryland man attempted to escape the scene on foot, but the deputies apprehended him shortly thereafter.
The Maryland man currently remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. He will likely face criminal prosecution in Virginia for failure to register as a sex offender, obstruction of justice, and eluding law enforcement.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-472.1 requires all sex offenders, whether non-violent or violent, to register their information with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.
Non-violent sex offenders who fail to register are subject to Class 1 misdemeanor charges upon the first violation. At that level, the maximum punishment, upon conviction, is 12 months in county jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.
A second or subsequent violation for non-violent sex offenders – or a first violation for violent sex offenders – results in Class 6 felony charges. If convicted, the maximum punishment is 5 years in prison and $2,500 in criminal fines.
A second or subsequent violation for violent sex offenders results in Class 5 felony charges. If convicted, the maximum punishment is 10 years in prison and $2,500 in criminal fines.
Obstruction of Justice
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-460 prohibits any person from knowingly interfering with, or otherwise obstructing, legal actions and similar proceedings. Any person who violates Section 18.2-460 by obstructing justice is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The maximum punishment upon conviction is the same as described in the previous section: 12 months in county jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.
Eluding Law Enforcement
Code of Virginia Section 46.2-817 requires all individuals to obey instructions and signals from law enforcement officers. Any person who violates Section 46.2-817 by disregarding or eluding law enforcement is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The maximum punishment upon conviction is 6 months in county jail and $1,000 in criminal fines.
If an offender violates Section 46.2-817 and causes the death of a law enforcement officer at the same time, it qualifies as a Class 4 felony. If convicted, the maximum punishment is 10 years in prison and $100,000 in criminal fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal help with any aspect of criminal defense in Virginia, it can be extraordinarily constructive to consult with a seasoned Winchester criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Simms Showers LLP have defended clients against numerous criminal charges, including failure to register, obstruction of justice, and eluding police. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Resource:
loudountimes.com/news/maryland-man-served-multiple-outstanding-warrants-after-lovettsville-foot-chase/article_7fe81ff8-5a61-11ea-be61-e3173a5c47c6.html
https://www.simmsshowerslaw.com/the-alcohol-safety-action-program-asap-for-virginia-drunk-drivers/
