Knowing your rights during a Virginia traffic stop may go a long way when it comes to helping you avoid unnecessary hardship. More specifically, if the law enforcement officer who pulls your car over wants to look through it, it pays to know when you do and do not...
Warrenton Law Blog
Why might paying a traffic ticket be a bad idea?
When you get a traffic ticket, your immediate move may be to pay for it and go on with your life. But paying a ticket is admitting guilt, and it may not be the right decision. You should always consider the situation and take time to determine if you want to fight the...
Will I lose my license for a DUI?
Drunk driving is a serious issue in Virginia. To combat the increasing number of people getting behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol, the state has taken a harsh stance. In most cases, you will automatically lose your driver's license for a DUI or...
How to prepare for a contested divorce
Many individuals go through a contested divorce process. Sometimes, it is the best option for moving on in life. Here are a few things to help people facing this situation prepare. What is it? As with any divorce, a spouse files a divorce petition with their county...
Is smoking in a vehicle a traffic violation?
Your vehicle is your personal property, so you may think that whatever you do in it is your business. However, there are many laws regulating what you can and cannot do in your vehicle. These laws seek to help keep you and others safe. For example, you cannot drink...
Understanding how consent applies to sex crime charges
One of the primary sources of confusion with any sex crime charge is the matter of consent. While consent at its core is little more than yes or no, consent in the context of sex offenses is far more complex. Consent may be a critical factor in the charges you are...
What will make running a business with my former spouse easier?
If you own a business during a divorce, you either have to sell it and split the proceeds, buy out your spouse or continue to run it together as equal partners. For many people, the last option is the best one because it does not require getting rid of the business or...
What traffic violations could result in a ticket for reckless driving?
Virginia Code outlines multiple situations where an officer may give you a ticket for reckless driving. Keep in mind that this charge is more serious than a simple ticket for speeding or other minor infractions. The general definition of reckless driving is operating...
How are jail and prison different?
Incarceration for a criminal conviction can happen either in jail or prison. But many people do not understand the difference between these two types of facilities. Jail and prison are not the same. In addition, sentencing guidelines will usually stipulate where the...
Factors determining Virginia custody arrangements
Child custody in Virginia depends on the best interests of the child. According to the Codes of Virginia, the courts award joint legal, joint physical or sole custody to the parents with no predetermined bias towards any arrangement. Virginia law also promises...