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...
The internet is somewhat of a wild west when it comes to legal issues, although this is slowly changing. Many people commit sex crimes in person; however, an increasing number of people use the internet during the course of committing a sex crime. There are many...
With intent to distribute charges, prosecutors may need to prove that defendants exchanged controlled substances for money or property. According to the Code of Virginia, the court may consider the financial value of an alleged exchange. A judge may review the dollar...
If you enjoy drinking alcohol with your friends, you probably also like spending an evening in a tavern, club or bar. While there is nothing inherently wrong with participating in a booze-fueled night on the town, it is unlawful to drive under the influence of...
Few things you have gone through during your life were likely to be more stressful than your current child custody dispute. If you have increased your alcohol consumption to help you manage your stress, though, you may want to find a healthier coping mechanism....
Getting a DUI is a serious disruption in your life, but it is not meant to ruin you. If you can learn to view your arrest and conviction as a wake-up call, you can get through the experience and emerge a better version of yourself. 1. Stop drinking Whether your DUI...
Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of the criminal justice system. Prosecutors have always relied on eyewitnesses to secure convictions and guilty pleas. However, according to the Innocence Project, more than 70 percent of overturned wrongful convictions stem...
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a third offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is a felony. With a felony conviction on your record, how difficult will it be to find the kind of job you want and an employer who will hire you, even if you are...
When an officer places you under arrest, you will hear about your rights. One of those is the right to remain silent. This is a very important right you have to protect yourself. Findlaw explains the right to remain silent means you do not have to provide information...
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the state convicted 18,648 drunk drivers in 2019. Most of these convictions began with a traffic stop. If you get pulled over by a law enforcement officer who questions your sobriety, you may not know what to do...