Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Blog | Leiva Law Firm

How to Prove Negligent Security After an Assault in Virginia

Proving negligent security in Virginia means proving four things. First, that the property owner owed you a duty to protect you from being attacked by another person. Second, that the owner knew about the danger before you were attacked. Third, that the owner did not act on that knowledge. And fourth, that the failure to […]

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What to Do If There’s a Warrant Out for Your Arrest in Virginia

If there’s a warrant out for your arrest in Virginia, a judicial officer has already signed an order telling law enforcement to arrest you. Before signing it, a magistrate or another judicial officer looked at a sworn complaint and decided there was probable cause to believe you committed a crime. The single most important thing […]

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Virginia Wrongful Death Statute: What Surviving Families Need to Know

Virginia’s wrongful death statute (Va. Code § 8.01-50) gives surviving families a legal path to recover damages when someone dies because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The statute defines who can file a claim, which family members are entitled to compensation, what types of damages are available, and how the recovery is […]

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How Bail Works in Virginia: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

When someone is arrested in Virginia, the first decision about their freedom happens fast. A magistrate reviews the case within hours and decides whether to release the person, set a bond, or hold them in custody. Virginia law starts from a presumption that an accused person should be released on bail. The Commonwealth has to […]

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How to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer After an Arrest in 2026

After an arrest, the first move is to stop talking to police and contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. Once you have that protection in place, choose your attorney based on three things: jury trial experience, familiarity with the local courts, and direct access to the lawyer who will actually handle your case. Years […]

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