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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 […]

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 […]

n Virginia, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, and the penalties are more serious than most people expect. Depending on the circumstances, a hit-and-run can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. It can reach felony level even when no one is injured, based only on the dollar value of the […]

In Virginia, malicious wounding and assault and battery sit at opposite ends of the same family of offenses against the person. Assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code § 18.2-57, punishable by up to 12 months in jail. Malicious wounding is a Class 3 felony under § 18.2-51, punishable by 5 […]

A felony charge in Fairfax County moves through two courts before it is resolved. It begins in the District Courts, either the General District Court or the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, where a judge holds a preliminary hearing to decide whether there is probable cause. If the judge finds probable cause, the judge […]