We are thrilled to announce that Laurel Brigade Law Group’s very own Rhonda Wilson Paice was named one of our community’s three favorite attorneys in Loudoun Now newspaper’s inaugural Loudoun’s Favorites poll. Rhonda was first runner-up in this year’s poll. This informal yet meaningful acknowledgment of Rhonda’s years of professional and community service is a reflection of the high regard in which she is held by her clients, colleagues, and neighbors. We’d like to give a shout-out to our … [Read more...]
Affluenza as a defense
What happens when a teenager uses the excuse of not knowing any better as a defense to their crimes? While 10 years ago the idea of affluenza may have been unheard of, if not completely laughable, in today's day and age the defense of affluenza may actually work. Several years ago a Texas teenager used his affluent upbringing as the reason behind him not knowing the difference between right and wrong. Initially, this defense was seen as the desperate attempt of a wealthy family to defend … [Read more...]
When is a DUI considered a felony?
It is not always easy to know whether a crime is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. There are a number of crimes that will be considered a misdemeanor and others that will be considered a felony, depending on the circumstances. As such, it is not surprising that many do not know if and when a DUI is considered a felony. Drunk driving is one crime that is considered a misdemeanor when it is a first offense. However, if a defendant has previous DUI convictions, then subsequent charges … [Read more...]
Punishments a person can receive for committing a felony
We all have choices regarding the manner in which we conduct our lives. Unfortunately, at some point we all make ill-advised choices. Sometimes, our ill-advised choices may get us in trouble with the law. People commit crimes everyday and when caught, they could very well have to face the consequences of their actions. And the potential consequences of alleged actions that result in felony charges could be quite severe. Felonies are considered the most serious types of crimes that a person … [Read more...]
Misdemeanors and possible punishments for committing them
There are a number of crimes that people can commit and, depending on what they are, these crimes will fall into different classifications. It is never wise to commit any crime, but when people do make the decision to disobey the law, they may want to consider the penalties that go along with the type of crime they commit. Those who are charged with a misdemeanor can expect that their punishment will be fitting of the type of misdemeanor they are found guilty of committing. When people … [Read more...]
What defenses can be used against a drug possession charge?
There are a number of drugs that a person can be convicted of possessing. Like most people facing drug charges, you have the option of pleading guilty or not guilty when you face your day in court. How you choose to plead is up to you, but should you decide to plead not guilty and fight the drug charges, there are a number of defenses you can use. The following are defenses that a person can use when they have been charged with drug possession: Unlawful search and … [Read more...]
An attorney may help you avoid a harsh sentence
Juveniles are capable of committing illegal acts that will land them in prison or on probation. While many get away with the crimes they commit, there are some who are caught and end up having to face their day in court. It is only fair that they have consequences for their actions, but not all juvenile crimes warrant a harsh punishment. Being charged with a crime is a scary thing. Luckily, it is not something they have to go through alone. Whether the person facing charges is an adult or … [Read more...]
Virginia woman left dead after drunk driver strikes her car
People make the decision to drive their vehicles while intoxicated every day. While they know the dangers in doing so and the possible consequences, they may still decide to take their chances and drive while impaired. Sometimes they get lucky and avoid being involved in an accident and injuring themselves and others on the road, but then there are times where the person's impairment leads to an accident. In Virginia, one woman has been left dead after a car struck her vehicle. Allegedly, the … [Read more...]
Virginia man kills pedestrian while driving drunk
When people get behind the wheel after drinking they are making a decision that may cost others their lives. Whether they are conscious of this decision or not, it is still a bad one, and if an accident occurs they will have to face the consequences of their actions. Many people may be under the impression that those drinking and driving only harm other drivers on the road, but there have been some instances where pedestrians have been the victims of a drunk driver's bad choice. A Virginia … [Read more...]
Probation can be a scary time in anyone’s life
In 2013, a 40-year-old woman who had never run afoul of the law was pulled over driving under the influence of alcohol. She was at a Christmas party and was driving two guests from the party home. She had some wine, and the result was that she was arrested and branded a DUI offender. She pleaded guilty for a reason -- she would serve no jail time and she would be placed on probation. And yet, even though she was placed on probation, she was constantly getting into trouble in the months that … [Read more...]