From an early age, we’re all taught that stealing is wrong. But life is complicated. People make mistakes. People are also frequently accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Someone might get caught up in a misunderstanding when they take something they think is theirs–or mistakenly believe they have paid for. Whatever the circumstances, if you’re charged with theft in Virginia, you need a skilled attorney to keep you out of jail and keep your record clean. How Do We Define Theft In Virginia? Most theft in Virginia falls under the commonwealth’s larceny laws. Virginia defines larceny as “the … [Read more...] about What Should I Do If I’m Charged With Stealing?

When you’re charged with a crime, it stays on your record even if you’re found not guilty or the case is dropped. However, in some cases, you can get the charges hidden from the public view so potential employers, schools, and lenders can’t see them. Expungement is a way to clear your name and protect your reputation. What Is Expungement? Expungement in Virginia is the process of removing or “wiping” a court and/or police record. An expungement order directs the courts to delete your records and for the Virginia State Police to do the same for records of arrest. They are then removed from … [Read more...] about When Can I Get Something Expunged?

Among a slew of new Virginia laws that took effect July 1, 2022, is a law speeding up the adoption process in some cases. The changes to the state code also boost provisions protecting the interest of birth fathers. How does Virginia’s new adoption law impact adoptive families and birth parents? How Does Virginia HB 869 Change The Adoption Landscape? Virginia’s new HB 869, which took effect this year, allows local circuit courts to speed up the adoption process by issuing “interlocutory” orders. These temporary orders enable the court to eliminate red tape in the adoption process when the … [Read more...] about How Does Virginia’s New Adoption Law Impact Families?

If you have to ask whether you need a lawyer, chances are you probably do. Most criminal and civil cases are complex, so it’s vital to have an experienced advocate on your side. However, there are a handful of legal situations where you might be able to go it alone. Remember, there are two types of legal cases. In criminal cases, the state charges you with a crime. The prosecutor is a government official; cases can result in jail time or fines. In civil cases, no one is charged with breaking the law, but one party may sue another for perceived damages. You may also be injured and decide to … [Read more...] about When Do I Need A Lawyer?

There are few things more emotionally charged than divorce–especially when children are involved. Parents want what’s best for their kids. But anger and stress mean that emotions run high–and children can get caught in the crossfire. You want to make sure your rights as a parent are protected while shielding your children from the ugly side of the process. The good news is that you can take steps to make divorce easier for both adults and children. Choosing the right lawyer is at the top of the list. Protecting the best interests of children is a cornerstone of family law. A skilled attorney … [Read more...] about What Can I Do to Make Divorce Easier on My Kids?

Beyond a reasonable doubt. Those four words are the cornerstone of the American criminal justice system. They express the standard a prosecutor must meet to convict someone of a crime. If you’ve committed a crime, you’re entitled to a fair trial and a robust criminal defense–even if you’re guilty. It’s one of the founding principles of American democracy and part of the code of conduct defense attorneys live by. If you’re charged with a crime, it’s essential to be truthful with your defense attorney. A professional attorney understands that criminal cases are complicated. Their role is to … [Read more...] about Should I Tell My Lawyer the Truth About Everything? 

When you need a lawyer, finding a good fit is vital. Whether it’s a criminal case or a family law case like divorce, setting a tone for trust and communication is a necessary first step. The initial consultation gives your legal team a chance to get to know you. It also gives you a sense of how we operate. Our experienced lawyers will guide the process with essential questions, and we encourage clients to ask questions, too. It fosters communication and lays the groundwork for preparing your case. Both criminal and family law cases often come with stress and confusion. Our team can help reduce … [Read more...] about What Should I Expect At An Initial Consultation With A Lawyer? 

Let’s face it: death is tough to think about and often even harder to talk about. But it’s something every adult needs to do. Getting your last wishes in order brings you peace of mind and reduces the burden on your loved ones and heirs. Putting estate planning and medical directives in place ensures that your wishes are followed in the event of illness, injury, or death. Yes, it’s unpleasant and hard to tackle. But no one is ever sorry they did it. Here’s a look at some essential tools for healthcare and estate planning: The List of Important Documents Will: your last will and testament … [Read more...] about Our Suggested List of Important Papers Everyone Should Have in Order

It’s a challenging process to get legal charges removed or sealed in Virginia. But it’s absolutely doable if you meet certain criteria and have a good lawyer. For now, Virginia courts sometimes clear charges when the accused is acquitted or the case is dismissed. And in the next few years, Virginia laws will expand expungement to include some misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions. Whether you’re convicted of a crime or charged and acquitted, it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of the legal system to clear your name. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to make the … [Read more...] about How Can I Get Legal Charges Removed From My Record?