Personal Injury, Business & Criminal Defense FAQ
- What are field sobriety tests?A field sobriety test is a set of assessments that law enforcement officials use to determine if individuals are intoxicated. They are often used when police officers stop vehicles and need to determine if drivers are under the influence of alcohol. There are three general assessments that drivers may be subjected to if they are stopped in Virginia. One of those assessments is the walk and turn test. During this test, a person must walk...Read More
- What are felony charges?Because felony criminal charges are some of the most serious criminal charges accused individuals can face, it is important to be familiar with what they are. In short, it is best to think of felony charges as the most serious types of criminal charges in the criminal justice system. As a result, they require a strong criminal defense. Felony charges can be distinguished from misdemeanor charges that, while serious, are considered less serious than felony...Read More
- How is a motorcycle accident different from a car accident?Motorcyclists know all too well the issues and viewpoints they face as owners of a bike. But when it comes to accidents on the road, things can be even more complicated and often unfair. How exactly is a motorcycle accident different from a car accident? Read on to learn about the challenges you’ll face if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence. Fighting a Bias Against Motorcycle Drivers Motorcyclists are...Read More
- Does hiring an attorney make me look guilty?Any interaction with the police can be scary, especially if you are being questioned or interrogated in relation to a crime. Unfortunately, many people don’t contact an attorney first thing—usually because they do not want to appear guilty to law enforcement or a judge. While it’s perfectly normal to be concerned about this perception, it is important to obtain legal representation to protect yourself. If you’ve been contacted by the police, the chances are high...Read More
- I was acquitted of a crime In Virginia. Can I get my police record expunged?Virginia upholds a criminal code that can come with severe repercussions, including hefty fines and jail time, depending upon the law that was broken. Having a criminal record can negatively impact a person’s future, from job opportunities to housing options. While an individual can’t ask the court to remove all mention of a criminal conviction, they can ask them to wipe the record clean if they have been acquitted or the charges have been dismissed...Read More
- What should I do when an insurance adjuster calls me after a motorcycle accident?A motorcycle accident can be a very traumatic experience. While you deal with physical injuries, you may also have to deal with insurance adjusters. However, you don’t have to do it alone. You have the right to contact an experienced Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer for help. Don’t Give the Adjuster Any Information About the Wreck If an insurance adjuster calls you, answer their call and immediately tell them that you are represented by an attorney...Read More
- Should I Have a Virginia Do-it-Yourself Divorce?While Virginia does offer a cost-effective Do-it-Yourself Divorce program, it is not for everyone, and anyone who gets divorced this way risks getting the short end of the stick. We take a look at who could qualify for the Do-it-Yourself Divorce program and explain how a divorce attorney could probably get you a better outcome. How a Do-it-Yourself Divorce Works in Virginia This program from the Virginia Poverty Law Center is available in certain situations...Read More
- Who can be sued for wrongful death in Virginia?Every unexpected or sudden death of a loved one feels wrong. When your loved one is taken away too soon, you want to hold someone accountable. As hard as that feeling is, there are only certain situations where you can take legal action to seek compensation from the person who caused your loved one’s death. This is known as a wrongful death lawsuit, and it is only possible when a death is caused by the...Read More
- Who can be sued for wrongful death in Virginia after a fatal motorcycle crash?When someone dies in a motorcycle accident they didn't cause, Virginia law allows the personal representative or executor of the deceased's estate to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties. Potentially liable parties in a Virginia motorcycle crash wrongful death insurance claim or lawsuit may include motorists or truck drivers who drove carelessly, manufacturers who designed or marketed dangerous or defective vehicle components, mechanics who failed to make appropriate repairs, and...Read More
- When can the police legally search my car?You were pulled over for a traffic offense, but the police searched your car and found something incriminating—maybe there were drugs or an illegal weapon. Now you are facing something much more serious than a speeding ticket. But you are wondering—was the search even legal? What gave the police the right to go through your trunk, glove compartment, and back seat? Unreasonable searches of your vehicle following a traffic stop are illegal under the Fourth...Read More