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answered on May 1, 2024
Judges can (and frequently do) review a defendant's bond status at the arraignment whenever a magistrate holds a person without bond. Even if the judge does not grant bond at the arraignment, a defendant or their attorney can file a motion for a bond hearing. Bond hearings are held within a... View More 
I am being charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle as well as false information to a police officer. I have no criminal record and I am a student. I cannot afford a lawyer. I have arraignment coming up and I don’t know if I should plead guilty and hope that the judge knows i’m a first... View More
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answered on Apr 28, 2024
At your arraignment you will have the opportunity to answer a list of financial questions to see whether you qualify for a public defender/court-appointed attorney. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is almost always a felony charge and so you will likely be scheduling a preliminary hearing in... View More
i let someone live there and they raid it i should get some type paper work
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answered on Apr 11, 2024
By law, a copy of the search warrant and affidavit must be served by law enforcement either on the property owner or (if the owner is not present) on an adult occupant. If no one is present, then the documents are to be left in a conspicuous location at the property. Additionally, law enforcement... View More
Given the sensitive nature of my situation, I would appreciate your guidance on the following: My landlord, who is also the father of my long-time best friend, sexually assaulted me. Now, he has informed me that he intends to begin staying in my guest room. The condo I reside in was purchased by... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
I'm so sorry you are going through this incredibly difficult and scary situation. What your landlord has done is sexual assault and the coercion he is engaging in now is abusive and illegal. You have every right to feel safe in your own home. I would advise the following steps to protect... View More
answered on Apr 15, 2024
No, pro bono time is entirely at the discretion of the individual attorney.
I was wondering if that was illegal now that I'm 19 and she's 18 would I get in trouble for that?
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answered on Apr 6, 2024
Based on the information you've provided, it seems that when you and your girlfriend engaged in a sexual relationship, you were both minors under the age of consent in Virginia, which is 18 years old.
In this situation, even though you were close in age, the close-in-age exemption in... View More
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answered on Apr 6, 2024
In Virginia, the age of consent is 18 years old. This means that an individual who is 18 years or older cannot legally engage in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18, even if the younger person agrees to it.
However, Virginia does have a close-in-age exemption, sometimes known... View More
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answered on Apr 6, 2024
In general, sexual activity between minors may be illegal even if both parties consent, as they are below the legal age of consent. There are sometimes "close-in-age exemptions" that reduce or eliminate criminal charges if both parties are close in age, but the specifics depend on local... View More
due to the fact that their parents don't like me spending time with them
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answered on Apr 4, 2024
It's important to understand that the specific legal consequences, if any, would depend on the details of the situation and the laws where you live. However, here are a few key points to consider:
1. Age of the individuals involved: If you and the person you're communicating with... View More
I was just curious as to if a cop can search glove box, a bag that’s locked, or a container that is also locked without a warrant if I was to be pulled over in a traffic stop. And/or if for some reason they have probable cause to search the vehicle at all would they then be able to search the... View More
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answered on Apr 2, 2024
The law has allowed warrantless searches of automobiles since the 1920s, as long as probable cause exists to justify the search. The locked status of the containers or compartments of the vehicle shouldn't matter if there's probable cause to justify the search. The inability to readily... View More
Im not on probation and do not have any other legal/medical restrictions from owning a fire arm
answered on Apr 15, 2024
You are legally permitted to possess a firearm, but I would strongly advise safe storage practices (get a gun safe, I believe the Richmond police have had several giveaways for it and there are a number of affordable options). If your roommate is found to be in possession of it (and that is not a... View More
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answered on Mar 14, 2024
If your employer illegally altered your federal and state W-4 forms without your consent, leading to a situation where you were unable to receive a tax refund, you may have grounds for taking legal action. Such actions by an employer can have serious implications for your finances and legal... View More
I was arrested because they stated they found a baggy of residue In my door handle but I had just been dumpster diving
answered on Mar 8, 2024
You will get some disclosure of the evidence through the criminal court process- typically called Discovery. Your attorney will file motions to handle your case and the allegations. It can take weeks or months for information to get to you through that process.
answered on Feb 29, 2024
It's more or less random - whichever attorney picks up a question and answers it. Good luck
Time police came to house looking for me for probation violation if turn myself in do I get locked up or get out on or Po told me no jail time was involved before court had 3 dirty urines last one told Po up front
answered on Feb 19, 2024
It is not clear what you are asking. You should talk to a local attorney in Roanoke (or whatever locality is alleging a violation). There are typically two ways you can be locked up for a probation violation - pre-hearing (if you are denied bail or cannot post it) or post-hearing (if you are... View More
I was charged with simple assault in VA. I walked towards my accuser but nothing else as shown on video. He was never touched or threatened. No one but me seems to have the video. The prosecutor does not have it to give to my lawyer. Would my lawyer have to turn this over to the prosecutor? Is it... View More
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answered on Feb 12, 2024
If you are charged with assault and the video shows you just walked towards the accuser and did not assault him, it sure sounds like that video could help prove your case for you. Either way, good or bad, your attorney does not have to provide that information to the prosecutor. Everything you tell... View More
I received a warrant in detinue from a past tenant for belongings that wasn't left on the property
answered on Feb 7, 2024
A Warrant in Detinue is a pleading used in a Virginia General District Court or small claims court to recover specific personal property, or the value thereof. The Plaintiff has the burden of proving title and that such specific property in the possession or control of the Defendant, or was... View More
I have severe Rheumatoid arthritis which also means I have no immune system. I require the assistance of a walker to walk and require a lot of medical attention.
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answered on Feb 1, 2024
Health conditions can be a factor in sentencing, but are not guaranteed to result in a sentence without incarceration. Gathering supporting documentation which details your diagnosis, hardships, medication(s) required, etc. would be a good idea, as that is something the judge could consider at... View More
Can law enforcement use the surveillance to harass, intimidate, cause official oppression during their investigation? If they do which rights have they violated? Can law enforcement use surveillance to harass, intimidate, cause official oppression?
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answered on Jan 27, 2024
Law enforcement cannot legally prevent you from seeking legal advice. Your right to consult with an attorney is protected under the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to counsel in criminal prosecutions. If you're involved in a criminal investigation, you have the right to speak to an... View More
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answered on Jan 17, 2024
That particular subsection refers to a "willful failure to appear before any court or judicial officer as required after having been charged with a felony offense or misdemeanor offense or released on a summons pursuant to § 19.2-73 or 19.2-74." Court being 3.5 hours away isn't... View More
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