A number of potential clients that I talk with ask me about just mailing a letter to the judge. This is an option that some people think might work if they’re not able to attend court either due to their work schedule, or they are a long distance from the court. For example, if you’re […]

Typically not. In Virginia you have several options if you have been found guilty of a traffic or misdemeanor offense. However, your options expire very quickly as time goes by. Your first option to try to have your fine reduced would be to file a motion to reopen the case. This option expires 60 days […]

If you are a driver who is 16 or 17 years old, the DMV has different rules that govern whether or not you get suspended for tickets. In general, the best rule of thumb is that for a first ticket the DMV will not suspend you, but the court might depending upon the actual nature […]

If you’re issued a ticket for a traffic or misdemeanor offense in Virginia, the officer brings the ticket to you and normally asks you to sign on the form. A lot of times people wonder what that means when they’re signing the ticket. When you read the Virginia Uniform Summons, you will see that the […]

First of all, if you’re simply charged or alleged to have shoplifted it is not on your record yet necessarily. In the United States you are presumed innocent until you’re found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. So you certainly have a chance to have your day in court and see if the Commonwealth can prove […]

Yes. In Virginia a charge of shoplifting, even for a first offense is a misdemeanor if the value of the goods that you allegedly stole is less than $200.00. If it’s $200.00 or more than you’re actually charged with a felony even if it’s your first offense in most cases. The potential punishment for a […]

Yes. You are at risk of possible jail time. The first thing you have to look at to determine your possible jail time risk even for a shoplifting first offense is the actual charge that you’re facing. Shoplifting can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending upon the amount of the alleged theft. So […]

The other day in one of my local general district courts, I became aware of a case where a person from another state received a reckless driving misdemeanor ticket here in Virginia. The attorney from the driver’s home state sent a letter to the court saying that they had been retained and were entering a […]

If you’re charged with shoplifting in Virginia, you may be wondering whether or not you can travel while your case is pending. The short answer is that it depends. This is an important reason to consult an attorney. Give me a call early on so we can look at your case and answer this question […]

No. Reckless driving in Virginia is a misdemeanor offense. It is a charge where you’re facing the maximum of one year in jail, up to a $2,500.00 fine and up to six months loss of your driver’s license. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is that a misdemeanor’s maximum punishment is up to […]