Dear Petit: Your first hearing is your arraignment. At that time the judge cannot ask anything about your innocence or guilt. The only thing the...

Dear Mom: Generally, if someone is on Parol (or perhaps supervised probation), they must obtain permission from their PO.

I agree with Counsel that the term “Nolle Prosse” means not prosecuted. You should be thinking about getting the charge expunged from your criminal...

Can one get in trouble for shooting gun with misdemeanor fraud conviction??

Dear Girlfriend: Let’s assume your boyfriend has at least one felony prior. In this situation, it would be illegal for him to have access or use...

If a bond is revoked by a judge based on false information, what if anything can be done?

It happens all the time. It is not unusual for an individual (usually the commonwealth), to present their position to the court, in the strongest...

Am i likely to go back to prison?

Dear Tested: Run, don't walk, to the nearest drug treatment program you can find. You are on a slippery slope, and bound to find yourself back in...

I was recently cited for shoplifting under 226.00. What is this considered in Virginia

Dear “Under $226”: This is a Misdemeanor. You could receive a sentence of up to one year, as well as a possible fine of up to $2500. Please please...

Dear “Have Sex”: The girl is under age. The 30 year old could be prosecuted. It’s better that the 30 year old find someone that is the ripe old age...

Is it possible for the prosecution to drop charges during a trial?

Yes indeed, it does happen. I can vouch for this because it happened in one of my cases during a jury trial for sexual assault.

Hi "Want to Get Married": The rule of thumb is, a marriage is legal and recognized in Virginia, if it is valid in the jurisdiction where the...