When a teenager makes a mistake in Fairfax County, it might not be something that he or she thinks can get them into serious trouble. However, there are certain acts, such as underage drinking and driving, that can constitute a juvenile criminal offense and lead to serious problems. Depending on the circumstances of the allegations…

While many people in Fairfax and across the country might not realize it, Medicare fraud can come in different forms and is treated very seriously by law enforcement. For those who are either being charged or are concerned about the potential of committing fraud in this way, it’s important to know the details of Medicare fraud. Gathering…

In Fairfax City, and across the nation, a sexual assault charge can lead to a long series of problems for those who have been accused and convicted. There is a public stigma surrounding sex offenses that can affect a person’s life forever. When sex crimes are alleged and there is a conviction in a criminal…

People in Virginia who have been charged with driving while drunk need to understand the laws of the state in order to prepare a strong defense. When law enforcement has probable cause to make a traffic stop of a driver suspected of driving under the influence, the driver is required to take a breath test or…

Today is Halloween across the United States which means that trick or treaters will soon be out in force in cities all over the country, including here in Virginia. But while this is an exciting time for parents and children, it may be less exciting for people who are registered sex offenders. That’s because people…

In Fairfax City, drug charges can lead to significant consequences in the event of a conviction. With the growing attention on drug manufacturing, sales and distribution and attempts on the part of law enforcement to reduce its frequency, many people are facing the serious consequences of their alleged crimes. One particular drug that is growing…

In our last post, we discussed the need for federal and state legislators to consider reforming sex offender registries. This issue is urgent and the need for reform of these registries is well documented. However, sex offender registries are not the only punishment-related systems in need of an overhaul. Many are currently questioning whether sentencing…

Because they are currently such a dominant force in the criminal justice system, it is difficult to imagine that Congress only began insisting that states create sex offender registries 20 years ago. Prior to 1994, states could opt to create these registries or refuse to do so without fear of consequence. Over the past 20…

The criminal justice system serves two primary functions. First, the system seeks to hold offenders accountable for breaking the law in an effort to serve justice and provide a deterrent for further wrongdoing. Second, the system seeks to protect the rights of those who have been accused and those who have been convicted of such…

Whether this is your first year of college or your fourth, you run a surprisingly high risk of being arrested sometime this year. For better and for worse, the college years tend to be a time when individuals tend to walk a tightrope between legal and illegal behavior simply by engaging in many of the…