Criminal Defense

Self representation in criminal court gets pursued running the gamut from thoughtful political activists not wanting to water down their message with the presence of criminal defense lawyers, to those who have fools for a client, to those who have little foresight -- and sometimes...

Life in prison is the mandatory sentence that will come to any adult convicted in Virginia for object sexual penetration against someone under thirteen. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that a large percentage of adults not only are sexually attracted to children, but...

Reform in criminal law -- to criminal defendants' benefit -- is a likelihood for this winter's Virginia legislative session, now that Democrats control both the executive branch and both houses of the Virginia legislature. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I am keeping track of these...

Firearm and ammunition possession by those with a prior felony conviction is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, with more severe penalties if the prior conviction was for a violent felony. Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. As a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer, I know that firearm...

Marijuana dismissal for most simple pot possession (versus possession with intent to distribute) cases has arrived with the new Fairfax County and Arlington County, Virginia, prosecutors, who took office this week. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I see this as a big leap forward for...

Appear timely for your criminal court date, or risk an appearance failure (FTA) prosecution and warrant for your arrest. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that many criminal defendants incur FTA charges, whether due to not appearing on the arraignment date, missing a hearing...

Trial day is showtime, ideally when substantial preparation has already taken place by the attorney and his/her criminal defense client. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know how important it is not only to be fully prepared for trial, but also for the defendant to...

Probable cause ("PC") under the Fourth Amendment is required both for police to conduct a search for a criminal investigation, and to arrest a suspect. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I find it curious at the very least that the Virginia Supreme Court continues to...

Misidentification runs rampant in obtaining criminal convictions for murder, robbery, rape and other prosecutions. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I urge that the law be updated to at least permit wider opportunities than currently exist for Virginia criminal defendants to present jurors with expert witness...

Cameras abound to record our driving behavior, interactions with police, and even blowing our nose in a retail store. As a Northern Virginia criminal lawyer, I know that this ever-present camera situation provides both opportunities and challenges for criminal defendants. Virtually ubiquitous video cameras are...