Criminal Defense

Arrested undocumented and deportable people make ICE's deportation job easier, because jail authorities in Virginia and beyond give access to immigration authorities about non-United States citizen detainees.

A key part of criminal defense victory is for the lawyer to be convinced that the client should be acquitted, to feel that in the lawyer's heart, guts and bones, and to persuasively convey those feelings to the judge and jury.

The September 11, 2001, murders, happened sixteen years ago. Terrorists win of terror is allowed to erode civil liberties. Sadly, that erosion continues.

Once I am hired by a criminal defendant, what is left is for me to work the case and fully defend my client. That holds true even if I ultimately realize that more work is involved than is reflected in the fee agreed to with...

This week, Virginia's Supreme Court set a frighteningly low bar for enabling a conviction for taking indecent liberties with a minor, finding delivery of photos of partially-bared female breasts and fantasy talk was enough to convict Kimberlee Dietz. 

Criminal defense and persuasion benefit tremendously from a clear mirror. That mirror can be the magic mirror, where others are not likely to do any better than we give them the faith to do. That mirror can also be the spiritual mirror of the heart...

Police are not permitted to overstep their bounds. That means, for instance, that police may not tell suspects they have to answer questions, because everyone has the right to remain silent with the police

Jurors in criminal and civil trials are obligated to follow their oath, which includes being fair and impartial, and not favoring one witness over another on the basis of the witness's profession nor personal connection to the juror.

My clients' criminal case outcome can be improved by following the written action plan that I develop with them at our first meeting. My role with that action plan is to develop and pursue the best defense, in partnership with my client. My clients' role...

A Virginia reckless endangerment conviction for leaving a child unattended in a car is not available without proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the adult defendant responsible for the minor knew that injury would result from the defendant's omission.