Criminal Defense

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.

Each day in court is filled with experiences from fragrant flowers to fetid feces. You may always decline being sprayed with proverbial prune juice and diarrhea. Some people absolutely adore prunes, whether dried, stewed, or as juice. (Prunes revolt me. I am so prejudiced against...

One may consider his or her house to be her castle, but police often use search warrants and alleged exigent circumstances to disturb our privacy and serenity in that castle. One such approach is for police to get an excuse to enter a home (for...

Negotiating criminal cases can be like a game of chicken. Variations of the game of chicken include riding one's bicycle towards the opponent, to see if the bike rider or pedestrian will move out of the way first. Another variation is throwing a knife at...