mandatory minimums
Firearm drug defense addressed by Fairfax criminal lawyer
Firearm drug defense goes against two Virginia statutory monstrosities. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer I am constantly working to avoid the harsh collateral consequences and sentences that can follow from a drug conviction, a firearm / handgun / pistol / weapon conviction, or from a...
Fairfax Plea Negotiation Changes Addressed by Virginia Criminal Lawyer
Fairfax plea negotiations are more defendant-friendly with the new chief prosecutor, says Virginia criminal lawyer Fairfax plea negotiations with the five-decade Horan-Morrogh prosecutorial regime were less pleasant for criminal defendants than the current practices of commonwealth’s attorney Steve Descano, who took office a year ago....
Federal Felony Sentencing – Virginia Criminal Lawyer’s Warning
Federal felony sentencing often is harsh, unless the prosecution requests leniency as part of plea negotiations, with that leniency request ordinarily connected to snitching/cooperation. As a Virginia criminal lawyer defending in state and federal court, I know that many federal felony convictions involve substantial mandatory...
Federal criminal defense – Trump’s attorney general goes full throttle for the highest sentencing ranges
It came as no surprise -- but disappointing nonetheless -- when this week Sessions reversed course on the Obama administration's efforts to reduce efforts to seek the maximum possible sentencing ranges against non-violent drug dealers. This week's memorandum (text here) on the topic from Sessions...