It’s scary to hear a friend or relative has been arrested in Roanoke and not know where they are or what’s going on. When the police arrest someone, they take them to a local jail for booking. Your loved one waits in jail until they see a magistrate who decides whether they should be held as their case continues or released. The best thing you can do for your loved Read More
The goal of our blog is to discuss topics related to criminal, traffic or DUI law that you may find informative, useful or entertaining. We’re always interested to hear your comments on our posts, and if you’d like us to discuss a certain topic in more depth then please email us at advice@roanokecriminalattorney.com
Malicious Wounding & Lesser Included Offenses in Virginia
When charged with certain crimes in Virginia, you may also face a possible conviction for lesser included offenses. For example, murder carries the lesser included offense of manslaughter, and malicious wounding includes assault and battery. Any conviction is unfortunate, but sometimes a conviction for a lesser offense is the best outcome you can achieve. Lesser offenses generally mean reduced penalties. But a Virginia criminal conviction and its impact are something Read More
Pleading ‘No Contest’ in Virginia: What You Should Know
When charged with a crime in Virginia, the first thing you may be asked is how you want to plead. This is typically early in the court process, and virtually everyone has seen a depiction of someone entering a plea of ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty.’ There are also a few less familiar options. These are ‘no contest’ or ‘Alford’ pleas. Broadly, these allow you the benefit of maintaining your innocence Read More
University Rape Allegations and What You Should Do If Accused
False accusations of sexual assault are all too common on college campuses today. Most Virginians will remember that in 2014, Rolling Stone magazine published a now-retracted story called “A Rape on Campus,” which described in graphic detail rampant sexual assault that went unpunished at the University of Virginia. The only problem was, Rolling Stone’s main source for the article fabricated her story. Fortunately, no one was prosecuted as a result Read More
Strategies to Obtain Reduced Federal Sentencing
If you’re convicted of or plead guilty to a federal felony, you’ll attend a hearing where the judge will decide what your sentence will be. This sentencing is not automatic, and the judge has a lot of leeway for reduced felony sentencing. This leeway falls under the scope of federal sentencing guidelines. If you’re facing charges for a federal crime, you want the least restrictive sentence available. The criminal defense Read More