The flashing lights pull away, and the officer leaves with more than a citation. Cash from your wallet, the contents of a safe, even the car parked in your driveway, may be gone, taken under Virginia’s drug forfeiture laws long before any judge has ruled on the charges against you. Many people in Richmond facing […]
A third DUI offense in Hanover County, VA is no longer treated as a misdemeanor. Under Virginia law, a third DUI becomes a Class 6 felony, carrying mandatory prison time, indefinite license revocation, and the lifelong consequences of a felony conviction. Virginia prosecutors aggressively pursue repeat DUI charges, and Hanover County Circuit Court handles these […]
A second DUI offense within 5 years in Virginia carries mandatory jail time, significant fines, and a lengthy license revocation. Unlike a first offense, a judge has very little flexibility to soften the outcome. Virginia Code section 18.2-270 sets firm penalties that apply regardless of the circumstances, which is why working with a DUI defense […]
A late-night drive in Richmond ends with another person dead, and now prosecutors are not just charging you with DUI. They are charging you with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, an unclassified felony that carries a mandatory year behind bars and the possibility of two decades in prison. The weight of that charge is immense, and what […]
A traffic stop in Virginia must be based on reasonable suspicion of a criminal or traffic violation, or any drugs discovered during an illegal stop may be suppressed in court. While police often use minor infractions, such as speeding or a broken taillight, to initiate contact, their authority to search the vehicle is limited by […]
Virginia drug court is often an option for first-time offenders in Central VA, but it is typically reserved for those facing felony charges who have a documented substance use disorder. While many people assume this program is the default for a first offense, an experienced criminal defense lawyer may first look toward the Section 18.2-251 […]
Protecting Your Child’s Future Starts With the Right Information Today. Juvenile assault charges in Richmond, VA, create immediate stress for families who never expected to navigate the court system. A schoolyard fight, a neighborhood dispute, or an incident that escalated quickly may result in formal charges that carry real consequences for your child’s future. Virginia’s […]
Fired a Gun and Now Face Charges? Get Informed About Your Legal Situation. A reckless discharge of a firearm charge in Henrico County, VA, carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Whether the incident involved celebratory gunfire, a backyard shooting that alarmed neighbors, or an accidental discharge, Virginia law treats these offenses seriously. Henrico […]
Stopped by the Police? Contact Cody Villalon, Attorney at Law, to Protect Your Rights The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, setting clear boundaries on what police can and cannot do during a stop. When officers overstep these boundaries, it can lead to unlawful searches, suppressed evidence, and even dismissed charges—but only if […]
Facing criminal charges? Contact Cody Villalon, Attorney At Law To Defend Your Rights and Reputation. The consequences of a criminal conviction beyond jail time can ripple through nearly every aspect of life, from employment and housing to civil rights and personal relationships. These collateral consequences often linger long after a sentence is served, creating barriers […]
