While some states have easier laws that deal with people convicted for possessing illicit substances, Virginia courts take drug possession very seriously. If someone is caught in possession of illegal drugs, they could face severe punishments, such as fines, incarceration, license suspension and probation. A drug possession charge could also affect a person’s future or current education, child custody rights and employment opportunities.  It is not always easy to know what kind of punishments a suspect will face if they are convicted of possessing illicit drugs. There are many conditions ..read more

Custody is one of the most sensitive topics among parents going through a divorce. Can one parent lose custody? Can parents settle this matter outside court? Here is how child custody is determined in Virginia: Natural and proper custodians Virginia law presumes both parents to be the natural and proper custodians of a child. This means divorcing parents can agree on a parenting plan and submit it to court to be validated. Court-ordered custody In some circumstances, such as when parents can’t agree on what’s best for their child, when one parent can’t take care of the child or when someone be ..read more

Traffic stops are one of the few ways the police may investigate a possible crime. For you, as a driver, a traffic stop can be stressful and confusing because you likely don’t know why the police would be stopping you.  To reduce your anxiety and protect you from criminal charges, it can help to remember your legal rights. Here’s what you should know: You don’t have to answer questions from the police The police use questions to gather evidence proving that a diver violated traffic laws. This isn’t always effective, but some drivers will admit to doing something that may tie them to a cri ..read more

Falls are a major safety concern for older adults. Those in their 50s and beyond could suffer injuries in a fall that could impact their overall health and quality of life. The effects of aging may make a fall more likely and may also affect someone’s ability to physically recover from fall injuries. Families sometimes move their loved ones into a nursing home because they recently fell or because they worry that a fall could occur at any time due to someone’s functional limitations. Sadly, even those paying thousands of dollars per month for regular support in nursing homes could fall and get ..read more

Divorce leads to the separation of family units, and most often, children can get caught in the crossfire, experiencing emotional turmoil and confusion. Children should be able to enjoy the attention, love and care of both parents in a safe environment, but things don’t always work out that way. Sometimes, in cases where there are concerns about the well-being or safety of the child, requesting supervised visitation may be necessary. Substance abuse If your ex-spouse has a history of substance abuse, whether it be alcohol, drugs or both, it can pose a significant risk to the safety and well-be ..read more

Do you ever wonder what it takes to defend someone accused of a crime? The role of a criminal defense lawyer is not only fascinating but also carries significant responsibilities. From providing legal representation in court to protecting their clients’ rights, these professionals navigate the complex world of criminal law with diligence and expertise. But that’s not all. There is a lot more to uncover about the key responsibilities of a criminal defense lawyer, and by exploring their role further, you will gain a deeper understanding of the important work they do. Legal representation in cour ..read more

Visiting your loved one in a nursing home only to find them with wounds can be devastating. Unfortunately, cases of bedsores or pressure ulcers are not uncommon among residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, yet they are avoidable. Below are three factors that cause bedsores: 1. Pressure Pressure from lying on a bed or sitting in a wheelchair for a prolonged period can cause bedsores. This is because the constant pressure can stop blood from flowing as usual. Accordingly, oxygen circulation to skin tissues may be hindered, resulting in damaged/dead tissues, which will, in turn ..read more

If you have been through a Virginia divorce in the past and are now thinking about getting remarried, a prenuptial agreement can prevent mistakes. Many people think that prenups aren’t necessary after a first marriage but that’s not the case. In fact, a prenuptial agreement is often more important for subsequent marriages. Here are four compelling reasons to get one. Open communication Communication is an essential part of any marriage. A prenuptial agreement can help you open lines of communication before you one again walk down the aisle. One way it does that is by giving you a platform to d ..read more

Often, people who manage to maintain positive relationships with their ex-spouse and former in-laws following a divorce seem like an anomaly. Considering the immediate detrimental effects divorce can have on children, it would seem to be important to preserve all supportive familial relationships for the sake of the kids. In fact, research from the University of Virginia found that children’s grades quickly begin to suffer as soon as parents begin the divorce process. This is only one of the many negative impacts children have to deal with. While it may feel like an impossible feat to try and ..read more

Sometimes, there’s no other choice for married couples in Virginia than to divorce. Besides taking care of their divorce, they may also have children together and wonder what to do. Understandably, divorce can bring changes for parents and their children. However, you can help prepare for this life change by tackling the main issues involving divorce and your kids. Maintain routines A child’s life may suddenly feel like everything’s changing during and after their parent’s divorce. That’s why divorce experts recommend providing much-needed stability to your child by maintaining post-divorce ro ..read more