Severe Penalties for Sexting: The Legal Consequences of Using Obscene or Lewd Language on Cellular Phones

Author:  Attorney Christopher A. Meyer

Mechanicsville Car Accident Lawyer

Many people seem to use obscene or lewd language on a cellphone that they would never use in face to face conversation.  In Virginia, use of this language on the telephone is not only crude and inappropriate, it’s illegal.  Profane, lewd or vulgar language over a telephone has been a criminal offense in Virginia for many years.  Up until… [ read more ]

Jury Duty in Virginia – A Privilege and A Responsibility

Author: Attorney Tammy S. Ruble

Attorney Tammy S. Ruble

Recently my son received a summons to serve as a juror in Chesterfield County. “I’m exempt, of course,” he said to me. “Why?” “Because my mother’s a lawyer,” he responded. Sorry, son, it’s not quite that easy.

I’ve always wanted to serve as a juror, but others dread the thought and would sooner walk across a bed of hot coals than get that letter. So how… [ read more ]

Virginia Law on Expunging Criminal Charges

Mechanicsville Car Accident Lawyer

Author: Attorney Chris A. Meyer

People who have been charged with a crime often wish to have their record erased.  The legal term for this is “expungement” or “having the record expunged”.  Unfortunately, expungement is not possible in most cases.  If a person has been charged with a crime in Virginia, the record of that charge will most likely remain and won’t be changed.

The Virginia… [ read more ]

New Ethics Rule 1:18 – Permitting Lawyers to Defend More Injured Persons

Mechanicsville Car Accident Attorney

Author: Attorney Christopher A. Meyer

On June 21, 2011, and effective immediately, the Virginia Supreme Court adopted a new provision in the Rules of Professional Conduct.[1] This amendment to the Rules changes the ethics in Virginia concerning conflicts of interest and potential new clients.

Under the old rules, when an attorney met with a prospective client and decided not… [ read more ]

New Virginia Law Sets Tougher Penalties for Teens Who Drink and Drive

Fredericksburg personal injury attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

Author: Attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

A new Virginia law increasing the consequences for underage drinking and driving went into effect July 1, 2011.

The 2011 Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed a bill establishing a “zero tolerance” (0.02% BAC) for underage drinking and driving by making it punishable as a class 1 misdemeanor. The punishment for teens that drink and drive… [ read more ]

LARGER ROLE FOR SMALL COURTS: New Law Means Faster and Less Expensive Resolution of Cases Worth Less Than $25,000

Richmond Personal Injury Attorney Priscilla Woody

Author: Attorney Priscilla R. Woody

In March 2011, the Virginia General Assembly passed a new law increasing the jurisdictional maximum limit for a lawsuit in General District Court from $15,000 to $25,000.[1] Effective July 1, 2011, a person with a civil claim – including  personal injury claims – may sue in a General District Court for up $25,000.  At present,… [ read more ]

RESPONSIBLE PARENTING: Providing Alcohol to High School Students Has Stiff Legal Penalties

Attorney Tammy S. Ruble

Author: Attorney Tammy S. Ruble

As the mother of a high school senior, I know this time of year is filled with exciting events and activities for students.  Graduation is just weeks away and many parents will throw parties to celebrate this milestone.  Knowing the allure that alcohol holds for some teens, it may be tempting for parents to try to ensure their children’s… [ read more ]

Proposed Virginia Legislation Would Have Banned All Cell-Phone Use While Driving

Scott Fitzgerald, Law Clerk

Author: Scott Fitzgerald, Law Clerk

Currently, the law in Virginia is that texting while driving is a secondary offense, punishable by a fine of $20.00 for first-time offenders and $50.00 for all subsequent offenses.[1] This year  legislation was proposed  in the Virginia General Assembly which would extend that ban to prohibit all cell-phone use while driving, except for a  “hands-free” device that is  configured for “hands-free” operation and is… [ read more ]

Tenants Need Renters Insurance – Protect Yourself and Your Belongings

Richmond Attorney Melinda H. South

Author: Attorney Melinda South

When renting their first apartment or house, tenants often don’t  think of renters insurance unless their landlord requires it.  Although the landlord may have insurance, this usually only protects the property owned by the landlord – and not the tenant’s property.

Renters insurance will provide coverage for your personal property as well as liability coverage.[1] You may assume… [ read more ]

Virginia Accident Law: What Damages Can You Recover?

Virginia Personal Injury Attorney Jason W. Konvicka

Author: Attorney Jason W. Konvicka

In Virginia, the person, company, or other organization at fault for causing an accident is financially responsible for certain damages that may result, including:

• any bodily injuries that the injured person sustains,
• any physical pain and mental anguish that the injured person suffers in the past or future,
• any disfigurement (such as scarring) and any related humiliation and embarrassment,
• any

… [ read more ]