Personal Injury, Business & Criminal Defense FAQ
- Does hiring an attorney make me look guilty?Any interaction with the police can be scary, especially if you are being questioned or interrogated in relation to a crime. Unfortunately, many people don’t contact an attorney first thing—usually because they do not want to appear guilty to law enforcement or a judge. While it’s perfectly normal to be concerned about this perception, it is important to obtain legal representation to protect yourself. If you’ve been contacted by the police, the chances are high...Read More
- How can I limit my personal liability as a business owner?If you are about to start your own business, one of the first steps is choosing the type of legal structure you’d like for the company. There are many important aspects to consider when making this decision, but personal liability should be front of the line. Any business needs to consider the very real possibility of one day being involved in a lawsuit. There are two main options to select when you’re ready to start...Read More
- What should I do when an insurance adjuster calls me after a motorcycle accident?A motorcycle accident can be a very traumatic experience. While you deal with physical injuries, you may also have to deal with insurance adjusters. However, you don’t have to do it alone. You have the right to contact an experienced Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer for help. Don’t Give the Adjuster Any Information About the Wreck If an insurance adjuster calls you, answer their call and immediately tell them that you are represented by an attorney...Read More
- Can a child choose which parent to live with when creating a Virginia custody agreement?When it comes to child custody, there are rarely easy answers. While both parents want what’s best for the child, this doesn’t mean they will agree on what that means. In some cases, the child seems capable of making a decision as to where to live, especially if they are an older child or teenager. In Virginia, there is no “magic age” that allows the child to make this choice. If they are under 18,...Read More
- What is a contested divorce?A divorce is never a happy occasion for all parties involved, but some divorces are definitely easier than others. When a couple comes to a mutual decision to end a marriage—especially when they don’t have children—and they agree on how to divide shared property, they can usually proceed with an uncontested divorce. However, if they disagree about even one issue, the divorce becomes much more complicated. This is known as a contested divorce. Issues That...Read More
- Are the police allowed to lie in order to get a statement or confession?Many of us are raised to believe we can trust the police to protect us. While this is usually true, police officers can and will use questionable tactics to elicit a confession or statement out of someone they suspect of a crime. These techniques sometimes involve lying. Law enforcement officers can legally lie to you in order to gain the truth they are seeking if they suspect you of a crime. Why Police Offers Are...Read More
- I was acquitted of a crime In Virginia. Can I get my police record expunged?Virginia upholds a criminal code that can come with severe repercussions, including hefty fines and jail time, depending upon the law that was broken. Having a criminal record can negatively impact a person’s future, from job opportunities to housing options. While an individual can’t ask the court to remove all mention of a criminal conviction, they can ask them to wipe the record clean if they have been acquitted or the charges have been dismissed...Read More
- Who will get the family pet when we get divorced?Divorce is never easy, and some separations are more traumatic than others. While some couples simply divide up their belongings and move on amicably, things grow increasingly complicated when children or other essential relationships are involved. For many people, this includes the family pet. Dogs, cats, and other creatures are more than a possession—they are truly a part of the family, and deciding who gets to keep these family members can be challenging and painful...Read More
- Who can be sued for wrongful death in Virginia after a fatal motorcycle crash?When someone dies in a motorcycle accident they didn't cause, Virginia law allows the personal representative or executor of the deceased's estate to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties. Potentially liable parties in a Virginia motorcycle crash wrongful death insurance claim or lawsuit may include motorists or truck drivers who drove carelessly, manufacturers who designed or marketed dangerous or defective vehicle components, mechanics who failed to make appropriate repairs, and...Read More
- What are felony charges?Because felony criminal charges are some of the most serious criminal charges accused individuals can face, it is important to be familiar with what they are. In short, it is best to think of felony charges as the most serious types of criminal charges in the criminal justice system. As a result, they require a strong criminal defense. Felony charges can be distinguished from misdemeanor charges that, while serious, are considered less serious than felony...Read More