By now, you’re probably aware that Tiger Woods has been charged with a DUI in Florida. Apparently, he was driving at a high rate of speed, struck the rear of a vehicle in front of him, and caused his vehicle to flip on its side. Luckily, there appear to be no serious injuries. While Tiger […]
Continue reading…What Happens When a Car Crash in Fairfax Leads to Both a Reckless Driving Charge and a Personal Injury Claim?
Car accidents in Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia often lead to more than just insurance claims. In many situations, a crash can trigger two separate legal cases at the same time. First, the government may bring a criminal or traffic case against the driver who allegedly caused the crash. Second, the injured party may […]
Continue reading…Virginia Assault & Battery Law: When Can a Teacher Be Charged for Physical Contact with a Student?
When does physical contact between a teacher and a student become criminal assault under Virginia law?This question arises more often than most people realize. Teachers must maintain order. Students sometimes resist. Physical contact happens. But where is the legal line? (NOTE: This article discusses actions such as pushing, shoving, or guiding a kid by the […]
Continue reading…What Does “Nolle Prosequi” (Nolle-Pross) Mean in Virginia—and Can the Case Come Back?
By James Abrenio | Abrenio Choe | Fairfax, VirginiaCriminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical MalpracticePublished: January 16, 2026 If you’ve been charged with a crime in Virginia and you hear the prosecutor say something like, “Your Honor, we move to nolle prosequi,” you may feel immediate relief—followed by confusion. Is the case over?Does that […]
Continue reading…Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped Without Going to Court in Virginia?
By James Abrenio, Fairfax Virginia Criminal Defense AttorneyJanuary 16, 2026 One of the most common questions I get from people facing criminal charges in Virginia goes something like this: “James, this charge is ridiculous. Can’t we just get it dropped? Do I really have to go to court?” I hear this question in assault cases, […]
Continue reading…Does a Virginia domestic assault conviction impact your right to firearms?
A conviction for a Virginia domestic assault will lead to many collateral consequences. One of which is your ability to possess a firearm. Therefore, if the right to possess a firearm is important to you, you need to discuss your options with your attorney. You must consider both Virginia and Federal Law. When it comes […]
Continue reading…You don’t have to be driving fast to be guilty of Reckless Driving in Virginia.
As we have explained before, in Virginia, there are multiple ways to be guilty of Reckless Driving in Virginia. Of course, driving at extremely high speeds is one of them. But also driving in a manner that demonstrates a conscious disregard for life and property is another. To that point, in 2024, there are a […]
Continue reading…Virginia Expungement Update (June 2023).
If you’ve been paying attention to Virginia Expungement Law and the recent movement in the General Assembly, you’re probably aware that there are significant improvements coming to our expungement framework here in Virginia. However, most of the change has a delayed effective date until July 1, 2025. With that said, this past year, there were […]
Continue reading…Can you really get jail time for driving over 100 mph in Fairfax, Virginia?
Often, I get calls about reckless driving tickets, here in Virginia. Occasionally, those calls will involve folks who were alleged to have been driving over 100 mph. And their first question is typically, “Can I really go to jail for this?” Reckless driving is a serious offense. In many states, driving fast is a traffic […]
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