If you’ve been contacted by an investigator about alleged criminal activity here in Northern Virginia, we believe it’s absolutely necessary that you speak with an attorney about your rights. Here’s why. Anything you say can be used against you (even if you think it’s helpful). While you might think that just chatting won’t hurt, and […]
Continue reading…If you’re charged with a Virginia Domestic Assault, trying to convince the complainant to drop the charges can back fire.
I receive calls from potential clients who tell me they are facing a Virginia domestic assault charge. They then tell me that the alleged victim, “doesn’t want to go forward.” Every time, I stress the importance that they must not be perceived as trying to influence what the alleged victim wants to do. Indeed, if a […]
Continue reading…Virginia broadens “Deferred Findings.”
Virginia is famous for many things. One of which is our notoriously archaic expungement laws that leave far too many people with permanent criminal records. This is despite how much they improve their lives or contribute to their communities. Fortunately, during the General Assembly’s 2020 Special Session, our law makers decided to make a change […]
Continue reading…What if the Complainant wants to drop your Virginia Domestic Assault charge?
In Virginia, a Domestic Assault charge will not be automatically dropped simply because the alleged victim says that’s what they want. In many instances, a prosecutor will force a domestic assault to go forward in direct contradiction of the alleged victim’s desires. Why would they force an alleged victim to court? In Virginia, the prosecutor […]
Continue reading…As an alleged victim, what are your rights in a Virginia Domestic Assault case?
In this video, James Abrenio discusses what rights an alleged victim has in a Virginia Domestic Assault case. Given the concern for domestic violence, he explains that often times prosecutors will pursue a case even when alleged victims want the case dropped. He further explains that alleged victims have a right to their own counsel, […]
Continue reading…Why it matters what you said to law enforcement in your Virginia Domestic Assault charge.
In this video, James Abrenio discusses why it matters what you said to law enforcement in your Virginia domestic assault case. As you’ll learn, your own statements to the police can be some of the most important, and often times damning, evidence for the prosecutor. Still have questions? Make sure to review our other articles […]
Continue reading…What is a “de novo” appeal in Virginia criminal cases?
In this video, James Abrenio discusses the concept of a “de novo” appeal in Virginia criminal courts. In it, James explains that when you go to trial in a Virginia district court, you have a right to an automatic appeal to the circuit court where you get a new trial. He also explains other things […]
Continue reading…Asserting your 5th and 6th Amendment Rights in Virginia.
In this video, James Abrenio discusses asserting your right to remain silent and right to counsel. Often times, law enforcement will want to talk to you in order to obtain evidence for their criminal investigation. Watch this video to get more information about what your rights are when being questioned by law enforcement. Still have […]
Continue reading…Worried that there’s a warrant out for your arrest in Virginia? Here’s some useful information.
If you’re concerned that there may be a warrant out for your arrest in Virginia, you are likely anxious about what’s next. At Abrenio Law, we have clients call us often about this exact situation. That’s why we wrote this article. Like any information we provide on this site, it is purely informational and not […]
Continue reading…James pins an Op-Ed about “Defund the Police.”
Recently, James wrote a guest blog post for Blue Virginia about his views on the controversy regarding “Defund the Police.” Take some time to read it here.
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