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.
Continue reading…Can I really get a DUI for “sleeping it off?” (How Virginia defines “Operating a Vehicle.”)
At Abrenio Law, we get calls from many people surprised that they were charged with a Virginia DUI for “sleeping it off” in their car. Before you talk to anyone, take some time to review this information. How does sleeping in your car count as drunk driving? To understand this, read the case of Sarafin, […]
Continue reading…What is “Implied Consent” and how does it work in your Virginia DUI case?
If you were charged with a Virginia DUI and your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was obtained by either a breath or blood test, you need to learn about Virginia’s Implied Consent laws. That’s because your BAC will be a vital piece of evidence used to prove that you were drunk driving. For your BAC to […]
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