In this post, we will explore some important information you need to know about ignition interlock systems. We used informed directly from Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program’s FAQ website section. What is an ignition interlock device? Ignition interlocks prevent drunk driving. To start a car, you must blow into the ignition interlock’s mouthpiece to provide […]

Having practiced criminal defense for twelve years, I’ve had the privileged to speak to a lot of classes and groups about my work.  By far, the most common question that I get is, “James, how do you sleep at night defending a person that you know is guilty?” It’s a fair question.  But here are […]

If you’ve been charged with a Domestic Assault Charge, you’re probably wondering what you should expect going forward. In this video, James Abrenio discusses what happens once you’ve been charged, what you can expect in court as well as possible outcomes that may be presented in a typical Domestic Assault case. Still have question? Make […]

With the tragic death of George Floyd and worldwide marches on his behalf, and in support of #BlackLivesMatter, countless Americans are asking “what can be done to prevent these senseless killings?” Inevitably, the issue of Qualified Immunity comes to mind. Qualified Immunity is a complex issue, which we intend to write about more in the coming […]

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Northern Virginia (or anywhere else), you’re probably wondering what you can do to improve your chances of getting a better outcome.  One thing we always recommend clients work on is “mitigation evidence.”  These are efforts that you take, as a person charged with a crime, that would […]

This week, the United States Supreme Court ruled that state court juries must vote unanimously to convict a defendant. This decision reversed the conviction of Evangelist Ramos in the state of Louisiana.  He was convicted 10-2 by a jury of killing a woman in New Orleans.  Two years after his conviction, Louisiana approved a constitutional […]

If you pulled over for drunk driving in Virginia, it’s likely that law enforcement will ask you to take Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs).  Before you find yourself in that situation, here’s some information that you need to know: What are Field Sobriety Tests? Law enforcement claim that Field Sobriety Tests “scientific” and “objective” tests that […]

Whether you’ve been to court before, taken a criminal justice class, or are a big fan of legal movies or crime dramas, at some point in your life, you have been introduced to the principle that all are presumed innocent of a crime until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The same principle applies in […]