During the most recent legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed a variety of criminal justice reforms. One significant change implemented was in the area of bail and bond. Specifically, the General Assembly repealed the long-standing presumption against bond that existed for many criminal offenses. In practice, this meant that magistrates were not permitted to…
What Does Computer Fraud and Computer Trespass Mean in Virginia and How are These Crimes Punished?
According to the Code of Virginia, any person who uses a computer network, without authority and: Obtains property or services by false pretenses; Embezzles or commits larceny or; Converts the property of another; is guilty of the crime of computer fraud. If the value of the property or services obtained is $1000.00 or more, the…
What Should I Do If I Miss Court in Norfolk? What are the Penalties for Failing to Appear in Court in Virginia? How Do Failures to Appear Affect My Bond or Any Future Criminal Cases?
According to the Code of Virginia “whoever…willfully fails to appear before any court or judicial officer as required, shall, after notice to all interested parties, incur a forfeiture of any security which may have been given or pledged for his or her release, unless one of the parties can show good cause for excusing the…
Should I Turn Myself In? What Should I Do Before I Turn Myself In?
A commonly asked question of criminal defense attorneys is whether a person should turn himself or herself in on an outstanding warrant and what that person should do prior to submitting to authorities. Depending on many factors, a person is generally more likely to receive a bond (and be out of custody while their attorney…