Crime Time: With Virginia Defense Attorneys

Since all of us have law offices in Fairfax County we figured it was about time we had someone from our Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney office as a guest on our show. In this episode Deputy Commonwealth Attorney Pia Miller explains how she crafted her job to embrace a vision the office has to explore community justice prosecution in Fairfax County.    LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to...

It used to be that mental health and wellness was never discussed.  It is now a topic many are open to talking about and people are now encouraged to seek help or be open with a family member, friend, colleague, therapist, or whoever about anything they may be struggling with in their life. Attorneys are no exception to this. In fact attorneys are even more at risk to struggle with stress and anxi...

We were lucky to have the "homecoming queen" of Immigration Court join us as a guest on this episode. Ofelia Calderon is a funny, smart, and caring attorney about all things immigration. She had no problem schooling us lowly criminal attorneys on the do's and dont's of best practices in our criminal cases when our clients are not United States citizens. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you...

I love it when a plan comes together.... the podcast had to have a beginning, right?   In this episode we celebrate our 30th episode by sharing with our listeners how the podcast came to be!   LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to this podcast, thank you!  We sincerely hope you are listening to this podcast for its entertainment value and not with the intention of acquiring legal advice for an...

Making the deal. In our criminal justice system, the majority of cases end with a plea bargain. Join us as we have a candid conversation with David Lord, a seasoned City of Alexandria prosecutor about plea negotiations. What information is considered? Do the individual circumstances of each defendant really matter? How does the prosecutor’s ethical duty to do justice factor into the equation?  In...

In our line of work, some of the most difficult cases involve child victims.  Join us with special guest Paul Mickelsen as we explore the many  issues that surface in the course of these types of cases.  This information is not only helpful for us attorneys, but for parents, caregivers or teachers who may be confronted with a false allegation.  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to this podcas...

Na Na Nahhh Na Na Na Nahhh Na HEY HEY HEY GOOD BYE..... to presumptions against bail.   We welcome back Fairfax County Senior Assistant Public Defender Bryan Kennedy to discuss one of the most important changes to our criminal justice system.   Now that presumptions against bail have been abolished,  maybe there now exists a possibility for pretrial release on some cases that historically meant no...

With so many recent changes with Criminal Justice Reform, one of the most important for everyone who comes into contact with the criminal justice system is bail reform. With the current trend to eliminate cash bond, the accused may now, more than ever, have an opportunity to get out of jail pretrial, maintain employment, support his or her family, and assist in preparing a meaningful defense. In t...

It used to be that the sheriff’s office ran the jail and that jail was an uncomfortable place to serve time. But in Fairfax, Va, Sheriff Stacey Kincaid  has broadened its focus to rehabilitation and helping some people avoid jail altogether. In this episode, our special guest is Casey Lingan, the general counsel for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.  Join us as we discuss all of the great progr...

Contrary to what television shows portray, defense attorneys and prosecutors often enjoy a mutual respect for one another.   Our respect is evident in this special episode with Barry Zweig, a prosecutor in Virginia. Join us as he candidly discusses the viewpoint of a former defense attorney turned prosecutor.   Although he may have made a poor choice in the hockey team he supports, the manner in w...

So many people in the DMV area have jobs which require some type of security clearance.  In this episode we are lucky to have an amazing attorney who handles these types of cases.  Our special guest today is Mark Zaid.  If you have a clearance or are job hunting in the DMV area this is a must hear episode for you!  LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to this podcast, thank you!  We sincerely ho...

As defense attorneys, we hear it all the time.  "They don't have anything on me! Where's the video? There's no DNA!" While Hollywood loves the perfect case with tons of forensic evidence including supposedly easily available satelite images of any house, these cases rarely exist.  Most of the time, it is just one word against the other...and sometimes it is enough!    LEGA...

When you realize those blue and red lights are intended for you, your mind spirals into an abyss of self doubt.   You immediately start questioning your driving skills.  "Was I speeding? Did I use my turn signal? I completely stopped at the stop sign....right? Isn't it legal to pass on the shoulder?" No matter what the reason, getting  pulled over for many is a traumatic event.   Jo...

Domestic Violence comes in many forms. While we often think of it as spouse on spouse violence, it can happen in any family relationship. It also comes in various charges: phone threats, harassing text messages, destruction of property and strangulation to name a few. Substance use and abuse often go hand in hand with these cases and it can happen in any home to anyone at any time.  As defense att...

We welcome back our dear friend Chris Holley and his extensive knowledge of criminal and civil law.   Join us as we explore protective orders in Virginia.   What are they? How do you get one? How do you defend yourself?  Nothing says it's over like a protective order! LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to this podcast, thank you!  We sincerely hope you are listening to this podcast for it...

We are lucky to have a special guest today.  James Abrenio is an awesome person and fellow  attorney.   He joins us today to talk about personal injury cases and how your criminal or traffic case can impact your civi  lawsuit.   If you are a driver in Northern Virginia or have a kid who drives in the DMV,  this is an episode you don't want to miss! LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to th...

Attorneys are often asked "how can you represent that person" or "how do you sleep at night?"  The answer is pretty simple.  Every single person in the US has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney when they are charged with a crime.  Most people are not bad people.  If you or your loved one was charged wouldn't you want to have the best representation pos...

Criminal justice reform is a movement many associate with combatting racial profiling and fighting other injustices in the system. But what is it exactly? A passing political movement or a vehicle for lasting positive change? In this episode, we are joined once again by Senator Scott Surovell as we discuss how criminal justice reform looks in Virginia! LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are listening to thi...

Don't you hate it when people hold your past against you? In this Episode of Crime Time, we invite State Senator Scott Surovell to discuss possible changes in Virginia laws relating to cleaning up a person's criminal record. In Virginia, there are very few types of charges that you can wipe from your record unless those cases have been dismissed and only dismissed in certain ways. With c...

Summer is coming! We've been locked up for what feels like forever.  Time to get out! Time to party like it's summer 2019! Graduations, beach week, BBQs, volleyball, and most importantly cornhole events will soon populate our calendars like cicadas on my backyard tree.   In this episode of Crime Time, we discuss how to keep bad decisions from ruining what could be an epic summer! LEGAL D...

You got a ticket, or worse, you got arrested and your court date is well over a month away.   You're mad, scared, or anxious.  You want this over and done with as fast as possible.  You read every document over and over again to make sure you got the date right.  You mark your calendar.  Then.....life happens.  Your phone dies.  You get sick. Your fingers were swollen from anxiety when you en...

In this Episode of Crime Time we welcome a special guest to discuss when you might want a lawyer in traffic court. Get ready for a lively discussion as we match wits with former prosecutor and legend in a limited geographical area, Andrew Kersey, the King of Traffic Court in Northern Virginia, as we touch on such questions as how do I avoid points, do the marijuana laws allow CDL drivers to posses...

This episode discusses larceny and related offenses in Virginia. Ann, Alberto, Tony and Anna have a lively discussion about scenarios where you can be charged with larceny. What if you are stopped? What should you say to the loss prevention officer if anything? What about shopping with reusable bags? How good is the surveillance video? They address these issues and more this time on Crime Time. LE...

Ever wonder what Allen Iverson and the Capitol insurrectionists have in common? Being accused of being in a mob and assaulting people. On this episode of Crime Time, Ann, Alberto, Tony and Anna are back to discuss when people can be accused of crimes because of their association with a group of people. Don't miss this episode as they use the Allen Iverson case and the Capital insurrection as...

When Neighborhood disputes spin out of control. In this episode of Crime Time, Ann, Tony, Alberto and Anna are back to discuss how disagreements with your neighbor can land you in criminal court. This episode revolves around the case where Senator Rand Paul was assaulted by his neighbor in 2017. The assault was the culmination of a series of actions by both men. The fair-minded foursome will tackl...