Blog

Nov. 19, 2021

An accused has the right to a speedy trial under the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. What this means is that an accused has the right to be tried for the alleged charges within a reasonable amount of time from arrest. It is a powerful ground to seek dismissal of the case. If the court determines that the delay between arrest and trial is unreasonable, it can dismiss the indictment, in which case, Virginia law allow the prosecution to appeal the decision.

Oct. 29, 2021

Proving actual innocence under Virginia law following a criminal conviction is not an easy feat. Suppose you are convicted of assaulting and strangling another based on the testimony of the complainant, but you are claiming that you did not strangle the person, and a witness who did not testify at your trial comes forward corroborating your claim. Suppose also that the person you were accused of doing this to was later charged with harming someone else.

Oct. 22, 2021

It is very rare for the courts to allow someone to withdraw a guilty plea, but it is not impossible. For starters, the vast majority of criminal cases are resolved in the courts by guilty pleas. There are many reasons for this.

Oct. 8, 2021

The sentencing phase in a criminal case is an important opportunity for an attorney to present mitigating evidence on his client’s behalf to argue for a lesser sentence. Evidence of a client’s upbringing and traumatic childhood, for example, are important mitigating factors for the court to consider in deciding an appropriate sentence.

Sept. 23, 2021

Thousands of people who work and live throughout Virginia have a criminal record. Though there are some federal and state-wide legal protections, a criminal record still matters if you want to be employed in Virginia. It doesn't matter if you are applying for some positions, but a criminal record may play a pivotal role in many other positions.

Sept. 23, 2021

A criminal conviction isn't just a matter of having a criminal record that pops up whenever a background check is conducted – quite possibly for the rest of your life – it is also about the quality of life you can live after you have paid your debt to society. Regardless of whether you are actually guilty or not, a conviction can cause irreparable harm.

Sept. 23, 2021

A criminal record can affect a person's life in many ways. We know this to be particularly true when it comes to job searches and housing. But it can affect family life as well. The ways it can affect family life are both direct and indirect. That's why, in part, Bryan Jones works hard to put forth the best defense for his clients.

Sept. 23, 2021

What Is Obstruction of Justice? Obstruction of justice is a crime in Virginia. The most commonly charged version of Obstruction of justice requires the prosecutor to prove: that someone knowingly attempted to impede a law enforcement officer, By threats or force, or in the lawful performance of his duties.

Sept. 23, 2021

What Is Disorderly Conduct? The most common version of disorderly conduct requires the prosecutor prove that a person engaged in conduct in any street, highway, public building, or public place having a direct tendency to cause acts of violence by the person a whom such conduct is directed

Sept. 23, 2021

In Virginia, if you're charged with underage possession of alcohol, you may be eligible to have the charge dismissed. Virginia has a first offender program that allows a charge of underage possession of alcohol to be dismissed if you complete alcohol counseling and community service.