Virginia Beach Biker In On Major Marijuana Bust

Champion mountain biker and local native Mellissa “Missy” Giove was arrested and is now facing serious criminal charges in New York. The case involved several people, several states, and a speedy investigation resulting in the arrests that took place earlier in the week.

Giove is known for being a world class athlete with funky hair. She is a Va. Beach resident and her Virginia home was searched following the New York bust.

According to the Associated Press, it all started with a pick up in California. Allegedly, Giove and an assistant made the drive from California to Iowa in a rental truck towing a trailer filled with marijuana. Giove got on a plane in Des Moines heading to New York and her assistant drove on.

Tamara Geagley, the assistant, was pulled over in Illinois where police learned about the transport. She told police that Giove had hired her to complete the drive and meet up with her in New York. Police sent Geagley on her way and hoped to intercept Giove with the marijuana when it reached its final destination.

Police watched Giove get off the plane in NY and meet up with Geagley. Geagley was dropped off and Giove met with Eric Canori. After unloading some of the marijuana at Canori’s home police stopped Giove, who was still behind the wheel of the truck, and made their arrest.

Along with cash, police confiscated over 300 pounds of marijuana. Currently Giove and Canori face charges of possession with intent to distribute in New York. They may face federal charges as well. While Giove is facing charges in New York, there is no telling what Virginia authorities may have found in her home.

The criminal charge of possession with intent exists in most states, including Virginia. This is typically a very serious felony charge. The penalty faced depends largely on the amount of marijuana that the accused was in possession of.

In Virginia, if you are charged with intent to distribute over 5 pounds you face a possible 30 years in prison. That is a tremendously serious penalty to have hanging over your head.

When facing serious drug penalties, an experienced and aggressive attorney is crucial. I can fight for your interests and make certain that your side is heard in court. Call us today so we can discuss your case and how best to handle it.

Good Article on Virginia's "Move Over/Slow Down" Reckless Driving Law

Here is a well written and clear explanation of what is commonly refereed to as the "Move Over/Slow Down" law in Virginia.

This confusing and commonly misunderstood law says that if there is an emergency vehicle with lights flashing in the right lane/breakdown lane on a highway, a driver must move over one lane unless unsafe to do so, in which case he must "proceed with due caution".

Merely "slowing down" is not sufficient, and may result in a criminal charge of reckless driving under Virginia statute § 46.2-921.1 if a police officer questions your decision. Whether or not it was "unsafe" for you to move over will be a decision for a judge, and the wrong decision could result in jail time, license suspension, and a criminal record.

Very few Virginians truly understand this complicated distinction, and the consequences and serious criminal penalties that can result.

The word to the wise is - make every effort to always Move Over a lane on the highway with a police car on the side of the road. If you don't, your judgment can always be questioned. You don't want to be in a position of depending on the temperament of the officer and the judge in court, since those calls won't always go in your favor.

And, of course, you'll want a good reckless driving defense lawyer on your side if you find yourself in court.