In Virginia, Authorities Crackdown on Prescription Drug Abuse

This week, the Washington Post revealed a massive effort taking place in Northern Virginia to prevent the sale and illegal use of prescription drugs. What is being called “Operation Cotton Candy” began in 2002 and involves law enforcement at local, state, and federal levels. Some are calling it a waste of time and money but the U.S Attorney’s office points to 170 convictions as proof that they are doing something right.

Illicit prescription use is at an all time high in every state in the nation. Legal with a prescription but highly dangerous without, drugs like Oxycontin are highly addictive and creating a black market that includes people from all walks of life.

According to the Washington Post report, doctors, nurses, and grandmothers have been caught up in Operation Cotton Candy, including one physician who was accused of prescribing an unheard of 1,200 Oxycodone pills per day to a single patient.

People have a tendency to view prescription drugs as somehow safer than drugs like crack or heroin. They think that because they come from a pharmacy and are commonly recommended by doctors, they can’t be as dangerous as these more well known street drugs. This, unfortunately, couldn’t be further from the truth.

Prescription drugs are highly addictive. Often, addiction begins when the drugs are prescribed for a legitimate reason, an injury for instance. As tolerance builds, you begin taking more and more; and if your supply is cut off, you may take drastic measures to ensure your need for the drugs is satisfied.

Once caught in possession of illegal drugs, prescription or not, a harsh reality check often results. Drug charges like these can end up with years in prison. Handling an addiction becomes especially difficult in a place like that.

If you are facing drug charges like this, or if you are accused of selling prescription drugs, we may be able to help. If this is your first offense, we may be able to get you a second chance.
Contact us today to discuss the details of your case. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you overcome this difficult point in life.

Virginia Seeks to Overturn Concealed Weapon Ban

Virginia is one of a few states that currently have a law on the books preventing the carrying of concealed weapons in places that serve alcohol. All of that may change in the near future as the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates have voted to overturn this ban. All that remains needed is the governor’s signature.

The current ban applies to people who are permitted to conceal a weapon on their person. Supporters of the change in the law state that these people are law abiding and responsible and shouldn’t have to restrict their activities when they have their weapons on them. By overturning the ban, supporters believe crime may be reduced.

There are often stories in the news about gun rights and restrictions. It’s a touchy issue simply because although the 2nd Amendment guarantees our right to bear arms, the States withhold the right to regulate that. This is why each state has numerous weapons laws and regulations, all done in the interest of public safety.

Under the new law, people with permits to carry concealed weapons would not be restricted from businesses unless the business elected to set their own rules. There would no longer be a state ban on carrying a weapon into a bar, for instance, or a restaurant where alcohol is served.

This doesn’t mean anyone can carry a concealed weapon. Like all other gun laws, there are steps that must be taken in order to get a permit. If caught with a concealed weapon and without a permit, you can face criminal charges. While the first offense is a misdemeanor, that charge is elevated to a felony for any subsequent incidences.

There are numbers opportunities for criminal charges involving weapons. I discuss a few of them here on the weapons page. Whether you are charged with one of these offenses or another weapons charge, we can help.

Contact us to discuss your case and to get some valuable free legal advice.

New VA Law Allows 70mph Speed Limits, But Nothing Raised Yet

Governor McDonnell signed into law a change that will allow maximum speed limits on Virginia Highways from 65 to 70mph.
But, "Not so Fast" is the watchword for Virginia motorists looking to shave a little time off their drive, or have a little extra cushion before speeding violations and even reckless driving citations become a threat.
The law as written allows the VDOT to review certain stretches of highway and decide if they deem them safe for a speed limit increase, but no speeds have been raised as yet. The Virginia Department of Transportation has said it intends to heavily scrutinize and study any eligible stretch of highway before making any changes.
If, eventually, some parts of I-81 are raised to a new 70mph limit, some legislators have indicated they would be open to making changes to parts of Virginia's tough reckless driving laws. Current law makes it a class 1 Misdemeanor criminal offense to drive over 80mph. Another section of the reckless driving law makes it a crime to drive 20 mph over any posted speed limit.
Logically, most people would agree just 10 mph over the legal limit shouldn't be a criminal and jail-able offense.
It's still all speculation, but it is good news that the Commonwealth is at least considering some rational changes to our speeding and reckless driving laws.