Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category
Posted on Oct 21, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
When police officer Harry Kephart Jr. was arrested for suspicion of prescription fraud and "doctor shopping," he had some insight as to how he might be penalized upon conviction. Knowing ...
Continue reading "Attorney Cline Secures Plea Bargain for Former Cop" »
Posted on Jun 24, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
The answer depends on the code section for which you are ultimately convicted. Virginia law enforcement generally rely on the computerized database of a defendant's driving record when electing ...
Continue reading "Can I Avoid Jail Time for a Third Offense Driving on Suspended License in Virginia?" »
Posted on Jun 24, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
The term "hate crime" has been in wide circulation lately due to recent national events. The Virginia criminal code does not include the term "hate crime", but the concept is ...
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Posted on May 13, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Hiring the best lawyer is a challenge. To find the best lawyer in Hampton Roads you need to do your homework. Talk to friends and family, and look online to find the best lawyer for your case. People ...
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Posted on Apr 7, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Forgery and uttering in Virginia fall under the same statute, but they are not the same offense. Forgery is the making of a false writing which, if true, would be of some legal effect. Uttering is the ...
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Posted on Mar 26, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Destruction of property in Virginia is not just a civil matter, to be resolved through lawsuits, but can also rise to the level of a criminal offense, depending upon the circumstances. Under Virginia ...
Continue reading "Destruction of Property Charges in Virginia Are Serious!" »
Posted on Feb 10, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Statutes of limitations are set periods of time following an alleged criminal act after which a criminal prosecution may not commence. In other words, once the statute of limitations has passed, you ...
Continue reading "What Is a Statute of Limitations?" »
Posted on Feb 3, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
I get this question fairly regularly, for a couple of reasons. First, because I practice exclusively criminal defense in southeastern Virginia, a large percentage of my clients are military. Second, ...
Continue reading "Is It Better to Be Prosecuted in a Military Court or a Civilian Court?" »
Posted on Dec 30, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
I frequently meet with distraught parents who have been charged with child neglect or abuse. In most cases, these are loving parents who either lacked the skills and resources to effectively care for ...
Continue reading "What Are Virginia Child Abuse Laws?" »
Posted on Dec 10, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Assault and battery on a family member in violation of Virginia Code §18.2-57.2 is one of the most common offenses that I see in my office. Very often, the parties have resolved their ...
Continue reading "Assault on a Family Member in Virginia" »
Posted on Nov 4, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
I can't tell you how common it is for clients to come to me with all sorts of charges that emerged from a search of their automobiles. There is almost a limitless variety of contraband that people ...
Continue reading "Can the Police Search My Car when I'm Stopped?" »
Posted on Sep 12, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Many of my clients are dog lovers, and occasionally I receive a call from someone who has been charged under Virginia Code Section 3.2-6540 for a dog bite incident. These charges can be devastating ...
Continue reading "I've Been Charged in a Dog Bite Case. What Does This Mean for Me and My Dog?" »
Posted on Sep 5, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Clients frequently tell me that the arresting officer did not read them their rights. While this always piques my interest, it is not always critical in the ultimate outcome of the case. We all watch ...
Continue reading "But the Officer Didn't Even Read Me My Rights!" »
Posted on Sep 3, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Any of you who have spent time in New Orleans have no doubt seen people walking around the French Quarter carrying all manner of alcoholic drinks in public, and consuming them without the slightest ...
Continue reading "Open Container Laws in Virginia" »
Posted on Jul 18, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
It is becoming increasingly common for individuals to come to my office facing not only a criminal law issue, but immigration issues as well. Typically these people are here on a visa of some kind or ...
Continue reading "Can Non-Citizens Be Deported for Criminal Convictions?" »
Posted on Jun 26, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
Fairly regularly, I come across clients who are charged with "disorderly conduct". Many people feel like there is no way to beat this charge, because very often they were intoxicated when ...
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Posted on Jun 25, 2024 By Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC
I see more and more clients charged with selling alcohol to underage persons in violation of Virginia Code Section 4.1-304, which prohibits sale of alcohol when the seller "knows or has reason to ...
Continue reading "Selling Alcohol To A Minor: The Charges & Penalties" »