Being charged with a crime can be a stressful experience. When you work in an industry that requires a security clearance, the stress level can be even higher. Losing your clearance might mean losing your job, so it's crucial to understand the impact a criminal charge...
Criminal Offenses
When can shoplifting in Virginia result in grand larceny charges?
There are quite a few different behaviors that could lead to someone's arrest and prosecution for a shoplifting offense in Virginia. The state penalizes acts ranging from placing objects inside other products to conceal them and changing price tags to simply running...
When does a criminal charge affect your immigration rights?
Immigrants only have temporary authorization to live in the United States, and mistakes they make can lead to removal from the country. If they want to stay here or become citizens, immigrants must meet certain criteria and comply with domestic laws. Criminal...
3 ways college students face extra penalties for criminal charges
In theory, all adults face the same consequences for the same criminal offenses. Although there is some discretion regarding the amount of jail time, length of probation or amount of money someone pays in fines after a conviction, the law sets clear maximum and...
Shoplifting and larceny rules
The term shoplifting refers to when an individual in Virginia willfully conceals or takes possession of goods without paying for them. This offense includes any attempts to alter a price tag on a piece of merchandise or assisting another person who unlawfully removes...
How can a criminal offense impact my university scholarship?
College should be a mix of new experiences — moving away from home, taking in-depth classes and meeting new friends. However, receiving a criminal charge was probably never part of the plan. Pressure from peers can lead to illegal drug use, underage drinking or even...