When most people hear the word “assault,” they think of someone getting physically struck by another person. However, that is NOT the definition of assault in Virginia or many other jurisdictions. Assault means someone has only threatened to hurt another person physically and accompanied that threat with a physical motion indicating the assaulter intends to follow through with that threat. Assault is defined as Read More
Virginia Assault and Battery: What You Need to Know
Many people assume that assault and battery are a single crime, but they are actually two separate offenses. A person can be accused of committing assault, battery, or both in a single instance. Whether charged with only one offense or both together, the penalties for conviction of assault and battery crimes can be severe. If you or someone you know has been accused of committing these offenses in either Northern Read More
Virginia DUI (DWI) Crimes
Being accused of driving while intoxicated can permanently affect the rest of your life. Virginia takes DWI crimes extremely seriously and, if you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with a driving while intoxicated crime, you should speak with an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney immediately. At Select Law Partners, PLLC our team is ready to defend and protect your rights in a Virginia DUI Read More
Can I Start Dating During a Divorce in Virginia?
One of the most common questions divorce lawyers in Virginia (or anywhere for that matter) get from clients is if it is okay to start dating during divorce proceedings. To be clear, there is no law against dating while married; however, there is a law against adultery. Dating or pursuing a relationship while married is a major factor leading to a divorce, but dating while you are in the process of getting a divorce Read More
Is There a Duty to Retreat Under Virginia Criminal Law?
One of the perennially controversial topics in criminal law - and one that we still see discussed vigorously today - is about the so-called “duty to retreat,” which deals with the question of when an otherwise criminal act of violence is justified by self-defense. Different states have different approaches, with some states employing the duty to retreat approach, which means a defendant cannot successfully assert Read More
Why Sorority/Fraternity Hazing Can Land You in Jail in Virginia
Virginia has a long, rich history of higher education, and many of the nation’s oldest fraternities and sororities began right here in our state. Indeed, the very first Greek organization in the United States was started at the College of William and Mary when Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776, the year of our country’s birth. Initiation rites for sororities and fraternities have a rich (if largely secret) history Read More
