BATTLEFIELD BLOG
Does Hiring a Lawyer Make You Look Guilty? Common Misconceptions About Defense Attorneys in Virginia
Many people hesitate to hire a defense attorney because they worry it will make them look guilty. In this post, defense attorney Steven L. Duckett, Jr. from Battlefield Law Group in Manassas, Virginia breaks down the most common misconceptions about hiring a lawyer and explains why having an attorney by your side is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
What Happens If You Admit to Drinking During a DUI Stop in Virginia
Admitting to drinking during a DUI stop does not automatically mean you are guilty. In Virginia, every case turns on the details, from how the stop was conducted to how tests were handled and whether the evidence was filed correctly. Attorney Nicole Naum of Battlefield Law Group explains why each DUI deserves its own strategy and how one Loudoun County case was dismissed after she successfully argued a Motion to Strike based on a .004 margin of error and missing breath test records.
What Happens After a DUI in Prince William County, Virginia?
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI in Prince William County, understanding what happens next can make all the difference. This guide explains how Virginia’s DUI laws work under § 18.2-266, what to expect in Manassas courts, and how the attorneys at Battlefield Law Group, located within walking distance of the Prince William County Courthouse, help clients protect their licenses, records, and futures after a DUI arrest.
Tips for Choosing the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia
Practical tips for hiring a skilled criminal defense trial lawyer in Virginia, including how to compare fees, evaluate trial experience, and know when to change attorneys.
Driving for Work or School After Losing Your License in Prince William County, VA
A suspended license can disrupt every part of your life, from getting to work to caring for your family. Battlefield Law Group helps drivers in Prince William County pursue restricted licenses that restore essential driving privileges while keeping you in compliance with Virginia law.
What Counts as Stalking in Virginia? Understanding Va. Code § 18.2-60.3
Stalking charges in Virginia can arise from repeated contact, digital communication, or even misunderstandings between two people. Under Va. Code § 18.2-60.3, stalking is a serious criminal offense that can lead to jail time and protective orders. Battlefield Law Group defends clients across Northern Virginia, including Prince William and Fairfax Counties, helping protect their rights and reputations.
Can You Be Charged with Possession if the Drugs Weren’t Yours?
Charged with possession in Prince William County but the drugs weren’t yours? Virginia law recognizes both actual and constructive possession; know the difference.
Is It True That Without Physical Evidence, a Person Cannot Be Convicted in Virginia?
Many people believe that without physical evidence, a conviction isn’t possible. In Virginia, that’s not the case. Testimony from witnesses, officers, or even circumstantial facts can be enough for the prosecution to move forward. Understanding how evidence works in court is critical to protecting your rights.
Teen Reckless Driving Defense in Prince William County
Reckless driving isn’t “just a ticket” in Prince William County; it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor. See how common teen mistakes like racing or spinning donuts fit Virginia law, and why swift action and strong parental involvement matter long before the court date.
Fairfax DUI Stops: Can Police Search Your Car?
During a DUI stop in Fairfax County, police don’t always need your permission to search your car. From inventory searches after an arrest to the plain view doctrine, several legal exceptions allow officers to look inside your vehicle. Learn when a search may be unlawful, and how Battlefield Law Group can help protect your rights and your license if you’re facing DUI charges.
Can You Be Arrested if You Blow Under .08 in Virginia?
Many drivers believe blowing under .08 means they can’t be arrested for DUI in Virginia. That’s a dangerous myth. Even a low roadside breath test can give police probable cause to arrest you for further testing. Learn why the Preliminary Breath Test is voluntary, how Virginia’s Implied Consent Law applies, and what this means for Prince William County drivers.
Teen Charges and College Applications in Prince William County
A teenager’s record can impact more than just the courtroom, it may also follow them into the college admissions process. In Prince William County, early action and open communication are key to protecting both legal rights and future opportunities. Call Us Today!
Do Teens Have to Consent to a Police Search in Virginia? What Parents Should Know
Most teens don’t realize they have the right to say, “I do not consent to a search.” In Virginia, police generally need probable cause or a warrant to search personal property like backpacks or cars, though lockers and desks at school are treated differently. Parents can play a key role in teaching their children how to assert their rights and avoid charges involving drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia.
Agree or Disagree: Courtroom Perspectives with Trial Attorney Steve Duckett
In our Agree or Disagree series, Battlefield Law Group partner Steven L. Duckett, Jr. shares candid courtroom insights from more than 25 years of criminal defense work in Northern Virginia. From witness preparation and jury strategy to the art of cross-examination, Steve explains what really matters in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, and surrounding counties, and why courtroom experience makes all the difference.
Felonies and Misdemeanors in Virginia: Penalties, Classes, and Consequences
In Virginia, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony comes down to the severity of the offense, the potential penalties, and the long-term consequences. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 12 months in jail, while felonies can carry prison sentences of a year or more, steep fines, and loss of certain civil rights. Understanding how your charge is classified is the first step in protecting your future.
Resisting Arrest During a DUI Stop in Virginia
A DUI stop can escalate faster than you expect. In Virginia, resisting arrest is a Class 1 Misdemeanor that can turn one charge into two, each carrying serious penalties. Learn how these cases unfold, why they’re especially challenging in DUI situations, and how an attorney can help protect your future.
Your DUI Case in Prince William County: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you facing DUI/DWI charges in Prince William County? Learn step by step what to expect after an arrest, how the local court process works, and why having a DUI lawyer based in Manassas can make a difference.
Police Got Involved—But No One Wanted Charges
You were charged with a crime, but no one wanted to press charges. How does that happen? In Virginia, the Commonwealth, not the individual, decides whether to prosecute. Learn why police involvement alone can lead to charges and what to do next if it happens to you.
Bond Conditions and Travel
Can you still go on a planned vacation after being charged with a crime in Virginia? In this post, attorney Steve Duckett explains how courts handle travel requests while you're out on bond, and what steps Battlefield Law Group can take if you need permission.
DUID Laws in Virginia
You don’t have to be drunk to be charged with DUI in Virginia. If you’re impaired by marijuana, prescription medication, or any other substance, you could still face arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID). Learn what Virginia law says and what to do if it happens to you.