BATTLEFIELD BLOG
Why Social Media Can Be Your Worst Enemy in a Criminal Case
Social media can feel harmless, until it’s used as evidence against you. In this blog, we break down a real case where one video led to six months in jail for a client awaiting trial. If you're facing charges like DUI, assault, or drug possession in Virginia, this is your warning: what you post online could cost you your freedom.
Can Police Aggression Help Your DUI Defense?
Being treated roughly or aggressively during a criminal or DUI arrest can be a traumatic experience, but does it mean your case will be dismissed? Not usually. While unnecessary force by police rarely results in dropped charges, it can still impact your case. If the arrest was caught on video, prosecutors may be hesitant to let that footage be seen in court. At Battlefield Law Group, we carefully review every detail to determine if misconduct can help leverage a better outcome.
2025 Virginia Good Samaritan Law Offers Safe Harbor
Beginning July 1, 2025, Virginia’s new “Good Samaritan” law—HB 2117, creates a safe harbor: anyone who dials 911 to report an overdose or sexual assault is shielded from arrest for minor drug or alcohol offenses. Discover what the law covers, where its immunity stops, and how Battlefield Law Group can stand up for you across Northern Virginia.
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Virginia?
Pulled over for DUI in Northern Virginia? You can say no to roadside sobriety tests, but once you’re arrested the evidentiary breath or blood test is mandatory, and refusing it adds a separate charge plus an automatic license suspension. Discover the real-world consequences and how Battlefield Law Group fights to keep your license and record intact.
Your Right to Refuse Police Entry in Virginia
Police at the door with no warrant? Under the Fourth Amendment and Virginia law, you can refuse entry. Learn the right way to assert your rights, verify a warrant, and avoid accidental consent that could expose you to criminal charges. Our attorneys explain the law, exceptions, and next steps if officers push past the threshold. Read more to safeguard your home, car, and self, plus watch our latest short video for a kid-friendly reminder: No warrant? No entry!
Constructive Drug Possession in Virginia
Think possession charges only stick if drugs are found in your pocket? Virginia’s “constructive possession” law proves otherwise. Learn how prosecutors link knowledge, control, and circumstantial clues to turn a roommate’s stash, or a friend’s car stop, into a felony case, and what defenses still work.
Criminal Defense & Protective Orders: Lili O’Connell Explains
Senior Attorney Lili O’Connell of Battlefield Law Group shares her enthusiasm for both defending clients and securing protective orders. In a brief linked video, she highlights her tailored, case-by-case methodology, explains why handling defense and protective orders poses no ethical conflict, and offers key insights into winning strategies in Northern Virginia courtrooms.
Is It Legal to Record Phone Calls in Virginia? Your Guide to the One-Party Consent Law
Think your conversation is private? Under Virginia’s one-party consent law, any call or in-person discussion can be legally recorded if even one participant agrees—and jail phones are monitored automatically. Learn how this rule affects DUI stops, domestic-violence cases, protective orders, drug charges, and other criminal matters.
A Guide to Alcohol Monitoring Devices for DUI and DWI Cases
If you're facing DUI charges in Northern Virginia, you may be required to use an alcohol monitoring device. In this blog, the attorneys at Battlefield Law Group compare three commonly used devices—including cost, functionality, and court usage—to help you understand your options. Learn what to expect and how these tools impact your case in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, and surrounding areas.
How Likely Is Jail Time for Your First DUI Offense in Virginia?
Wondering if jail time is likely for your first DUI offense in Virginia? While a first-time DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, many cases avoid active jail time, unless certain factors apply, like a high BAC or a minor in the car. In this post, we break down Virginia's DUI laws, mandatory jail thresholds, and how different courts across Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Alexandria, Spotsylvania, Warren, Frederick, and Winchester, handle first-time offenses. Learn what to expect and how local legal trends may impact your case.
Can You Go Back to Jail for a Probation Violation in Virginia? Technical vs. Substantive Violations Explained
If you’re facing a probation violation in Virginia, you might be worried about whether you’ll end up back in jail. In this blog, we explain the difference between technical and substantive probation violations and how they can impact your future. Attorney Nicole H. Naum of Battlefield Law Group shares insights from a real case she successfully defended, showing how an experienced attorney can help protect your rights.
Can DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Claim to Specialize? Nicole Naum Explains
In this blog, Nicole Naum, a criminal defense and DUI attorney at Battlefield Law Group, clarifies the ethics behind claiming a legal “specialty.” Many attorneys focus on areas like DUI/DWI or criminal defense, but unless formally certified, they cannot ethically call themselves “specialists.” Watch her explain why and how this impacts your case in her recent video on YouTube and TikTok.
How a $20 Theft Became a Felony Grand Larceny Charge in Virginia
Most people think a quick $20 shoplifting incident might result in a slap on the wrist. But what if we told you that small thefts can add up to a felony? That’s exactly what happened in a recent case involving Target, and it’s not as rare as you might think. Watch Battlefield Law Group attorney, Nicole H. Naum, explain how this scenario happens.