BATTLEFIELD BLOG
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.
No ID, No Conviction
When the prosecution failed to prove the identity of the accused, attorney Lili O’Connell secured a dismissal for her client. In Virginia criminal cases, the Commonwealth must prove every element, including who actually committed the crime. This case is a powerful reminder that details matter and skilled defense can make all the difference.
The Truth About Polygraphs in Virginia Criminal Law
Polygraphs are often seen as truth-telling tools, but in Virginia criminal defense, their role is far more limited and complex. While the results are generally inadmissible in court, they can still influence plea negotiations and case strategy behind the scenes.
Sleeping in Your Car After Drinking? Why You Could Still Face a DUI Charge in Virginia
You might think sleeping in your car after a night of drinking is the safe choice, but in Virginia, it could still get you arrested for DUI. In this blog, attorney Nicole Naum of Battlefield Law Group explains how “physical control” laws work and what you need to know to avoid turning a responsible decision into a criminal charge.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Required in Virginia? What You Should Know During a DUI Stop
Field sobriety tests are widely used during DUI stops in Virginia, but they’re not as reliable or required as many drivers think. Learn how these tests work, why they’re flawed, and what rights you have if you're pulled over. Battlefield Law Group breaks down the key facts every driver should know.
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.