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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.