All drug charges are serious in Virginia; however, charges related to cocaine are particularly serious because they are felony charges. This means that you face up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine for simple possession of cocaine if you are convicted.
Mandatory minimum sentences in some assault and battery cases
Anyone who is facing assault or battery charges must understand the severity of the charges against them. There are specific points that are included in Virginia law that might change the sentencing standards if you are convicted of a crime that contains certain elements.
Aggravated assault charges are considered violent charges
Being charged with assault is a serious charge because it is considered a violent crime. If you are convicted, you might find that it is difficult to get a job, find a place to live or even find a program that will let you volunteer because of the violent conviction on your criminal record. While being charged with assault is bad, being charged with aggravated assault is even worse.
Shoplifting defenses start with knowing the penalties
In our previous blog post, we discussed how underwear thefts are being linked to drugs. That post brings up the lengths that some people will go to in order to get money for drugs. It also brings up the issue of shoplifting.
Underwear thefts sometimes linked to needing money for drugs
It is often assumed that many thefts are drug related. What some people might not realize is that many of these thefts are because the person who stole the items only did so because they had a physical need for the drugs. While that doesn't make it right, it does show how big of a problem drugs can be in a person's life.