Recent Blog Posts
What If a Hit-and-Run Driver Injures or Kills a Pedestrian?
On January 29th, a tragic hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Fairfax County killed a mother and injured her young son. The duo was struck by an SUV, whose driver left the accident scene. Later, the driver abandoned the SUV.
Pedestrian accidents typically cause extremely severe or fatal injuries. However, Virginia’s negligence law holds that injured victims cannot recover compensation if they are even partially to blame for causing their accidents. Hit-and-run accident claims can be challenging, especially when the victims are pedestrians. A knowledgeable Fairfax, VA personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you explore your legal options.
What Is Pure Contributory Negligence?
All states have laws that determine whether injured victims can pursue a compensation claim. Virginia is one of only a few states using pure contributory negligence. If you share any responsibility for causing the accident that injured you, you cannot seek damages from other at-fault parties. Do not assume you are partially to blame; instead, contact us so we can evaluate your case free of charge.
5 Types of Fatal Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. The worst part about medical malpractice cases is losing your loved one – but a close second is the fact that these tragedies are almost always preventable.
If a family member passed away due to what you suspect was medical malpractice, you may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of a Virginia personal injury lawyer.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition or delays a diagnosis, the consequences can be deadly. For example, misdiagnosing cancer as a less serious illness can prevent a patient from receiving life-saving treatment in time. Similarly, failing to diagnose a heart attack or stroke can leave a patient without the urgent care they need.
Is There Such Thing as a Federal DUI Charge?
Most people have no idea that such a thing as a federal DUI charge exists until they find themselves on the receiving end of one. While most DUI cases are prosecuted under state law, there are indeed DUI charges under federal law. These cases generally involve driving under the influence on federal property or in circumstances where federal jurisdiction applies.
Because most DUI charges happen at the state level, it is very important to have a Virginia DUI defense attorney with experience handling federal DUI charges.
When Can You Get a Federal DUI Charge?
Federal DUI charges can only be brought in certain circumstances.
Driving on Federal Property
Federal property includes areas such as:
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National parks and forests
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Military bases
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Federal government buildings or facilities
Recent Fatal Crashes: A Reminder That Speeding Kills
Speeding is believed to have contributed to two recent fatal accidents in Fairfax County. Two people died in separate crashes, and another was seriously injured. Drugs or alcohol may have also been a factor in a crash on Dec. 14. Speeding and driving under the influence are illegal and negligent behaviors, and injured victims or their families may be eligible for compensation.
Car accident cases can be complicated, even when speeding is a factor. You need the assistance of a competent Fairfax, VA attorney if you hope to get the full compensation you deserve.
What Is Negligence?
Negligence, which is careless or intentional behavior that can harm others, is the basis for most personal injury cases. Many driver errors are negligent, such as:
What Is The Penalty For Buying Or Selling A Stolen Catalytic Converter? | Robinson Law, PLLC
Most theft offenses related to vehicles involve either young adults stealing vehicles to go on joyrides or older criminals misappropriating a vehicle for personal use or resale. Occasionally, those accused of vehicle-related thefts do not steal a vehicle but rather a vehicle component.
Certain parts of vehicles can be highly valuable. Decades ago, criminals smashed through car windows to steal CD players and other stereo system components. Tires and rims have also been popular targets for opportunistic thieves. People might return to a parked car to find it up on cinder blocks with the wheels missing.
In recent years, catalytic converters have become prized vehicle components. A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. Drivers generally notice their disappearance immediately because the vehicle runs rough and loud. Catalytic converters affect vehicle performance and fuel mileage as well as regulatory compliance. Individuals accused of possessing, purchasing or selling a stolen catalytic converter could face relatively serious criminal charges in Virginia.
What Is The Difference Between A Public Defender And A Private Criminal Defense Attorney? | Robinson Law, PLLC
Everyone who is facing criminal charges has the right to an attorney. As part of their constitutional rights, people who can’t afford an attorney can have the courts appoint one for them. Typically, this person is a public defender. Individuals who can afford to pay can hire a private criminal defense attorney.
Public defenders and private defense attorneys are both required to represent the best interests of their clients and work to ensure that they get a fair trial. Despite those similarities, there are some differences to consider when it comes to these two categories of attorneys.
Public defenders
Public defenders are paid for by the government and are assigned by the court to represent people who can’t afford to pay an attorney. These lawyers handle a large volume of cases. Because they work with many clients, they represent defendants with a wide range of criminal charges. They’re often intimately familiar with the courts they work with, so they can draw from that knowledge as they guide their clients on defense strategies.
Do City Of Fairfax Police Wear Body Cameras? | Robinson Law, PLLC
Police officers are in a position to help stand up for people’s rights or to violate them, depending on the circumstances. Although people generally expect that police officers should follow the law and treat them with dignity, sometimes police officers abuse their position of authority and mistreat members of the public.
Defendants facing criminal charges sometimes raise claims about police misconduct in response to their pending criminal charges. For example, proving that an officer conducted an illegal search could lead to the courts setting aside certain evidence. Claims about police officer misconduct can be difficult to prove, as an officer might deny their actions. Video footage could potentially help prove a defendant’s version of events.
Do police officers working in Fairfax, Virginia generally need to have body cameras recording their interactions with the public?
Fairfax has rules about police cameras
Concerns about police officers abusing their authority and mistreating certain members of the public are nothing new. They have simply become more widespread thanks to the sharing of video footage and disturbing stories on the internet.
Is It Illegal To Fly A Drone Over Someone Else’s Property In Virginia? | Robinson Law, PLLC
Drones are unmanned aircraft that can be used to take beautiful pictures and monitor areas that would be difficult to watch otherwise. For those who are in Virginia – which is so close to the nation’s capital that it tends to employ stricter-than-average security measures under many circumstances – understanding the laws surrounding may be wise.
The legality of flying a drone over someone else’s property in Virginia depends on specific circumstances outlined in state law. Virginia statutes set clear boundaries that address the operation of drones based on privacy, safety and property rights.
Drone flights are limited in Virginia
Under Virginia law, intentionally operating a drone in ways that infringe on another person’s property and privacy is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This includes flying a drone within 50 feet of a dwelling without consent. This is especially true if the flight intends to coerce, intimidate or harass another person.
The law also prohibits drone operations that involve:
Can I Record Police At A Traffic Stop In Virginia? | Robinson Law, PLLC
The average driver feels a bit anxious during a traffic stop. Even someone who has never had a citation before might become very nervous during an encounter with law enforcement professionals. Even when people try to be compliant and respectful, officers could become aggressive or accusatory.
People from certain backgrounds may feel particularly anxious during an encounter with the police. Those with diagnosed mental health challenges, drivers from certain racial backgrounds and even female drivers stopped by male officers may feel incredibly anxious about a traffic stop.
Those worried about potential violations of their civil rights might consider recording their interaction with the police. Can adults in Virginia record police officers during a traffic stop?
Virginia is a one-party consent state
The federal Supreme Court has ruled on cases involving civilians recording the police. In general, those interacting with the police usually have the right to record the conduct of officers regardless of the jurisdiction. As public employees, police officers do not have the same right to privacy that many civilians take for granted.
Fairfax Court of Appeals Affirms Defendant’s Conviction in Sexual Assault Case | Robinson Law, PLLC
In a recent case coming out of the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, the defendant appealed his conviction of sodomy of a child under the age of thirteen years. Originally, the defendant was charged and convicted after he sexually assaulted a family friend, who at the time was an 11-year-old girl. On appeal, the defendant took issue with the victim’s lack of credibility; however, the court of appeals rejected the defendant’s arguments and eventually denied his appeal.
Facts of the Case
According to the opinion, the defendant was visiting his family friends one evening, one of whom was eleven years old. At one point during the evening, the girl’s mom went upstairs, and when she came back downstairs, she found the defendant sexually assaulting her daughter. Terrified, the mother screamed and brought her daughter upstairs. She did not, however, report the incident to the police.

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