Protective orders can be obtained in two different ways in Virginia. First, protective orders can be automatically issued for the protection of a crime victim following a defendant's arrest. Second, any person can make a sworn statement before a magistrate. Both methods can result in the issuance...
Many people utilize tracking capabilities in their devices to prevent the loss of those devices and keep track of loved ones. Unfortunately, though, some use these tracking capabilities to harass others or even assist with criminal activity. As highlighted in Good Morning America, Apple AirTags a...
If you're facing a charge alleging domestic violence, you have the right to a defense. However, the idea of defending yourself against such a charge can be overwhelming, especially if there are ongoing family law issues as well. There's no one specific way to defend against a domestic violence ch...
In Virginia, sentencing guidelines provide a framework for judges to determine appropriate sentences based on the circumstances of each felony. Aggravated factors increase the severity of a person's sentence for certain factors. If you are charged with a felony in Virginia, a Fairfax criminal def...
Popular holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Fourth of July warrant additional police checkpoints to look for and arrest drunk drivers. An experienced Fairfax DUI lawyer from Select Law Partners PLLC discusses the times of year with the most DUI arrests. What time of year do most DUIs happen...
The primary concern of individuals in child custody cases should be what's in the best interest of their child, which requires consideration of both parents' mental health. Suppose a parent exhibits symptoms of a mental illness that could affect their child's well-being. In that case, it may be n...
It is always good to review and update your estate plan periodically. Changes to family, finances, income, and life events can require people to change the configuration of their estate planning tools for end-of-life care and asset management. Please continue reading to learn more about people wh...
While driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal every day of the year, you may wonder what holiday has the most DUIs. If you are charged with DUI, contact a Fairfax DUI lawyer at Select Law Partners PLLC. We are here to help you build your defense strategy and keep you from suffering the conse...
From parental to property rights Unmarried couples living together face unique challenges, as they aren't afforded the same protections married couples are given under Virginia law. Knowing your rights as a partner in an unmarried, cohabitating relationship is essential. The Fairfax child custody...
The bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is a special one. However, in situations involving divorce, illness or death, family strife, or estrangement, a grandparent may be unable to see their grandchild. Depending on the circumstances, grandparents in Virginia may have rights to cust...
If you're considering writing out your last will and testament, congratulations! You're making a sound decision that will help your family in their time of loss. If you are thinking about putting some unconventional requests in your will, you may need to examine the potential pros and cons to ens...
Disinheriting a child from a will means that a parent intentionally excludes the child from receiving an inheritance upon the parent's death. Disinheriting a child is an extreme measure with a ripple effect of consequences. If other siblings remain in the parent's will, significant conflict can a...
Testamentary intent is an important component of a testator's will. Typically, a testator must be “of sound mind” to create a valid will. Many clients want to know if a person with Alzheimer's can change their will. Oftentimes, wills are amended through documents known as codicils. An individual...
A good Fairfax criminal defense lawyer will work tirelessly to understand every detail associated with your case. Skilled criminal defense lawyers know they must absorb the facts of a case to understand how to protect their clients. All criminal cases can be lost or won depending on the facts and...
Domestic violence cases are often contentious, adversarial, and lengthy. It can be frustrating for clients to assess how long it takes to resolve a domestic violence case. You may have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, and this can have a significant impact on how long the case remains...
Cell phones contain access to so much of our lives, and it's frightening to realize how they could be used against us if we're stopped by the police. Whether the police can force you to open your phone during a traffic stop or other arrest can get legally confusing. Understanding your rights and ...
Resisting arrest is a complex topic in criminal law. There are rare circumstances when resisting an arrest is justifiable. Only officers granted the power to arrest citizens can make lawful arrests. Therefore, any arrests made by any person who is not a law enforcement officer will likely be an u...
When love and marriage aren't so loving anymore, you may want to protect your assets from going to a spouse in case it's not the right time to divorce. You may wonder if you can disinherit your spouse and what's the process for doing so. However, it isn't easy to cut them out of your will or othe...
Estate taxes can be imposed at both the state and federal levels, but neither Virginia nor North Carolina currently impose an estate tax. The federal estate tax applies to estates that are valued above an exemption amount which is adjusted annually for inflation. For people whose estates may be s...
It's common for a person facing a life-changing situation like divorce to want to share what they are going through with their friends and family online. Yet, social media is not the place to vent or even discuss what is occurring in your divorce proceedings, as it could work against you. Social ...
When parents are no longer together, there may be valid reasons for one parent to want to change the child's name. While it is possible to change a child's name in Virginia, parents do not have free reign to do it and a court has the discretion to approve or deny a name change petition. If both o...
Under Virginia law there are times when Commonwealth Attorneys (prosecutors) can elect to have a child charged with a criminal offense tried “as an adult.” When a minor is in that situation, the stakes are high, not just for their liberty but for their future. Keep reading for more from our trust...
There are many ways for a person to structure their estate plan. Sometimes a Last Will and Testament is sufficient, other times, a Revocable Living Trust is required to ensure that assets are divided pursuant to a person's intent. Regardless of which estate planning vehicle is used in your plan, ...
Written by Ben Brasfield, a native Virginia attorney who focuses on criminal law There's no one specific way to defend against a domestic violence charge. Each case is unique and depends upon the particular facts and circumstances of the relationship. The consequences of a conviction for domestic...
If you're facing a charge for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the right to a defense. However, the idea of going to court to fight a DUI charge can be intimidating, and many people wonder if it's worth the time, effort, and money. There's no easy answer here — it depends...
Select Law Partners, PLLC is committed to answering your questions about Family Law, Estate Planning and Criminal Defense law issues throughout Virginia.
We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.