Posted on September 04, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Many people find air travel stressful, and when tensions are running high, mistakes can happen. One mistake that can have very serious consequences is bringing a firearm in your luggage without realizing it. 

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, even if you did not intend to break the law, carrying a gun in your bag through an airport can lead to criminal charges, fines, and other penalties. If you are in this situation, it is important to speak with a Loudoun County, VA criminal defense lawyer who can explain your legal rights and help you protect your future.

Is It Illegal to Bring a Gun in My Carry-On at Dulles Airport?

Firearms are strictly prohibited in carry-on bags at all airports, including Loudoun County’s own Washington Dulles International Airport. Federal regulation 49 C.F.R. § 1540.111 bans passengers from bringing firearms into the passenger screening area or onto an aircraft. 

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 Posted on August 28, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Negligent truck drivers cause some of the most terrible crashes on Virginia roads. When a victim survives the initial collision but later dies from their injuries, families have to deal with both medical bills and the long-term consequences of losing a loved one – plus the tragedy and expense of what happens in between. 

These situations can make it possible to bring two types of legal claims. One type of claim is for the harm the victim suffered before death; another is for the family’s loss after the victim dies. Importantly, once you have full command of the facts of the accident, Virginia only allows you to recover damages for one claim. 

At Whitlock Law, our Manassas, VA personal injury lawyer combines the personal attention of a small firm with the big-firm fearlessness and work ethic to take cases to trial when necessary. If you have been through a traumatic truck accident and do not know what to do next, call our firm and let us help. 

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 Posted on August 15, 2025 in Car Accidents

Many people think of a "fender bender" as a minor inconvenience. Sometimes these accidents involve just a small dent in the bumper, a quick insurance claim, and everyone walks away fine. But just as often, low-speed crashes can cause significant injuries that cause long-term problems for your health, finances, and daily living. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, victims of fender bender crashes often underestimate their injuries until days or weeks later, when pain, stiffness, or other symptoms set in.

At Whitlock Law, our Hampton City, VA car crash lawyer gives every client the small-firm experience. We have recovered over $50 million for our clients, and we will not settle just because it is easier than going to court. Our attorney has tried more than 100 cases in court, and when the choice is between doing what is easy and doing what is right, we will always choose to fight hard for justice.

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 Posted on August 04, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Facing criminal charges as a minor can be life-altering. In Virginia, many juvenile offenders have their cases handled within the juvenile justice system, which can provide more rehabilitative type punishment than the adult system.  However, Virginia law does permit a minor to be tried as an adult in certain circumstances. To understand more about how this might impact your case, speak with an experienced Winchester, VA criminal defense lawyer.

How Does Virginia Law Allow Minors to Be Tried as Adults?

Va. Code § 16.1-269.1 outlines the several ways that a juvenile’s case might be transferred from the Juvenile & Domestic Relations (JDR) Court to the Circuit Court, where the minor can be tried as an adult.

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 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Pedestrian Accidents

Getting hit by a car leaves victims with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term consequences that permanently disrupt their lives. If you were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you may be wondering whether you have the right to sue and what steps you should take next.

Virginia’s personal injury laws give pedestrians the right to pursue compensation when drivers act negligently. However, as a contributory negligence commonwealth, Virginia applies a particularly stringent rule that can impact your case, making it even more important to seek skilled legal representation. You do not need to navigate this process alone. Speak with a skilled Loudoun County, VA personal injury lawyer who knows how to build a strong claim.

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 Posted on July 10, 2025 in Car Accidents

In December 2024, a tractor-trailer collided with a car making a left turn on Gordon Boulevard in Woodbridge, VA. The initial crash triggered a massive chain reaction involving 11 vehicles, sending multiple people to the hospital and damaging a nearby condominium building. As authorities investigated the accident, the full scope became increasingly complex. How were the victims supposed to recover compensation? Whose insurance would be responsible for the damages? 

Cases like this highlight how auto accidents can be highly complicated. If you suffered injuries in a pile-up crash, a Dale City, VA car accident attorney can help you understand the laws that apply to your case, including those that apply to fault.

How Does Virginia Law Determine Fault in a Car Pile-Up?

Virginia follows the fault-based approach to accident claims, which means determining fault is required to recover compensation after a car accident. In pile-ups, fault is not always clear or shared equally. The law focuses on each driver’s actions leading up to the collision and whether those actions breached the duty of care, meaning the responsibility to drive safely, owed to others on the road. 

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 Posted on July 04, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Virginia takes firearm safety seriously. The Commonwealth imposes strict penalties for illegal possession or use of guns, especially in public spaces or residential areas. If you are facing charges related to the possession, discharge, or handling of a firearm, it is critical to understand your legal options.

Weapons charges can lead to steep fines, mandatory prison time, and a permanent criminal record. If you have questions about how this might impact your future, speak with a qualified Loudoun County, VA criminal defense lawyer today.

What Are the Most Common Gun Possession Offenses in Virginia?

Virginia law outlines several specific criminal offenses related to how and where a firearm is used and who may possess them. Each of these laws is designed to protect public safety and prevent tragic accidents or intentional acts of violence.

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 Posted on June 06, 2025 in Criminal Defense

White collar crimes cover a broad spectrum of non-violent offenses that generally involve allegations of financial deceit or concealment for the individual’s personal financial gain. When facing allegations of a financial or economic crime in Virginia, you need to seek the legal guidance of an experienced Warrenton, VA white collar crime defense attorney to learn more about your rights and how you can fight to protect them.

Common Fraud Offenses in Virginia

According to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services’ most recent Examination of Economic Crimes, fraud offenses accounted for over 325,000 of the nearly 417,000 economic crimes from 2011-2020. The crimes listed in the report include:

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 Posted on May 31, 2025 in Wrongful Death

In Virginia, the surviving family members of auto accident victims can receive compensation for damages when their loved one dies as a result of another party’s negligence. This legal action is called a wrongful death claim, and every state has laws that dictate who can file the claim and collect damages. Consider how the Commonwealth of Virginia law handles these cases, and, if you have lost a loved one in a car accident, talk to a Woodbridge, VA wrongful death attorney about your right to compensation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Virginia?

In Virginia, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This representative is typically appointed by the probate court and may be named in the decedent's will or assigned by the court if no will exists. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-50, the personal representative brings the claim on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries, which may include a surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other relatives, depending on the decedent's family structure.

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 Posted on May 22, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Many elements make truck accident cases more complex than other auto accidents, especially the question of liability when more than one party can be at fault. Determining who is responsible for a truck crash is critical for claiming compensation in Maryland civil courts; fortunately, this is not work you have to do on your own. Our Silver Spring, MD truck accident attorney will investigate your case to find evidence of fault and recoverable damages so that you can get on the path toward healing physically, mentally, and financially.

Who Could Be Liable for a Truck Accident in Maryland?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, several parties could be liable for an accident:

• Truck driver: Violating traffic laws, such as speeding or driving recklessly, could place liability on the truck driver.

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