The Supreme Court of Virginia releases one opinion today in which it reviews a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. More
Category Archives: Criminal Law
Cappe v. Commonwealth, Record No. 240055 (Va. Feb. 13, 2025) (order)
Today the Supreme Court hands down a lone order. More
Commonwealth v. Holland, Record No. 230907 (Va. Jan. 16, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia releases three opinions today. This opinion provides important guidance on the proper standard for reviewing plea withdrawal denials and reaffirms the significant discretion given to trial courts in these matters. More
Commonwealth v. Carolino, Record No. 230945 (Va. Dec. 12, 2024)
The Supreme Court of Virginia reverses the Court of Appeals sitting en banc due to appellant’s failure to preserve an issue for appeal. More
Josephson v. Commonwealth, Record No. 230856 (Va. Dec. 12, 2024)
The Supreme Court of Virginia applies the fugitive disentitlement doctrine. More
Johnson-Bey v. Commonwealth, Record No. 230619 (Va. Nov. 27, 2024)
Since the Supreme Court of Virginia’s regular Thursday opinion day falls on Thanksgiving, it issues a published opinion and order today. The opinion, discussed in this post, addresses the temporal reach of Virginia’s 2021 sentencing reform legislation and clarifies when new statutory limits on suspended sentences apply to existing cases. More
Commonwealth v. Wallace, Record No. 240138 (Va. Nov. 21, 2024) (order)
In a published order, a split Supreme Court reverses an en banc opinion from the Court of Appeals concerning the Virginia Computer Crimes Act. More
Bista v. Commonwealth, Record No. 230721 (Va. Nov. 14, 2024)
In its sole published opinion today, the Supreme Court of Virginia clarifies important issues regarding the admissibility of child victims’ out-of-court statements in sexual abuse cases. More
King v. Commonwealth, Record No. 230483 (Va. Oct. 24, 2024)
The Supreme Court issues a published opinion and an unpublished order today. This post discusses the published opinion, which clarifies what constitutes “ownership” in unauthorized use of vehicle cases. More
Pompell v. Commonwealth, Record No. 1246-23-3 (Va. Ct. App. Mar. 26, 2024)
The Court of Appeals considers whether the statute of limitations can bar the amendment of a felony to a misdemeanor if the misdemeanor is not a lesser-included charge. More
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