Every day, America receives news involving a variety of crimes, ranging from minor theft to murder. Yet in between the spectrum of all crimes in the country lies juvenile crime, a topic well-known to the public but also of critical importance. Many state courts have difficulty determining proper penalties for juveniles who commit crimes, and the initial reason for committing the crime often goes overlooked. As for Virginia and teen offenses against the law, what can be said of the generally recent surge in violent crimes in certain areas of the state?
One explanation for why people shoplift
The confessions and true stories of shoplifters are astonishing — smart, successful individuals for whom shoplifting is part of their everyday lives.
Go to jail and lose your Social Security benefits
It often takes many months to a few or more years for a Virginia resident to win a Social Security disability claim. After putting in the time and effort to prove a beneficiary meets the eligibility requirements for SSD or Supplemental Security Income, the last thing a beneficiary will want is to lose access to those benefits.
Eligibility factors for Social Security disability benefits
An injury may leave you wondering how you will support yourself and your loved ones in Virginia. The Social Security Administration has a process for deciding if you qualify for disability benefits, and we at the law firm of Ronald E. Smith, P.C., have an in-depth understanding of the information needed for an approval.
Sexting: harmless fun or a dangerous act?
In today's fast paced, technologically-centered world, mobile phone use is nearly a habitual act. Cell phones are centers for communication, networking, news, business and entertainment, so many may wonder how a crime could involve such a useful device. Although the advantages of text messaging are apparent, sexting is a relatively new term that, while legal in some cases, can also present complex issues in the case of minors. The state of Virginia has laws regarding sexting to protect its citizens from potential harm, but some laws are currently under scrutiny and revision.
New bill seeks end of bail bond programs
Virginia residents who have been arrested may understand the financial strain paying bail puts on a family. Already dealing with the stress and worry of a potential legal judgment, trying to pull together enough money to pay for a relative's release from jail is not always possible. A new bill being proposed in the Senate wants to move towards eliminating the financial bail system.
