Insights
The Investigative “Interview”
Even though it might feel like it, criminal charges don’t come out of nowhere. Investigations start when there is a report of a crime from the victim. In the military, this report is often made to the victim’s chain of command or the service’s criminal investigative...
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction
Following an arrest, many defendants worry about the possibility of a lengthy jail sentence or a fine that may accompany a criminal conviction. And in serious criminal cases, those factors do loom large. Yet just as often, it is not the threat of jail or a fine that...
VA Supreme Court Rejects Increasing Right to Additional Discovery
In a surprising move, the Virginia Supreme Court did not adopt any of the recently proposed changes to a defendant's right to discovery in Virginia criminal cases. While each party in a civil case has a right to nearly every non-privileged document that the other...
Four Facts that May Help You Understand Your Military Appeal
If you were tried and convicted by a court-martial then there’s a good chance you’re wondering what happens next. Since you’re reading this, you are most likely out of the brig. The next question on your mind is probably: what about my appeal? First off, it’s...
Religious Discrimination, Endorsement, Accommodation and Football (Part I)
I’ve been thinking about football lately--mostly because of the dramatic and seemingly overnight way Jim Harbaugh turned around Michigan’s troubled football program. Even with the heartbreaking loss to the Michigan State Spartans, I think it’s fair to say that the...
Virginia Preliminary Breath Tests
If you are pulled over in Virginia and the officer suspects you of driving under the influence of alcohol, you are entitled to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) if you choose take one. Unlike the breath test that is administered after a DUI arrest at the police station...
The Law Office Moved to a New Address
Law Office of Samuel C. Moore, PLLC, moved to a new address: 526 King Street, Suite 506, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Just a few blocks from the prior address, the new location is just steps from the Alexandria City Courthouse. Contact the Office today to make an...
Recent U.S. Supreme Court Criminal Law Decisions
Following the final few Supreme Court opinions of the term, here is a recap of some of the term’s criminal law decisions. The residual clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act is unconstitutionally vague under the Due Process Clause. Johnson v. United States, --- S.Ct....
