It’s Out of Your Hands: The Myth of Pressing Charges in Virginia Domestic Violence Cases
I’m not sure where the idea came from, probably T.V. or movies, but many of my Arlington, and Alexandria domestic assault clients often believe that their case will go away if their spouse simply tells the prosecutor that they don’t want to press charges. But nothing...
Easy Targets: Is MPD Targeting Uber and Taxi Drivers in Solicitation of Prostitution Cases?
In a disturbing trend, I’ve seen a large rise in solicitation of prostitution arrests among those who pick up and drive customers for a living. It’s that time of year again, when MPD decides to devote a tremendous amount of resources to stamping out sex among...
Case Dismissed: Good Things Come to Those Who Work
If I were charged with a crime, I’d definitely want my case dismissed. That would be a great outcome, and would save me a lot of trouble, maybe some jail time, a criminal record, and several trips to the probation office. So I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised when...
When a Tie is Really a Win: Hung juries and Mistrials
The saying goes that when a game ends in a tie it’s like kissing your sister—not very appetizing for most of us without incestuous impulses. But when you’re talking about a jury trial, a “tie” is usually a win for the defendant, and a loss for the government. But...
It’s Alive, Alive: D.C. Superior Court Judge Shows that 4th Amendment Still has Teeth
It’s no secret that if you get pulled over by the police in Washington, D.C., the officer likely has more on his mind than a broken taillight or an illegal turn on red. If police officers observe any traffic infraction, no matter how small, they have the right to pull...
Unlawful Entry: It Might Not Mean What You Think It Means
One of the first things that a new client charged with Unlawful Entry in Washington, D.C. often says to me is: I didn’t enter unlawfully, I was a paying customer! While that may be true, there is a lot more to the charge of Unlawful Entry that most people think....
Halloween Night in Washington, DC Ends with Multiple Reports of Robbery
Georgetown is not one of the areas in which we typically hear about crimes such as robbery and assault; however, according to a recent news article from WJLA Washington, DC, a student was walking home Halloween night when a group as large as 20 teenagers and young...
What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Virginia Criminal Charge
If you have been charged with a crime, attorney Gretchen Taylor Pousson provides some insights into what you can expect from a Virginia criminal charge. Facing Criminal Charges in Virginia When you left the house this morning, surely you didn’t expect to be arrested...
Taking the Gloves Off: Good Things Can Happen When You Go To Trial
While serious felonies get all the press—think armed robbery, rape, murder—a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, D.C. spends the bulk of his time defending misdemeanors. These include assault, domestic or otherwise, driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run,...