Author Archive

Your Actions After a Personal Injury

Following injury in a vehicle accident, it is not only important to take proper care of yourself from a health perspective but also from a legal one.  Whether settling a personal injury claim after an accident, or proceeding to court for a trial and verdict, the injured party’s actions after the accident play an important […]

What are Marital Funds?

With some exceptions, money acquired by either husband or wife during a marriage and before separation are marital funds; for example employment income.

Parsing Out Expenses: Child Support vs Spousal Support

Some expenses will overlap when calculating child and spousal support awards.  The Virginia Court of Appeals recently decided that spouses seeking support do not necessarily have to apportion every category of expense as supporting either spouse or children.  According to the Court, some expenses are indivisible by their very nature.  The determination of spousal and […]

Hypothetical Ashburn Family Divorce Situation

Hypothetical Ashburn Family Divorce Situation Al and Maggie Luminum live in Ashburn, Virginia.  They bought their first home there to start a family.  They now have three minor children.  Their love for the children kept their marriage alive longer than it would have lasted without them.  Eventually, Al and Maggie no longer wanted to be […]

How Spousal Support Would Apply in the Hypothetical Divorce Case

How Spousal Support Would Apply in the Hypothetical Divorce Case The hypothetical Ashburn divorce case describes a situation representing  the classic basis for spousal support.  This occurs when the parties marry after college and start a family right away.  At the beginning of the marriage, the wife’s contributions focus on raising kids and managing the […]

Do you Provide Representation to Divorce Clients in Lansdowne?

The Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C. has a long history of successfully representing clients in Loudon County divorce cases. Located in Leesburg, our firm offers legal services to Lansdowne residents. We represent clients in complex divorce cases, including those with business holdings, extensive property and executive level careers. If you live in Lansdowne […]

Can I appeal my conviction?

You have a right to appeal the outcome of your case. If you were convicted in General District Court, your case may be appealed and tried “De Novo,” which essentially means all over again, in Circuit Court. You may request a trial by jury in Circuit Court. You must file the appeal within 10 calendar […]

If I am found guilty, what type of sentence will I receive?

The Code of Virginia provides for the maximum and minimum penalties applicable to offenses. In addition to the seriousness of the charges, the severity of the sentence may be depend on your past criminal history, attitude, history and other factors. Sentence possibilities are: Fine– You will be required to pay fines and court costs. Jail Sentence– […]

What are the potential outcomes of my trial?

Dismissal– the judge may find that there is inadequate evidence against you or that there are other grounds to dismiss the charges against you. The trial will not move forward and you will be free to go. Alternatively, the Commonwealth’s attorney (i.e., The prosecution) may decide not to prosecute, which is called Nolle Prosequi. Deferred prosecution– […]

Where and how will my case be tried?

If charged with a traffic infraction or misdemeanor, you will be tried in General District Court. Juries are not used in General District Court so your case will be heard only by a judge. If you appeal the judgment against you, the appeal will be tried in Circuit Court (see below for appeals information). Felony […]

What happens if I miss my court date? 

If you have been assessed with a pre-payable fine, you may pay by mail to avoid court. Contact the court listed on your summons for the full amount owed and send your payment at least 5 days before your court date. (Note: by pre-paying the fine, you are admitting guilt.) You should consult with an attorney prior […]

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

If the charges against you are serious enough to result in a possible jail sentence, a judge may grant you a court appointed attorney, if your income is low enough. You will not be charged the attorney’s services unless you are found guilty. If you are found guilty, the cost of the attorney will be […]

Is it okay to represent myself at trial? 

You have a right to represent yourself in court but it is not advisable. Most people do not have the knowledge and training needed to thoroughly protect their interests in court and the consequences of an improperly represented case can be severe. An attorney skilled in handling criminal matters will understand the “ins and outs” […]

What is a magistrate?

Magistrates are state officials who can issue warrants for arrest based on factors such as citizen complaints and police observations. They can also make an initial decision regarding the release of an arrestee’s release while awaiting trial. People with a stable job, family or address may be released on a promise to appear. Other arrestees […]

I have received a summons. Should I sign it? 

You should sign the summons. It is a document that lists the crime with which you have been charged, the date and time of the incident, and the date on which you must appear in court. Signing it does not indicate that you are guiltyonly that you have seen the summons and have been told […]

What is an arrest?

An arrest means you have been charged with a crime. You will get a summons to appear in court by the arresting police officer or you will be taken into custody and take you before a magistrate.

What legal fees are involved?

In DUI/DWI matters, the Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C., charges for legal services by flat fee. Visa/MasterCard accepted. Contact the Law Office of William R. F. Conners, P.C. for assistance with your Drunk Driving, DUI/DWI or other Criminal Defense matter. Consultations offered by appointment • Credit cards accepted

What benefits can the Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C., provide as a Leesburg and Loudoun County based DUI/DWI law firm?

At the Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C., we almost exclusively base our DUI/DWI representation in Leesburg and Loudoun County, Virginia. We pride ourselves on our detailed knowledge of the philosophies, thought processes and positions of the various courts, individuals, prosecutors, officers, and entities involved in Leesburg/Loudoun DUI/DWI cases. We leverage our in-depth experience […]

Why is it important to be represented by an attorney?

DUI charges are serious, criminal matters that can have far reaching effects on many aspects of life, work and family. The Commonwealth has almost unlimited resources which they will use against you. Only an attorney skilled in DUI legal procedure, trial strategy, and DUI, constitutional, and criminal law can level the playing field to fight […]

What will your office do to defend me?

At the Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C., we will: Engage in an extensive consultation with you to review your arrest. Examine every aspect of your arrest for defects in process. Analyze the constitutional aspects of your stop. Analyze all relevant legal documents to ensure compliance with the law. Secure your breath/blood test results […]

What is an “ignition interlock” device?

An ignition interlock is a device attached to the vehicles mechanical system which prevents the car from being started without the driver providing a sample of breath devoid of any alcohol. The device will monitor and report failed attempts to start the vehicle. Defendants convicted of driving under the influence charges must have them installed […]

Other than penalties provided by law, what are the other consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction?

Beyond limiting criminal exposure, the importance of effective legal representation includes the management of other potential consequences of conviction. In addition to criminal sanctions, a DUI conviction imposes harsh consequences including: A 2004 study concluded that a DUI/DWI conviction costs a defendant up to $20,000 over their life in the form of increased insurance premiums […]

My friend was convicted of a “first time driving while intoxicated charge” in another county and served no time in jail. Can I expect the same outcome with my case pending before the Leesburg & Loudoun County, Virginia courts?

Each DUI/DWI case is unique. Generally, many aspects come into play including the policies of specific prosecutor’s office (as well as prosecutors), the facts of the DUI/DWI, the discretion of the specific judge presiding over your case and the input/position of the law enforcement office involved. Specifically, the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office (as a […]

The Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C. in Leesburg, Virginia serves the cities of Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Leesburg, Middleburg, Reston, and Vienna, Sterling, Ashburn and Purcellville, as well as all communities in Loudoun County and Fairfax County, Virginia.