Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Can't go into details but nobody died. The night shift magistrate set an arraignment and court date for improper use of a firearm. Both her and the officer said I do not need a lawyer at the arraignment but I wanted to ask you guys if its a good idea.

It would seem the man I tried to shoot wasn't exactly a model citizen. At least, he gave everyone a hard time at the jail/court. He's staying until he either sobers or becomes sane. Or he no longer poses a threat.

If anyone could recommend a lawyer they trust in the Prince William area I would be very appreciative.


After all this is over I promise to fill in everyone with the details. Assuming I'm not barred from doing so.

Call Casey Stevens with Stevens Caruso Law Firm.

Stevens Caruso
4311 Ridgewood Center Drive, Suite A
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone Number: 703-897-1777
Fax: 703-897-0077
Email: Contact@StevensCarusoLaw.com

You need an attorney. Call him. Get your wallet ready. Good luck.

The day none of us hopes actually happens, but better to have and not need than need and not have. Good luck.

Sorry to hear that this happened. This is exactly why I advocate having a self-defense insurance plan.

Oh wow. I'm sorry that 2016 kicked off this way, for you.

They may say that you don't need a lawyer for the arraignment, but it seems to me that you may want one, every step of the way.

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ShortMan wrote: I do not need a lawyer at the arraignment but I wanted to ask you guys if its a good idea.

if the courts are involved, you ABSOLUTELY FREAKIN NEED A LAWER. Your freedom, your ability to possess firearms in the future, and much money all hang in the balance. You absolutely need the balance way way way in your favor.

If anyone could recommend a lawyer they trust in the Prince William area I would be very appreciative.

Dan Hawes, virginia legal defense.
http://www.virginialegaldefense.com/

Pt 2 of if you need a lawyer. Then you need the best SOB money can buy.

He's the lawyer that defended the guy who got charged with 'brandishing' for pointing his finger at somebody. The guy on the forums goes by 'Skidmark' look up the case, and see how minor the incident started, and how big it blew up before it was all done.

Any time the courts are involved treat it very seriously.

This was the thread for Skidmark's legal defense fund. "User" in this discussion thread is the attorney that defended Skidmark.

http://vagunforum.net/general-discussio ... t6967.html

Got an appointment to come in and talk. We'll decide on a strategy and then go to court.
Good to know Virginia has plenty of of these cases and creates a demand for lawyers. Still sad that somebody made me pull, but hopefully it wont screw up my life as well.


THANKS FOR THE INFO!!!!

Good luck with this . Hope it works out for the best !

Same here. Do exactly what the lawyer asks and be very careful what you say on forums and social media. In other words, tell us about it after this all gets sorted out.

Good luck, bud. I hope it all works out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good luck.

Oh, sorry. Forgot to update.


Arraignment was just a formality. They set a court date which was already set when I got arrested. Nothing else happened.

Virginia can be kind of weird. A man came in for having marijuana on his breath and they made him post 5 grand in bail.
A kid was charged with 12 counts of destruction of property, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and having a switchblade.
They let him go home with no bail.

WTF?

I never did understand the point of the arraignment. Seems a big waste of time.

Judges, I note, bestow favor on whim, without much rhyme or reason.

I probably should have said this earlier; always wear a suit and tie to court. Judges seem to like that. Also, try to cover any tattoos that you may have, as best as you reasonably can, and remove any visible piercing type jewelry. Limit rings to one per hand. And go to court clean shaven. Basically, you want to appear clean cut and harmless. Usually, image is important to judges, whether they want to admit it or not.

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+1
Impressions mater... sometimes a whole lot.

Definitely agree with H and donovan.

Appearances are a staggering amount of the pie, like it or not. The last couple times I've been to court (victoriously suing a neighbor, traffic stop that got tossed out), the court room masses looked like a thrift shop threw up everywhere.

Professionalism is paramount.

No tattoos or piercings. I did wear my suit. But as stated, Virginia arraignments are pointless. You just go in to hear the same charge you heard at your arrest. And hear the same court date. You cannot ask for anything at that point. No change in trial date, no new evidence absolving you, your lawyer cant ask to have the charges tossed out, cant enter any plea. Makes me wonder why they bother.

I went with the above suggested lawyer, Casey Stevens. He said I got a clear case of self-defense and he's sure I can win. No history of violence, I was clearly threatened and needed to defend myself, and the alleged "victim" has nothing proving he was just out for a stroll in the parking lot minding his own business.
Worst that happens is I need to answer for destroying a glass window (cuz I missed him). Lawyer did push date back a little so as to set up interviews and investigations.

The inevitable happened: Mom found out.
She freaked.
I tried to explain it all but she wasnt happy with me keeping a secret. After calming down she also agreed it was clear defense and I should be OK.

Life is so rich and full I may need a vacation this summer.

Good deal. He's a great guy and very talented. I'm confident everything will work out.

It's funny, there was a time when people generally took a court appearance seriously, and would present themselves accordingly. At least, that's what I've heard. Never seen evidence of it myself. I hope that I didn't come off as condescending or rude when I was offering advice on presenting oneself before a judge.

Something else that I've learned; I have found that it's best to not keep stuff from Mom. Mothers, I have found, have a way of finding stuff out. And not just my mother, I have noted the same phenomenon in many other women with children. It's weird.

But, OP, it sounds like things are coming together for you. That's wonderful. I'm glad to hear it. Until this thing is over, though, you should probably refrain from further updates. No telling what the prosecution can come up with from internet posts. They can be weasels.

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No its OK, it was good advice.
I was the only person in court to wear a suit besides the kid, and his dad was with him so I think that explains it.

FYI: Its a Geoffrey Beene navy blue pinstripe.