Prince George, VA Attorney News Archive

The trial of William Barnes Jr., a former school administrator from Prince George County, Virginia, is set to take place at Suffolk Circuit Court on March 23. This confirmation comes from Commonwealth's Attorney Susan Fierro. The trial was originally scheduled for March 16, but the change in venue has led to the cancellation of prior jury trial dates.

Barnes, 79, faces serious accusations, including sexual battery and indecent acts with a child, linked to allegations that date back to the mid-1980s. Initially, the trial commenced on January 5, but after a lengthy jury selection process, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the charges.

In addition to this retrial, Barnes is also facing two other allegations of child abuse that are scheduled to occur later this year, depending on the outcome of the current trial. Legal experts are closely monitoring the developments, as this case intersects with significant areas of civil litigation and criminal defense within the context of employment-related duties.

In a significant move for Prince George County, Virginia, Hassan Kingsberry has been appointed as the area's first Black county attorney. This landmark decision marks an important milestone in the region's legal and corporate landscape.

Kingsberry's appointment reflects the county's demographics, where approximately 30% of the population identifies as Black. He underscored the essential role of diversity in local governance and the strides being made within the business and employment sectors.

With an impressive background that includes serving as the first-ever town attorney for Wake Forest in North Carolina, Kingsberry brings extensive experience in real estate law and local government to his new position. His appointment not only signifies advancements in representation but also sets a precedent for future attorneys working within Virginia's corporate legal framework.

As he embarks on this new journey, Kingsberry has expressed his gratitude for the welcoming community of Prince George and reiterated his commitment to serve all constituents effectively.

A suspect has been taken into custody by the Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office following a high-speed chase that ended with a Virginia state trooper crashing into another vehicle. The pursuit began on Cox Road after the suspect committed a traffic violation and traveled through several areas, including Petersburg and Colonial Heights.

When the chase concluded, the driver attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement. The incident also involved a 21-year-old woman from Dumfries driving a 2014 Lexus. Both she and the trooper were checked at a local hospital, and thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported.

Currently, the Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, examining potential implications for civil litigation and criminal defense processes related to the events that unfolded.

Prince George County officials are warning residents about hazardous road conditions after an alarming incident on Wednesday morning. An ambulance and a fire truck both slid into a ditch due to icy streets while responding to a medical emergency on Manchester Drive.

Fortunately, while a member of the Fire and EMS team suffered minor injuries, no injuries were reported among the individuals involved in the incident. This highlights the dangers posed by icy roadways during winter weather.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been informed and will be taking measures to treat the affected roads. Local emergency services are urging residents to exercise extreme caution while navigating the roads, emphasizing the importance of safety to prevent both accidents and potential liabilities related to civil litigation.

In a decisive move following her inauguration, Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia has rescinded a contentious immigration enforcement order. This action marks a notable shift in state policy, moving away from cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and aims to reduce fear among immigrant communities across the Commonwealth.

However, the decision has not been without its critics. Republican leaders, including former Governor Glenn Youngkin, argue that the rollback of such measures could jeopardize public safety. They express concerns that eliminating these federal partnerships might lead to increased risks for Virginia residents.

Supporters of the change, including advocacy groups like the Legal Aid Justice Center, highlight the potential liability risks associated with the continuation of 287(g) agreements on Virginia taxpayers. These groups emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that local law enforcement does not contribute to the anxiety felt by immigrants.

In tandem with Spanberger’s efforts, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula has reassured the community that local police will not participate in enforcement actions that create fear among residents. The ongoing challenge for Governor Spanberger reflects the delicate balance between maintaining public safety and supporting the rights of immigrant communities within Virginia.

Prince George County firefighters have been busy this January, responding to a series of brush fires that have sparked concern in the community. In just a few days, they fought nine different incidents, including two significant fires on January 7.

One of the fires occurred in the 8400 block of Sandy Ridge shortly after 1:15 p.m. Strong winds fueled the flames, consuming approximately 1.5 acres of land. Another fire was reported on Heritage Road, ignited by a fallen grill, which damaged a quarter-acre of property.

Local officials are urging the community to be vigilant and adopt responsible outdoor practices to prevent more fires. They emphasize the importance of managing heat sources carefully and clearing away any vegetation around personal properties.

In response to the increasing fire risks, lawyers in nearby Petersburg who specialize in civil litigation and personal injury law are prepared for potential legal claims related to these incidents. Meanwhile, real estate lawyers in the area are highlighting the need for property safety measures to protect homes from fire hazards.

RICHMOND, Va. — Recent data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that the majority of detainees in Central Virginia, particularly in Caroline and Prince Edward counties, are not violent offenders. This data challenges assertions of widespread criminal behavior among immigrants.

Around 70% of these detainees have no prior criminal history. Among those who do, driving under the influence (DUI) is the most common charge, accounting for a total of 550 bookings.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has voiced his support for ICE operations, emphasizing efforts to remove what he terms “bad guys” from the streets. These findings raise questions about the narrative surrounding immigrant crime in the state, which ranks 6th in the nation for ICE arrests since President Trump's inauguration.

Legal experts stress the necessity of distinguishing between immigration violations and serious criminal offenses, contributing to the ongoing conversation about public safety and criminal defense in Virginia.

Prince George County officials are highlighting the crucial need for fire safety after a shed fire occurred on Saturday evening. The fire broke out around 5:40 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Prince George County Fire and EMS. When they arrived on County Drive, they found two sheds engulfed in smoke along with a brush fire nearby. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and residents were safe with no evacuations needed.

In light of the incident, local leaders are urging homeowners to follow essential outdoor burning precautions, especially during dry or windy conditions, to reduce the risk of fires. The emphasis on community safety is clear, as officials point out that effective fire management can prevent potential emergencies. These situations could lead to civil litigation and legal disputes related to real estate law stemming from property damage.

On the afternoon of October 17, a tragic accident in Prince George County, Virginia, claimed the life of a driver whose vehicle crashed into a tree. The incident occurred on Temple Avenue, prompting a swift response from law enforcement officials at the Prince George County Police Department.

The driver, the only occupant of the vehicle, lost control and veered into oncoming traffic before the fatal collision. This heart-wrenching event has left the community in mourning, as they grapple with the sudden loss.

Local experts in personal injury law are advising drivers to stay vigilant while on the roads to prevent similar tragedies. As authorities work to notify the next of kin, the driver's identity has not yet been disclosed. Meanwhile, discussions around civil litigation regarding road safety and accident prevention continue in light of this unfortunate incident.

Prince George County, Virginia, will keep all government offices closed today in observance of Columbus Day and Yorktown Day. Services will resume on Tuesday, October 12, at 8:30 a.m.

This closure may impact local business and corporate activities, especially in the areas of real estate law and estate planning. Attorneys who specialize in wills and estates have advised clients to expect potential delays in services due to the holiday.

Residents hoping to engage with county offices should plan ahead for next week. Elected officials highlight the significance of recognizing these holidays, which celebrate the county's rich historical heritage.

A head-on collision involving a school bus in Prince George County took place on Tuesday afternoon while the bus was headed to L.L. Beazley Elementary School. The accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. when another vehicle crossed the center line and collided with the bus. Fortunately, no students were on board at the time.

The bus driver and aide were not injured in the incident. However, the driver of the other vehicle was taken to a local hospital for treatment, as confirmed by Prince George County Fire and EMS.

Local officials are currently investigating the situation, and arrangements have been made for substitute transportation for the affected students. This incident underscores the critical need for safety regulations in corporate transport systems, especially in light of increasing civil litigation concerns in Virginia.

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. — Emergency responders from Prince George County Fire and EMS came to the rescue of a driver trapped in an SUV after a serious collision with a construction trailer on Branchester Parkway Saturday night. The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m., and the vehicle caught fire. Fortunately, nearby construction workers swiftly extinguished the flames before firefighters arrived on the scene.

As the investigation into the collision unfolds, local officials are highlighting the critical need for safety on the roads to avoid personal injury claims arising from such incidents. Legal professionals with expertise in civil litigation and real estate law are expected to analyze the potential liabilities associated with the construction site that played a role in this accident.

The driver who was rescued has been taken to a local hospital, but details regarding the severity of their injuries have not yet been released.

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. — A tragic accident claimed the life of 64-year-old Randall Howells from Indian Head, Maryland, early Friday morning. Howells’s pickup truck lost control on Interstate 95, crashing into a tree near mile marker 37.

The Virginia State Police are investigating the details of the incident, which may have important implications for civil litigation in personal injury law. Local legal experts specializing in both personal injury and real estate law are expected to analyze potential liability issues arising from such accidents.

This unfortunate event underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Virginia, as authorities continue to confront the factors that contribute to vehicular mishaps.

Joshua Lashbrook, a health and physical education teacher at N.B. Clements Junior High School in Prince George County, Virginia, is facing significant allegations of taking indecent liberties with a minor. These charges stem from an incident that occurred in May and have led to immediate administrative leave for Lashbrook, in accordance with district policy.

According to court documents, Lashbrook is accused of inappropriate conduct within a custodial relationship. The Prince George County Public Schools district has pledged to work closely with law enforcement as this civil litigation unfolds, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

A bond hearing is set for July 24, which will draw attention to the criminal defense strategies that may be employed in this sensitive case. School officials have stated that further details regarding the incident will remain confidential, emphasizing the need to respect privacy during this personnel matter.