The Reliance Law Group

The Reliance Law Group welcomes Adran Smith!

Adran is a Law Clerk with The Reliance Law Group and a recent graduate of the Appalachian School of Law. A native of Norton, Virginia, Adran was raised in Southwest Virginia and is proud to begin his legal career serving the people and communities of the region he has always called home.

Adran earned his Juris Doctor from the Appalachian School of Law in May 2026. Prior to law school, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and his Associate degree in Arts and Sciences from Mountain Empire Community College. His education at three Southwest Virginia institutions has strengthened his connection to the region and his desire to build his legal career within the community.

While attending law school, Adran gained practical legal experience through positions in private practice and with a Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Through these experiences, he developed skills in legal research and writing, case preparation, client communication, and assisting attorneys with a variety of legal matters.

Adran sat for the July 2026 Tennessee Bar Examination and is currently awaiting the results of the examination and admission to the Tennessee Bar. In his role as a Law Clerk with The Reliance Law Group, Adran assists the firm’s attorneys with legal research, drafting, case preparation, and other aspects of client matters.

THE RELIANCE LAW GROUP www.RelianceLawGroup.net 888.374.5077

Legal advice from your cousin's, sister's, nephew's, uncle's buddy:

"You don't need a lawyer."

-- A guy who is convinced WD-40 fixes everything.

While we are not challenging the WD-40 advice, before you sign anything after an accident, get advice from someone whose job depends on knowing the law; not someone whose expertise is building a deer stand out of an old satellite dish.

Virginia Has a New Alternative for Some Reckless Driving Cases

Beginning July 1, Virginia courts have a new sentencing option for certain drivers convicted of serious speeding or reckless driving offenses.

Instead of simply suspending a driver's license, a judge may be able to order participation in Virginia's Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) Program. This program uses technology installed in a vehicle to help prevent it from exceeding the posted speed limit, allowing some drivers to continue driving under strict restrictions rather than losing their driving privileges altogether.

• Jail time

• Fines of up to $2,500

• License suspension

• A permanent criminal record

Every case is different, and the availability of this new program depends on the facts of the case and the court's discretion.

If you've been charged with reckless driving or another serious traffic offense in Virginia, it's important to understand all of your options before going to court.

Offices in Cedar Bluff, VA and Bristol, VA - Serving clients throughout Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia & Kentucky

888-374-5078

Injured? Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, or Kentucky - we can help. This video gives osme advice on what to do and not to do in the first 72 hours following an accident. Need help? CALL NOW: 888-374-5078

A Fresh Start May Be Possible Under Virginia's New Record Sealing Law.

A past criminal charge shouldn't always define your future.

As of July 1, 2026, Virginia has expanded opportunities for many people to have certain criminal charges and convictions sealed from public view. Depending on your circumstances, you may now qualify to have your record sealed after meeting specific eligibility requirements and waiting periods established by law.

A sealed record can make a real difference when applying for:

Employment

Housing

Professional licenses

Educational opportunities

Every case is different, and not every offense qualifies. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of offense, the outcome of the case, your criminal history, and the amount of time that has passed.

If you've ever wondered whether you qualify, now is a good time to find out.

The Reliance Law Group

Reliable. Trustworthy. Effective Legal Representation.

888-374-5078 - CALL NOW.

THE RELIANCE LAW GROUP. Reliable, Trustworthy, Effective Legal Representation.

Lawyers licensed in Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Offices in Cedar Bluff, Virginia and Bristol, Virginia.

Divorce?

A word with a tough connotation - it denotes an even tougher situation....but did you know, if agreement can be reached between the parties, a divorce can be entered in Virginia without anyone going to Court? It is true. This approach has specific requirements, most importantly, the agreement on property separation and support obligations. Sometimes that just cannot happen and a contested matter is required.

Need more info? See us today.

THE RELIANCE LAW GROUP

Cedar Bluff, Virginia

Bristol, Virginia

Please join us in welcoming Derrick B. Yates to The Reliance Law Group!

Derrick brings more than a decade of legal experience to our firm, including nearly ten years serving as a prosecutor in Southwest Virginia. Most recently, he served as the Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for Dickenson County, where he handled complex criminal matters, tried jury cases, and worked closely with law enforcement, victims, and the courts. Prior to his prosecutorial service, Derrick maintained a general law practice, represented criminal defendants, served as Attorney for the Town of Haysi, and was the defense bar representative for the Dickenson County Recovery Court.

A graduate of the Appalachian School of Law and The University of Virginia's College at Wise, Derrick has been licensed to practice law in Virginia since 2012. He also served as President of the Dickenson County Bar Association, reflecting his commitment to the legal profession and the communities of Southwest Virginia.

At The Reliance Law Group, Derrick will focus on criminal defense while also assisting clients with a variety of civil legal matters. His extensive courtroom experience, practical judgment, and dedication to serving clients make him an outstanding addition to our team.

We are excited to have Derrick join our firm and look forward to the experience, integrity, and advocacy he will bring to our clients throughout Virginia.

Personal injury, Estates and Elder Law, Business Law, Criminal Representation, Divorce and Family Law, General Practice - Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia lawyers.

New year, new you? Nice.

Now, you should get your estate planning in order. Will, Power of Attorney, and an Advance Medical Directive - small effort with big benefits. It will benefit you and your family - guaranteed.

Virginia - Tennessee - West Virginia - Kentucky - Montana

Call now - if you can't meet in person, we can do your consultation by telephone or video. 888-374-5078.

THE RELIANCE LAW GROUP

Injured? Put our expertise to work for you. CALL NOW. 888-374-5078.

Let's talk about Virginia law on electronic threats, harassment, and related misconduct — what is prohibited, what the elements are, and what penalties apply. Let's get to it!

-- Harassment by Computer — § 18.2-152.7:1.

This law criminalizes the use of a computer or computer network to harass, intimidate, or coerce someone.

-- Threats in Writing/Electronic Communication — § 18.2-60.

If someone “knowingly communicates” a written threat (including via electronic means, like email, text, etc.) to kill or do bodily injury to a person or to that person’s family, and that threat causes the victim to have a “reasonable apprehension” of such harm, this may be a Class 6 felony. (1 year to 5 years imprisonment, $2500 fine).

-- Stalking / Technology-Facilitated Stalking — § 18.2-60.3.

This covers repeated acts (on more than one occasion) done in person or through other means (mail, telephone, electronically transmitted communication) that put another person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury. This can be prosecuted as either a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 6 felony depending on severity and prior history.

-- Use of Profane, Threatening or Indecent Language Over Electronic Means — § 18.2-427.

Any threatening language (or suggestion of an illegal or immoral act) made with intent to coerce, intimidate or harass, over telephone or via electronically transmitted communication (cell phone, other wireless device) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. 12 months jail, $2500 fine.

Other Related Offenses

-- § 18.2-429: Causing a telephone, pager, or device to ring or signal with intent to annoy.

There are also laws concerning identity theft, privacy invasion, false representation, etc., that can interact with harassment or threats when electronic means are used.

:: More about Penalties ::

Harassment by Computer (Class 1 misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in jail, fine (which can be up to around $2,500), or both.

Written threats via electronic communication (Class 6 felony): Potentially more serious prison time (up to 5 years) depending on the threat and circumstances.

Use of profane/threatening language over telephone/cell phone (Class 1 misdemeanor). Similar to harassment by computer.

Stalking (depending on version/number of times, etc.): If elevated to felony, more severe. Continuous phone calls are categorized as online stalking.

Free Speech Considerations & Limits -

Not all unpleasant, offensive, or rude electronic communications are illegal. The law tends to draw a distinction between:

Speech that is harassing or vulgar vs. speech that actually threatens or produces a “reasonable apprehension” of harm.

Whether the content is obscene (a narrower category) when it comes to obscene/vulgar/profane language. Courts have sometimes required that what is called “obscenity” under these statutes meet legal definitions (which are strict, given First Amendment constraints).

A “threat” is criminal, if it causes fear in the recipient under a reasonable person standard.

CIVILLY? We'll talk about that tomorrow.

Happy Tuesday all!

THE RELIANCE LAW GROUP