Legal Issues Common to Virginia Businesses
Map courtesy of Geology.com except where noted.
Virginia became a U.S. state in 1788 and was the 10th state to join the Union. The state of Virginia is formally known as "The Commonwealth of Virginia", and its official nickname is the "Old Dominion". Occasionally, people refer to Virginia as "the Mother of Presidents", as 8 U.S. presidents were born in the state.
As one of the original U.S. colonies, Virginia's legal system is also one of the oldest in the country. For example, Virginia's legislature, the Virginia General Assembly, is the oldest legislature operating in the Western hemisphere. The oldest police force in the U.S., the Virginia Capitol Police, is also located in Virginia. Virginia has a well-developed system of case laws, as well as a body of statutes known as the Code of Virginia.
Legal claims in Virginia are processed in the state judicial system, consisting of the state Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, and the General District and Circuit Courts. Many landmark cases have arisen out of Virginia, such as Loving v. Virginia (1967), an important anti-segregation case. Another frequently cited Virginia case is Atkins v. Virginia (2002), which involved the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
Lawyers in Virginia represent clients in all types of legal claims. Although most of these are processed at the trial court level, Virginia lawyers also file appeals through the state's appeal system. A Virginia attorney can assist you by answering legal questions and providing much-needed representation in court.
The Law of Transactions in Virginia
In daily operating activities, a typical business buys and sells often. Some of these transactions are bound to pose problems. Contracts in Virginia often require legal action to enforce, whether the contracts are formed with consumers or other businesses. It is best to plan beforehand through contracts and purchase agreements. But for these documents to be of legal effect, they must be drafted according to Virginia law. Federal and Virginia law also include provisions that apply to investing activities and securities exchanges conducted by corporations. These laws become important once business begin investing in the capital markets.
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Business Organization and the Law
The structure and organization that a business entity may choose are governed by Virginia law. It may be advantageous to incorporate, but there are specific guidelines in Virginia law concerning how to do so. A business that does not consider its options carefully may need to restructure in order to avoid unwanted tax liability. Finding the appropriate business structure for a company can be a difficult task. Attorneys versed in local Virginia business law can be a valuable resource for counsel for the unique circumstances of your business.
