Just One Gun

The Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board imposed a public reprimand with terms as a result of two criminal incidents.

On September 5, 20 15, Respondent was arrested in Chesterfield County for drunken driving, first offense and for possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (opioid medications), a felony under §18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as Amended.

She pled guilty and no contest to charges and was placed on probation

On October 26, 2016, CCS reported to the Court that Respondent was in non-compliance with the terms of her supervision, having tested positive for alcohol. Respondent’s probation officer, Susan Wellborn, reported that Respondent initially denied alcohol usage, but when offered a second test, failed to appear, after which she called and admitted to using alcohol. Wellbora reported further that “Given the severity of Ms. Griffin’s mental health issues the Dual Treatment Track (DTT) may afford the treatment she needs to address her mental health and substance abuse issues.”

After a number of issues concerning compliance, the felony charges were eventually dismissed.

But

Seven days after the Court dismissed her felony charge, Respondent was arrested in Henrico County for public intoxication, brandishing a firearm and reckless handling of a firearm. She was released on bond.

At her arraignment on August 15, 2017, the prosecutor, Nael Abouzaki, approached Respondent to offer a plea agreement, but upon detecting an odor associated with alcohol on her breath scheduled the case for trial instead. The court appointed counsel for Respondent and scheduled trial for November 8, 2017.

She pled guilty to disorderly conduct and agreed to give up the gun. (Mike Frisch)