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Friday, November 30, 2007

DWI In Virginia: Another Satisfied Client

Recently, a client facing a driving with suspended license charge contacted Gross & Romanick. This client faced jail or even possible steep fines, but due to Gross & Romanick's professional representation a more favorable outcome was reached. Even thought the license was suspended due to a prior DWI, the client only lost his license for 30 days but did not go to jail and did not pay a fine. The client then contacted the firm after court to thank both Mr. Edward Gross and his partner, Jeffrey Romanick, "for all of your help". He said that he "really appreciates everything you did for me."

If you face DUI or DWI charges in Virginia, contact Gross & Romanick today. We'll vigorously defend and protect your rights.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Why You Need a Lawyer for Traffic Court

Think you don’t need a lawyer in traffic court for DWI charges? Think again. Whether you are charged with an offense that is criminal in nature or a basic traffic offense, Traffic Court matters have serious financial and economic implications beyond the fine and costs assessed by the Court. For many people, traffic court is their first experience with the American legal system. It is a system with complex rules and procedures. A lawyer knows how to navigate through the law, the rules and the court procedures. Experienced counsel knows the inclinations of the various judges and the prosecutors.

Many traffic defenses involve complex and technical issues. A capable lawyer can assess and recognize whether the prosecution can prove its case. A lawyer can advise you regarding viable defenses; help you present defenses that work; and, when appropriate, can negotiate a satisfactory plea bargain. A lawyer can protect your rights and prevent you from being taken advantage of by an overloaded or impersonal legal system. A lawyer can help you obtain a restricted driver’s license if you are qualified for one. In short, a lawyer is your ally in a complex and often hostile system.

Don’t face Traffic Court alone. Contact Gross & Romanick today at 703-273-1400 or visit our website for more information about our firm.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Reckless Driving Cases In Virginia

If you have a Reckless Driving case in Fairfax, Virginia or a similar criminal charge with or without an arrest—you need a lawyer. Gross & Romanick is an exceptionally experienced Northern Virginia-based firm with attorneys admitted to practice in the State Courts of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia and in the following Federal Courts: United States Supreme Court; Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and the District of Columbia; U.S. District Courts for Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia; U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for The Eastern District of Virginia and Maryland.

We’ve been representing Fairfax reckless driving defendants in Virginia since 1980 and so have the necessary experience to provide results for our clients. And since we’ve been awarded Martindale-Hubbell's® highest ethical rating, you can rest assured that we’ll defend your case with the utmost professionalism.

Call (703) 273-1400 today to speak to one of our attorneys about your reckless driving case in Virginia.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Ash Charles Dean Joins Gross & Romanick

Ash Charles Dean joined the Gross & Romanick team as a law clerk in 2006. Born in Alexandria, Ash is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. He was raised in Manassas and Loudoun County, received his legal education in Arlington and now lives and works in Fairfax.

Before joining Gross & Romanick as a law clerk in 2006, Ash was an intern at the Public Defender’s Office in Loudoun County, where he was able to learn strategies for dealing with all manners of criminal and traffic matters. Ash was able to parlay these strategies into success in the courtrooms of law school, qualifying for the regional rounds of the National Trial Competition and eventually serving as President of the Trial Advocacy Association.

His legal education focused on business litigation, with electives in Business Associations, Income Taxation, Government Contracts, Proof and Commercial Paper. As a law clerk with Gross & Romanick, he gained valuable experience assisting the attorneys with all aspects of litigation, including the research and drafting of motions and pleadings. Ash gained valuable hands-on experience with significant client contact including witness and deposition preparation.

His education in computer science and his logical approach to dealing with technology makes him a natural fit to the technology law practice at Gross & Romanick, where he provides new and innovative services for both the internal operations of the firm and for the firm’s clients.

In his free time, Ash enjoys antiquing with his wife and reading historical non-fiction and political biographies. Ash is also the co-chair of the Dickinson College Washington, D.C. Alumni Association and a former Assistant Policy Debate Coach at Potomac Falls High School.

Education:
Dickinson College (B.A. Summa cum Laude, Computer Science and Political Science with minor in Philosophy, 2003); George Mason University (M.S., Computer Science, expected January 2008); George Mason University School of Law (J.D. Magna cum Laude, 2007).
Bar Admissions: 2007, Commonwealth of Virginia.

Professional Memberships:
American Bar Association; Fairfax Bar Association; Loudoun County Bar Association; Association of Computing Machinery.

Academic Honor Societies:
Phi Beta Kappa; Pi Sigma Alpha; Upsilon Pi Epsilon.
Publications: “The Effects of Learning on the Roles of Chance, History and Adaptation in Evolving Neural Networks”, selected for publication in the Proceedings of the Third Australian Conference on Artificial Life (December 2007) (with Dr. Grant Braught).

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Tim Hamilton Rejoins Gross & Romanick

Tim Hamilton has rejoined Gross & Romanick, the Virginia legal team known for successfully defending reckless driving charges in Fairfax, Maryland ad Virginia as well as other traffic offenses and criminal charges; personal injury and wrongful death; and business law and commercial landlord cases.

Tim is the friendly voice on the phone when you call the law firm. He started working for Gross & Romanick as a part time file clerk in 1996 and has had various roles within the firm since that time. He is currently the Office Manager as well as Legal Assistant. Tim has a variety of tasks that range from preparation of pleadings and documents filed with the court to maintaining office functionality. His knowledge of court procedures and experience are an asset to the law firm. Outside of work, Tim is a sports enthusiast and enjoys weekend getaways.

Everyone at Gross & Romanick is pleased to welcome Tim back to the firm.

Monday, November 5, 2007

PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEMS FROM SOCIAL ENGINEERS

As computer hacking becomes more prevalent, more and more companies are taking the time to deploy security technologies to protect themselves and their computer systems. While this action is to be commended and is certainly a step in the right direction, very little attention is given to the risk posed by individuals who utilize highly unethical practices to obtain unauthorized access to computer systems. These data thieves, called “social engineers” in the information security vernacular, use persuasive techniques in a manipulative and deceptive manner to steal data and personal, private or confidential information from businesses. Social engineers use the best qualities of company employees: helpfulness, teamwork and politeness, to gain access to a company. Kevin Mitnick, a veritable legend among hackers and social engineers, in his book “The Art of Intrusion” aptly described social engineering as “information security’s weakest link.”

A few years ago, Wired Magazine reported that hackers from around the world were repeatedly stealing customer information from a large internet service provider by simply asking for the information. According to the article, which is available here, one social engineer was able to obtain confidential account information merely by pretending to have recently undergone jaw surgery and mumbling the responses to security questions. Just last year, a large American payroll company released the names and personal information of about 10,000 brokerage clients to a social engineer impersonating a corporate officer (available here). Even more recently, a government audit discovered that almost 60% of IRS employees changed their computer passwords when requested by a caller simply claiming to be from technical support (available here).

In order to protect against social engineers, it is imperative that a business draft and enforce an information security policy and train its employees to understand and follow the policy. The attorneys at Gross & Romanick, P.C. work hard to stay abreast of the latest trends in the law and technology of information security. If your company needs help drafting an information security policy and/or needs instruction on how to help your employees understand the risks created by social engineers, hackers, crackers, phone phreaks or script kiddies, our lawyers can help.