James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Blog

Can an Employer Fire You for Refusing to Participate in Fraud?

What happens when your boss asks you to falsify records, hide information, submit a misleading claim, or take some other action you believe is illegal? Refusing can put you in an uncomfortable position, especially if you are worried about losing your job. In Virginia, however, employees may have legal protections […]

Can an Employer Fire You for Refusing to Participate in Fraud? Read Post »

Is a Single Incident Enough to Support a Sexual Harassment Claim?

A single incident of workplace sexual harassment may be enough to support a legal claim when the conduct is sufficiently severe. Sexual harassment does not necessarily have to occur repeatedly before an employee has legal options. Courts consider the nature and seriousness of the conduct, the circumstances surrounding it, and

Is a Single Incident Enough to Support a Sexual Harassment Claim? Read Post »

When Aggressive Student Enrollment Becomes Federal Fraud

Colleges, universities, and vocational schools often compete to attract new students, and there is nothing unlawful about effective recruiting. However, when enrollment practices cross the line into deception or violate federal funding requirements, they may expose an institution to liability under the False Claims Act.  Because billions of dollars in federal

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Who Can Be a Whistleblower on a Government Construction Project?

Government construction projects often involve significant taxpayer funding, making accountability essential. When fraud occurs on federally funded projects, whistleblowers play an important role in helping uncover misconduct and protect public resources. Many people assume only company executives or compliance officers can report fraud, but the law is much broader than that. 

Who Can Be a Whistleblower on a Government Construction Project? Read Post »

“Creative Accounting”: 7 Warning Signs of Corporate Tax Fraud

A questionable accounting entry may look like a simple mistake at first. But when numbers are repeatedly altered, income disappears from the books, or unusual transactions are designed to reduce a company’s tax liability, something more serious may be happening. Corporate tax fraud can involve intentionally concealing income, falsifying records,

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The “I Didn’t See the Motorcycle” Defense: Does It Excuse a Driver?

After a motorcycle crash, a driver may say, “I just didn’t see the motorcycle.” But does that explanation excuse them from responsibility? In Virginia, simply failing to notice a motorcycle does not automatically eliminate negligence. Drivers have a responsibility to stay alert, which includes using reasonable care to watch traffic

The “I Didn’t See the Motorcycle” Defense: Does It Excuse a Driver? Read Post »

Civil Rights Violations by Police: Can I File a Claim?

Encounters with law enforcement can be stressful, but they should never involve violations of your constitutional rights. When police cross legal boundaries (through excessive force, unlawful arrest, or illegal searches), you may have grounds to file a civil rights claim. Understanding your rights and how these cases work is the first

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Tips for Filing an Airplane Accident Wrongful Death Claim

airplane accident  is a devastating experience, one made even more overwhelming by the legal complexities that follow. Families often face a long road of grief, unanswered questions, and financial uncertainty. Filing a  wrongful death  claim may offer a path toward justice, accountability, and compensation—but it must be done correctly and

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How Courts Determine Excessive Force by Police

Incidents involving police force can unfold in seconds, but determining whether that force was justified takes far more time and careful analysis. Throughout Newport News, Hampton, and the surrounding areas in Virginia, individuals regularly face situations where they believe an officer’s actions went beyond what the Constitution allows.  Excessive force cases require

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