Sufficient evidence supported the State Corporation Commission’s determination that a requested pilot infrastructure surcharge was just and reasonable. Background In 2015, the Virginia-American Water Company applied to the State Corporation Commission for a general increase in water rates, claiming increased ...

Tagged with: Justice D. Arthur Kelsey Supreme Court of Virginia Utilities

A contract employee who said only that he would “not be opposed” to mediation, but didn’t actually request it, didn’t satisfy a condition precedent for suing. In light of his previous non-suit after months of litigation, the circuit court had ...

Tagged with: Contract Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn Supreme Court of Virginia

After “only the latest in a string of frivolous lawsuits” against Loudoun County and its various departments, a pro se litigant must pay the county more than $4,000 in attorneys’ fees. She is also barred from bringing more petitions against the County without ...

Tagged with: Civil Practice Civil Procedure Justice D. Arthur Kelsey Supreme Court of Virginia

A contract employee who said only that he “would not be opposed” to mediation, but didn’t actually request it, didn’t satisfy a condition precedent for suing. In light of his previous non-suit after months of litigation, the circuit court had ...

Tagged with: Contract Employment Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn Supreme Court of Virginia

While fuel-company affiliates entering procurement agreements had to obtain approval from the State Corporation Commission, the Commission sufficiently reviewed the agreements. Such review and approval does not require a formal hearing where the public can raise objections. Background Appellant Sierra ...

Tagged with: Administrative Per Curiam Opinion Supreme Court of Virginia Unpublished Opinion Utilities

The petitioner was entitled to “verification” of lawful non-conforming use status for a parcel of property housing junk cars. Although the parcel had at one point been owned by a corporation that attempted to clear the property, evidence showed that ...

Tagged with: Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn Municipal Real Property Supreme Court of Virginia Zoning

In a false-claims settlement for Medicaid overbilling, Virginia’s whistleblower recovery provision entitling relators to a portion of the “proceeds” referred to gross proceeds, not proceeds remaining after the Commonwealth paid appropriate Medicaid refunds to the federal government. Background The relators ...

Tagged with: False Claims Healthcare Justice Stephen R. McCullough Supreme Court of Virginia

A circuit court had jurisdiction to decide a merger dispute between two churches. Resolution centered on the parties’ merger agreement, not their religious doctrines or other ecclesiastical questions. Background After falling behind on its mortgage payments, Pure Presbyterian Church of ...

Tagged with: Constitutional Contract Declaratory Judgment First Amendment Justice Stephen R. McCullough Real Property Supreme Court of Virginia

Evidence was sufficient to conclude that a Spanish-speaking defendant waived his Miranda rights prior to a police interview. He was given the written warning in Spanish, asked by an interpreter if he understood it, and read it back to officers. Background Detective ...

Tagged with: Constitutional Evidence Fifth Amendment Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn Supreme Court of Virginia

Appellant Gary Pisner filed a complaint against Appellee Mark Conley, asserting breach of a written contract to perform demolition and clean-up work at his property. Pisner sought compensatory damages of $76,000. After the complaint was served and Conley failed to ...

Tagged with: Civil Procedure Contract Per Curiam Opinion Supreme Court of Virginia Unpublished Opinion