In 2018, about 7.95% of Americans owned cryptocurrency, in 2019, that percentage rose to 14.4%. In 2021, studies found that nearly one quarter of Americans own cryptocurrency.  Cryptocurrency is on pace to be adopted faster than the internet.  While that may be exciting to many, the minimal regulation and legislation in the area leaves clients exposed in numerous areas.  David and Patrick are founding members of the Capital Crypto Law Center.  In their presentation, they will provide the necessary background to understand the technology and provide a wide survey of legal issues one can expect to hear when talking to clients.  We will cover topics ranging from taxation, corporate formation, NFT considerations and signs of scams that you need to advise your client to avoid. 

David J. Dischley
Dischley Law, PLLC & Capital Crypto Law Center, PLLC

As the owner of Dischley Law, PLLC, Mr. Dischley provides dedicated criminal law defense to people in Vienna, Fairfax, Herndon, Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax. He generally handles cases that involve issues such as DUI and DWI, reckless driving, drug charges, property crimes and fraud. Mr. Dischley also represents clients seeking expungements in Virginia.

On the same day that he was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Dischley received an Associates of Applied Science in administration of justice from Northern Virginia Community College, graduating cum laude. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in administration of justice from George Mason University and a Juris Doctor from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.

Prior to entering into his private practice, Mr. Dischley served as a prosecutor in Fauquier and Loudoun counties and served in varying law enforcement capacities. In those roles, he gained valuable insight into the prosecution's investigative and trial techniques and strategies. He draws on that knowledge to help him see the charges against his clients reduced or dropped, or to limit the potential penalties they are facing. His dedication to providing quality counsel while maintaining high standards of legal ethics has gained Mr. Dischley the respect of his clients and peers alike. He has an Avvo "Superb" rating and has been named in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100.

Staying active in the community, Mr. Dischley offers legal services to members of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc., and he serves as an advisor to a local police department. He frequently shares his knowledge with others, writing on topics relating to his area of focus. Mr. Dischley is a member of The National College for DUI Defense, Inc.

Mr. Dischley began working with crypto related regulations and issues in 2013.  He brings over 15 years experience to CCLC in Technology, Cybersecurity, Business Formation and Management, Financial Crimes and Litigation. Mr. Dischley has represented numerous company's and clients in an array of complex matters.  He provides strategic planning, business development, copyright and trademark issues, corporate compliance, asset protection, estate planning, legal risk management, contracts, terms of use, and trade secrets matters.

Patrick T. O’Brien
Dischley Law, PLLC & Capital Crypto Law Center, PLLC

Patrick T. O’Brien is a skilled advocate whose compassion for his clients is as important to him as his skills to provide great outcomes in his cases.  Attorney O’Brien is a Partner with Dischley Law, PLLC.  He is a former prosecutor with over a decade of experience handling high-profile cases and major crimes.  

Attorney O’Brien is known in Northern Virginia as a skilled and tenacious litigator who obtains unprecedented results for his clients. He prides himself on taking a holistic approach with all his clients and believes strongly that such an approach leads to better results in court. Attorney O’Brien’s knowledge, experience, and passion provide him with the ability to see any client through even the most difficult situation to achieve a positive outcome.

Attorney O’Brien’s legal insight and experience sets him apart from other attorneys. In his career, Attorney O’Brien has taken hundreds of cases to trial, including dozens of jury trials, on charges ranging from DUI, Reckless Driving, and possession of controlled substances up to murder, rape, and large-scale drug distribution. In his career, Attorney O’Brien has provided training to other attorneys, prosecutors, and law enforcement professionals on topics including Driving Under the Influence, Constitutional Law, trial practice, and other areas. 

Attorney O’Brien’s clients benefit from his experience representing the Commonwealth in both Northern and Southern Virginia. Attorney O’Brien’s career began serving the citizens of Lynchburg, Virginia. During his time in Lynchburg, Attorney O’Brien prosecuted charges ranging from criminal misdemeanors, traffic offenses and serious felonies. Before leaving Lynchburg, Attorney O’Brien’s was handling major felonies to include narcotics distribution, robbery, embezzlement and homicide.

After five years in Lynchburg, Attorney O’Brien accepted a Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney position in the City of Alexandria. Attorney O’Brien’s caseload focused on major felony offenses, primarily focused on the prosecution of narcotics distribution offenses. Beyond drug trafficking, he continued to work robbery, firearm and, homicide crimes hand in hand with the city’s Police Department.

After over nine years spent prosecuting in Southern and Northern Virginia, Attorney O’Brien brings a well-rounded understanding of prosecutorial goals and tactics. This knowledge provides his clients an advocate who can quickly diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of the Government’s case. With this information, Attorney O’Brien then determines the client’s best course of action.

Attorney O’Brien’s skills as a litigator were highly respected by his peers in the legal field.  Attorney O’Brien served a lecturer for prosecutors, law enforcement, criminal defense attorneys, and judges. His main focus related to the presentation of visual evidence at trial.  Attorney O’Brien developed multi-day trainings related to the use of cutting-edge technology in the courtroom and best practices to communicate visual evidence to juries. Attorney O’Brien also provided insight into evidence obtained from cellular technology and social media. Attorney O’Brien has been asked to lecture at events hosted the Virginia State Bar, the Criminal Section of the Virginia State Bar, The Office of the Attorney General, The University of Virginia School of Law, Washington and Lee School of Law, and the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council.

Patrick T. O’Brien is always at the forefront of technology both in and out of the courtroom.  A technology junkie, with over a decade experience in technology related legal matters and training.  A mechanic who can find solutions to almost any legal problem.