Judge: Spotsylvania woman can counsel addiction patients despite criminal past

Judge: Spotsylvania woman can counsel addiction patients despite criminal past

A federal judge has ruled that Spotsylvania County resident Melissa Brown, a certified substance-abuse counselor once barred by Virginia’s barrier crime law, can now work directly with addiction patients. Brown, who served time in prison before earning her degree and rebuilding her life, says the decision is a victory for second chances. Virginia has 30 days to appeal.