Most people associate alcohol with a DUI charge in Virginia, but that is not always the case: Individuals who are under prescribed medications or using illegal drugs could be charged with driving under the influence as well. Much of the evidence is typically officer...
DUI
What makes the police pull someone over on suspicion of drunk driving?
Police officers who are patrolling the streets watch for signs that a driver is impaired so they can initiate a traffic stop to determine what’s going on. They can’t stop a vehicle for no reason at all. Instead, they need to have reasonable suspicion that the driver...
Drunk driving penalties in Virginia
Drunk driving laws are enforced strictly in Virginia. Motorists are considered too impaired to operate a motor vehicle safely when they have blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher, but DUI charges can also be filed against drivers with no alcohol in their...
Man pleads guilty to manslaughter, DUI in Virginia
A 37-year-old Virginia man pleaded guilty to aggravated involuntary manslaughter in connection with a March 2020 car accident. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of DUI for the same incident. According to media reports, the man and a 38-year-old male passenger were...
Virginia ranks low in DUI statistics, but it is still problematic
Statistics can be useful in understanding the widespread problem of drunk driving. In Virginia, recent rankings showed where the Commonwealth ranks nationally for DUI. Understanding these numbers could factor in with the defense. In the DUI statistical assessment,...
The purpose of the preliminary hearing
Those who are charged with DUI have the right to plead guilty and go straight to the sentencing portion of their cases. However, individuals may also choose to plead not guilty and have their fates decided by a Virginia judge or by a jury. In some cases, a plea...
A new test may be able to detect cannabis at a traffic stop
Drivers in Virginia can face harsh penalties if they are caught driving under the influence of cannabis. The difficulty for the police is actually determining which drivers are impaired. While it is much easier to make an arrest on the spot for drunk driving, there...
Fight your DUI with these common defense strategies
Having a DUI on your record can affect your life in several ways. You’re likely to face driver’s license suspension, costly fines and sometimes even jail time. It can also impact your personal and professional relationships and your employability in some...
A DUI can leave you struggling financially
More and more states are tightening their drunk driving laws, and Virginia is no exception. In fact, many analysts rank Virginia among the top 20 strictest states for DUI laws, enforcement and penalties. While you may be able to avoid a long jail sentence for a...
Four people facing charges after high-speed chase
When a Harrisonburg area resident finds themselves facing a DWI, they may not know what to do next. A DUI conviction can have serious ramifications for a person. Those who have been arrested for a DUI should understand the consequences of a conviction and the...
