Decker, Cardon, Thomas, Weintraub & Neskis:
Whether resulting in a minor speeding or traffic violation, or a DUI or other serious traffic offense, split second road decisions can result in unavoidable consequences.
Jon Eichler:
The laws surrounding Driving Under the Influence of alcohol/Driving While Intoxicated are unique and ever changing. It is important to have an attorney that understands this complex area of law and keeps up with the changes to ensure quality representation.
Virginia has legislated severe punishments for anyone convicted of DUI/DWI. The punishments get more severe for repeat offenders. Judges will sentence you to prison time for your second or third DUI/DWI offense. In addition to any fines you may be ordered to pay, or jail time you may be ordered to serve, your driveršs license may be suspended for one year, even if it is your first offense. Not only will you have to deal with the inconvenience of not having your own transportation at your disposal, but you will have he added embarrassment of having to ask family or friends for rides when you need them.
In addition to the substantial punishment provided by law, many insurance companies will drop your motor vehicle coverage based on a DUI/DWI. Those companies that will insure you will only do so at a greatly increased premium. It is easy to see how important it is to protect your rights and have a lawyer that can fight to help you avoid the stigma and punishment that comes with a DUI/DWI conviction.
Ghent Law
Offices:
There is no greater feeling of panic one can experience than being charged with a criminal offense. That
applies whether or not you are guilty of the offense. Even a DUI conviction can have a lasting impact on your
life and reputation.
Mark Kantro:
If you are charged with a offense that could result in jail time or loss of your licence, you need a lawyer. The
offenses that meet this criteria are; DUI (drunk driving), reckless driving, hit and run, involuntary manslaughter,
habitual offender, or driving on a suspended or revoked license.
Perez & Burris:
DUI In Virginia
A Dozen Points to Consider
Be responsible when drinking. Choose a designated driver, call a cab,
or phone a friend instead of getting behind the wheel of a car. It is
no fun being arrested for DUI, and the danger you put yourself and others
in when you drink and drive simply is not worth it.
It is against the law in Virginia to operate a vehicle with a blood
alcohol concentration of .08 or more. Depending on your size, this may
be as little as only 2-3 drinks.
If stopped by police, always be polite, courteous, and respectful.
The police officer is only doing his job.
Do not consent to a search of you or your vehicle.
If a preliminary breath test is offered and available, more often
than not, a person should usually take it. The police officer may ask
you to perform a series of field sobriety tests such as standing on
one leg, finger to nose test, walk and turn test, horizontal gaze nystagmus
test, or reciting the alphabet. If you feel you can perform well at
the tests, you should usually take them.
You may refuse to take a chemical analysis test, which is usually
a breathalyzer that measures your blood alcohol level, but you also
risk additional charges with civil penalties that include loss of driving
privileges for one year, and the court may allow evidence of your refusal
to be used against you in a criminal trial.
The court may convict you of a DUI even without blood alcohol content
level test results if you had enough to drink to affect your manner,
disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance and behavior.
If placed under arrest, firmly and clearly say, “I would like
to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.”
A DUI in Virginia is a class one criminal misdemeanor and carries
maximum penalties of up to one year in jail.
A DUI conviction also carries a fine of up to $2,500.00 and penalties
include loss of driving privileges for one year and more expensive automobile
insurance premiums.
You may be allowed under some circumstances to obtain a restricted
driver’s license after a drunk driving conviction in order to continue
working.
Always retain an experienced criminal and DUI attorney to represent
you through the court system.
Dan Miller:
When pulled over in your vehicle always ask why you were pulled. Failure to
stop a vehicle with out probable cause or reasonable suspicion constitutes an
unreasonable seizure in violation of your legal rights.