Blog: Criminal Defense

No driver is allowed to operate a motor vehicle if they are impaired. This includes individuals who are 21 and can legally consume alcohol as well as those who are younger. There are specific penalties in this state for each group. These penalties are also valid if a driver is impaired due to drugs, medications, alcohol or any combination of those. A person who is convicted of underage drinking and driving will lose their license...

Underage drinking happens every day. Technically, you should never have an under-21 DUI case because no one who is under 21 is old enough to drink. But the prevalence of underage drinking makes this an unavoidable reality. In fact, DUI arrests could be more likely for those who are under 21 since they will be trying to hide the activity. For instance, if a 16-year-old drinks at a party on the weekend and then needs...

As is the case in many other states, Virginia has tough laws designed to prevent drunk driving. While most people would never intentionally drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the problem with Virginia’s DUI laws is that they often net people who may have just been a little careless and had one too many drinks. After all, it’s hard to really know whether someone is over the limit of .08 BAC, and...

Virginia has a drunk driving problem. While the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles indicates that accident-related fatalities declined in 2018 as a whole, fatal accidents involving alcohol actually increased. Given all of the emphasis on the dangers of drunk driving that is constantly broadcast to drivers, the fact that there was a 12% increase in alcohol-related fatalities on the road between 2017 and 2018 alone, you can bet that Virginian authorities will be on the...

In Fairfax and across Virginia, drug charges are generally perceived to be related to illegal substances, like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other scheduled narcotics. Street dealers, distributors and traffickers are common targets of police investigations. While legal violations related to these drugs will lead to an arrest, people who are trusted with the right to give prescriptions can also face drug charges. Medical professionals who are accused of illegal behavior with prescription drugs must remember...

Drunk driving penalties can result in serious consequences for Virginia residents. A strong DUI defense strategy is crucial. In Virginia, drivers may be accused of driving under the influence if they have a blood alcohol content level of 0.08% or above based on a blood, breath or urine test. Drivers may also be accused of drunk driving if a police officer determines through observation that they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A...

Criminal defense rights are critical for the protection of individuals accused of crimes. The criminal justice system can be intimidating for accused individuals to deal with, making knowing how to develop a criminal defense strategy vital for accused individuals facing any type of criminal charges. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Virginia Constitution help protect the rights of individuals accused of crimes. One protection accused individuals enjoy is the right to be free from unreasonable...

Strong legal strategies are essential for any accused individual facing criminal charges. The right criminal defense strategy can potentially help the accused avoid incarceration or significant fines. It could also potentially reduce the penalties and consequences the accused is facing. As a result, accused individuals should be familiar with how to defend against criminal charges. There are different options available to defend against criminal charges. The best criminal defense strategy depends on the situation —...

Field sobriety tests are important to understand because they can sometimes serve as the basis for drunk driving charges. Because of this, accused individuals should be familiar with how to challenge field sobriety tests and DUI charges. The penalties and consequences for drunk driving charges can be significant, making it essential for accused individuals to be familiar with DUI/DWI defense options. It is important to note that the police officer conducting a field sobriety test...

One of the most common questions people have about their own rights is when police can legally search their home. After all, the Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Over the years, there have been both state and federal court cases that have helped to establish when it is legal for law enforcement to enter your home and when doing so violates your basic civil liberties. Understanding when law enforcement has the...