There are moves all over the country to legalize marijuana. Many states have legalized it for medical use. A growing number of states are legalizing it for recreational use. Virginia is one of those states currently working toward complete legalization of the drug, ...
Criminal Defense And Traffic Violations
When can an officer stop a motorist and request a breath test?
A Virginia highway patrol officer may stop a vehicle after observing a motorist violating a traffic law. If a vehicle has a broken taillight or its driver runs a stop sign, an officer may initiate a traffic stop to issue a citation. Once stopped, an officer may ask a...
Can your child lose financial aid because of a drug conviction?
For many families, securing financial aid is the only way to make a child's dream of attending college a reality. If you are among them, you may have felt considerable relief after finding out your son or daughter would receive it. It is important to understand,...
What you should know about breathalyzers
If officers pull you over for alleged DUI, Virginia’s implied consent law requires you to submit to a breathalyzer test if the officers ask you to do so. Failure to do so likely will result in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license. As you likely already...
The Virginia driving record points system
Your driving record tells a story about your abilities as a driver. It shows whether you obey traffic laws or not. A judge can use it to assess whether you should continue driving when you go to court for a traffic incident. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles...
Do traffic offenses stay on my driving record?
A conviction of violating traffic law is something that can stay on your driving record for a long time, perhaps even for the rest of your life. Such offenses are counted whether they are committed in Virginia or in other states. How long a conviction remains on a...
What happens during your first DUI stop?
If you are away from home at college, for the first time in your life, then it stands to reason that there is a lot that you do not know. It should be an exciting time! Unfortunately, if you are subject to a DUI stop, it may turn into a stressful, overwhelming time....
Field sobriety test inaccuracy rates
If you have recently been arrested for suspected drunk driving in Virginia, you are likely scared and wondering how you can defend yourself and protect your rights. It can feel like you have no voice at these times but it is important to remember that you do. One...
Implied consent and chemical test refusals
If you are like a lot of people in Virginia, you may know that one element involved in an arrest for alleged drunk driving is testing that can chemically measure the blood alcohol content in your system. Field sobriety tests are not able to provide any measurement of...