Implied consent laws exist across the country. They apply in situations where a reasonable person could assume someone gave their consent to something, even if they do not have the consent in writing or in speech. There are implied consent laws for the road, too. This...
Criminal Law
What should you know about field sobriety tests?
When an officer pulls a driver over and requests them to take a DUI test, they will often start off with a field sobriety test. This is the least invasive form of checking for someone's potential BAC levels, and depending on results, officers can decide if they want...
How many DUIs can you get in Virginia before serving jail time?
Many people believe themselves to be sober enough to drive, only to find that their blood alcohol content is above the legal limit of .08. Those same people may think the same thing a few months or years later, and again face the consequences of impaired driving. Here...
3 reasons DUI evidence gets thrown out
If you were arrested for DUI in Virginia, it may seem like the deck is stacked against you. Before pleading guilty and making a rash decision, consider the full spectrum of defense strategies and how seemingly strong evidence can wither under scrutiny. Was the stop...
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
There are many terms the law uses to describe the taking of another person’s life. Two you will hear the most are murder and manslaughter. While it may seem like they mean the same thing, they do not. The differences are important to understand because they will...
Prescription fraud charges may lead to a guilty plea
Virginia's statutes regarding controlled substances make it unlawful to obtain or provide prescription medications through fraud. According to Virginia's Legislative Information System's website, altering documents to obtain a controlled substance may result in a...
Testing equipment and other examples of drug paraphernalia
When it comes to drug paraphernalia, you could face serious consequences if charged with the possession of unlawful equipment. In fact, some people do not realize just how many different items constitute illegal drug paraphernalia. Distributing drug paraphernalia can...
Soft drug legalization does not mean Virginians can drive high
Around the United States, drug laws are rapidly changing, and Virginia is right in the middle of soft drug legalization. As of July 1, 2021, recreational use of cannabis is legal in the state for adults over the age of 21. With that said, the new law does not mean...
The penalties for underage drunk driving in Virginia
If you have not reached the age of 21 and you drive, or you are the parent of a young driver under 21, it is very important to understand state laws on underage drunk driving. In fact, many young people face drunk driving charges even though they had a very small...
What is an ignition interlock device?
Be aware of the many consequences associated with the court of Virginia finding you guilty of DUI. While every state has laws against drunk driving, those laws and penalties may vary slightly between states. According to the State of Virginia, it is one of 42 states...