Police in Virginia have several ways to test alcohol impairment in drivers, but they do not have the same types of tests for marijuana impairment. So far, there are no universally accepted roadside tests that police can use to test drivers’ marijuana intoxication...
DUI
Fewer DUI arrests in Virginia, but serious consequences remain
Drunk driving arrests are declining across the country, including in Virginia. According to one study based on information from federal crime, health and transit databases, DUI arrests have dropped by 31.4% across the country in the 10 years between 2009 and 2018....
Involuntary manslaughter charges after a drunk driving crash
It is no doubt a scary thing for any Virginian resident of the Harrisonburg area or another part of the Shenandoah Valley to face a DUI accusation, especially if they have no familiarity with the criminal justice system. However, facing criminal charges related to DUI...
Defending a DUI charge may be worth the investment
A previous post on this blog discussed how even a first-time conviction for a DUI, with no aggravating circumstances, can haunt a person for a long time. First, there is the cost of fines, probation fees and other bills, such as the cost of posting bail.Additionally,...
Higher premiums are a forgotten consequence of DUIs
As this blog has discussed on previous occasions, getting convicted of a DUI in Virginia is a serious affair even when it is a first offense. In addition to the possibility of jail and an almost inevitable license suspension, a person convicted can wind up paying...
Virginia’s license suspensions for DUI are harsh
Even if a Harrisonburg resident can avoid jail time after a first-offense DUI, there are still plenty of consequences to a conviction that can really make life hard for several months.For example, Virginia has a one-year license revocation for a first time drunk...
What is a DUID in Virginia?
When Harrisonburg, Virginia, residents think of a DUI, their first thought may involve driving after consuming too much alcohol. It may even be burned in their memories that if they test over .08 blood alcohol content after being pulled over, then they will likely...
If charged with a DUI over the holiday, help is available
Many people in Harrisonburg will probably use St. Patrick's Day to take some time to relax with friends and family. Of course, one of the common customs of this holiday is to drink beer and other alcohol.Most Virginians try to drink responsibly when they choose to...
What are my rights at a sobriety checkpoint?
As is the case with most states, police in and around Harrisonburg, Virginia, are allowed to use what are often referred to as sobriety checkpoints in order to detain and then prosecute suspected drunk drivers.For those who have not seen one, a sobriety checkpoint...
What factors result in enhanced DUI penalties?
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Virginia can include an array of sanctions like fines, the loss of one's license, and even jail time. However, these penalties can be enhanced if certain factors are present at the time an individual is arrested and charged with...
