Virginia DWI Lawyer: Statistics Show Decreased Alcohol-Related Fatal Accidents

Every year, states across the country continue to strengthen their drinking and driving laws to make the roads safer for all drivers. Virginia is no different and is considered by many to be one of the strictest states for DWI penalties.

On year ago, we wrote about statistics from 2015 regarding the number of fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers in Virginia, as well as the number of DWI arrests in Virginia. In 2015, there were 241 fatalities linked to drunk driving in Virginia and 20,768 DWI arrests. Preliminary numbers for 2016 have been compiled by MADD and they continue to show a downward trend. In 2016, there were 208 fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers and 20,477 DWI arrests. While these numbers are still far too high, it is a good sign that recent downward trends are continuing. This decrease is likely due, in large part, to the increased presence of ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. Another reason for a decrease could be related to stricter ignition interlock requirements. Whatever the cause may be, it is a good sign to see that these numbers continue to trend down.

Virginia has come a long way in terms of fatal drunk driving accidents and DWI arrests. In 1990, there were 17,000+ drunk driving related accidents, 535 fatalities, and 42,000+ DWI arrests. Drunk driving laws are likely to continue to be amended to include stricter penalties. It will be interesting to see what numbers for 2017 will look like to see if the downward trend continues.

Driving drunk should NEVER be an option, especially today when it is very easy to request a ride with Uber or Lyft. If you are caught driving drunk in Virginia, be prepared to face significant consequences, and hire an experienced attorney. Call the attorneys at Pornter & Shure today for a free consultation: (703) 916-1227.

What Can a Criminal Defense Attorney do for Someone Charged with a Crime?

The U.S. Constitution gives important protections to people who have been accused of crimes.  It is imperative to remember that these rights extend to all people, whether they are innocent or guilty.

Probably the most important right is that they can find an attorney to represent and protect their rights.   A criminal defense attorney has a number of tools that he or she can use in order to protect and advocate for their clients.

First, they have the ability to require that the prosecution provide discovery documentation so that they can determine what the evidence against their client is and what the government can and cannot prove.

Second, a criminal defense attorney can strategically prepare for a trial and determine what evidence and witnesses will best help their clients and minimize any risk of a bad result.

Finally, they have the ability to negotiate on the defendant’s behalf with the prosecution.  In many cases, even when the client may be guilty, a good defense attorney can exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and case. This can force the prosecutor to agree to a much better result in court than if the defendant simply appears on his own.

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, call Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (703) 916-1227.