As Prom and Graduation Season Begins, Officials Warn Students About Drinking and Driving

           Prom season is upon us in Virginia for many high schoolers, and graduation season is just a few weeks away.  Every year around this time, there is usually a spike in DUI-related accidents and arrests.  The Virginia DMV even says that, “more teen drivers in Virginia will be involved in crashes between April and August than any other time of the year.”

            

           While officials and parents are constantly warning teens about the consequences of drinking and driving, one county in Virginia decided to show high school students the dangers firsthand.  Local law enforcement officials conducted a simulation of an accident that was caused by drinking and driving.  In this simulation, an innocent person was killed, another was paralyzed, and the drunk driver was arrested for DUI manslaughter and faces serious jail time.  Officials are hoping that by letting students see the horrific effects of drinking and driving, instead of just telling them about it, that this will save at least one life.

            

            The consequences of making that decision to drink and drive in Virginia are very serious.  In addition to significant fines and losing your driver’s license for a period of time, there is a risk of jail time, especially if you cause an accident or have been convicted of a DUI previously.  Further, you will have to live the rest of your life with a DUI showing up on your record.

If you are charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at (703) 916-1227 and schedule an appointment at our office in Alexandria or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/

Virginia DUI Attorney: What to Expect in a Virginia DUI Case

Getting arrested for DUI or DWI in Virginia is a very serious offense with possible consequences, which include jail time, significant fines, and a license suspension.  Unlike nearby states, Virginia DUI laws are some of the strictest, even for first time offenders.

            

           One of the most controversial DUI consequences is the requirement of an ignition interlock device.  Half the states require an interlock device for all DUI offenses, and the other half only requires the devices in extreme circumstances.  Virginia is one of the states that require an ignition interlock device for all DUI offenders.  However, because a first-time DUI results in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license, the only way the interlock device would be required to be installed is if you request to have a restricted license to be able to drive for work and other limited purposes, and that request is granted.  Ignition interlock devices in Virginia are required to be installed for a minimum of six months, but oftentimes a longer period is required.  If the interlock device registers a violation at any time during its period of use, the length of time required to have the device installed is extended another six months, and the violator risks having his probation violated.  Keep in mind that when your probation is violated, any suspended jail time is usually rescinded by the judge and you will have to serve the full amount of your sentence.

            

           Another consequence of getting a DUI is that you are required to attend, and pay for at your own expense, classes under the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).  Just like other states require alcohol treatment classes for anyone charged with DUI, Virginia has created their own program to handle this.

            

           In addition to interlock devices and VASAP classes, there are significant fines and jail time associated with DUI convictions.  In most first offense DUI cases, if your BAC is below 0.15, jail time is avoided.  However, if your BAC is between 0.15 and 0.20, there is a mandatory minimum that requires at least 5 days in jail.  If your BAC is above 0.20, you are required to serve at least 10 days in jail.  If you have committed more than one DUI offense in a 5 or 10 year period, the required minimum amount of jail time and the amount of fines increase significantly.  

If you are charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at (703) 916-1227 and schedule an appointment at our office in Vienna or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/

Vienna DUI Attorney: Increase in Traffic Deaths Caused by Drunk Drivers

           Nationwide, fatal car accidents are happening at an alarming rate with the culprits being distracted drivers and drunk drivers.  This trend is also true in Virginia.  Due to an increase this year in traffic deaths on Virginia roadways, Virginia State Police are increasing DUI patrols as the holidays approach.  Police want people to “Drive to Save Lives.”  For example, just in the week surrounding Thanksgiving, nine people died on Virginia highways.  What is even more alarming is that only one of those people was wearing a seatbelt.  Even though seatbelts do not guarantee a person survives an accident, they do however dramatically increase the likelihood of survival.

            

           This year in Virginia, 19 more people have lost their lives due to traffic crashes than last year.  Virginia Police are trying to do whatever it takes to protect drivers from fatal accidents.  While police will be focusing on drunk drivers and reckless drivers, they will also be on the lookout for drivers who are not using a seatbelt.  Driving to save lives can only happen if drivers use seatbelts, pay attention while driving, and choose not to drink and drive.  Police officers can only do so much to save lives.  It is up to drivers to actually take action in order for positive change to occur.

All of these fatalities on Virginia roadways are preventable.  Police hate seeing these types of accidents keep occurring, and now they have been forced to implement a zero tolerance crackdown on several behaviors.  Warnings will no longer be handed out by police, and instead, citations will be given to drivers who are caught violating one of these deadly-accident-causing offenses.

If you are charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at (703) 916-1227 and schedule an appointment at our office in Vienna or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/

Drunk Driving Study Reveals Time of Day is Key Factor in Number of Fatal Accidents

           Everybody is aware of the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving, yet the number of fatal accidents where alcohol is a factor remains high.  A new study conducted found that last year, there were 7,852 fatal accidents involving drinking and driving.  In other words, there were about 22 deadly DUI-related accidents every day.  Some of the worst states included Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and South Carolina.  Virginia is one of the best states in terms of having the least number of fatal DUI crashes per 100,000 residents.  Washington, D.C. has the lowest number of fatal DUI crashes per 100,000 residents out of all fifty states.

            

            The most interesting statistics that this study revealed involve the time of day when DUI-related fatal accidents occurred.  As expected, the time period of 2-3am, when most bars close for the night, had the highest number of fatal alcohol-related accidents.  The research also showed that there were spikes in fatal crashes around 7pm, when many happy hours end, and 3pm, which shows that lunchtime drinking is gaining popularity.

           

            It is still quite amazing, that as much information is out there for people to know and understand the catastrophic consequences of drinking and driving, that so many people choose to take that risk.  In addition, today there are so many options available to people to get to their destination without having to drive themselves.  Any amount of alcohol in your body can affect your judgment and reaction time.  When you factor in drinking several alcoholic beverages or shots in a short period of time without eating a substantial amount of food, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels will increase dramatically.  For example, at 0.08 the legal limit in Virginia, there is impaired speech, vision, hearing, and reaction time.  The effects get progressively worse as your BAC levels increase.  Anything over 0.23 will likely result in a blackout, alcohol poisoning, and a chance of respiratory failure.  While drinking is an easy way to have fun, just remember to be safe about it, and NEVER choose to drive drunk.

If you or a family member has been charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia and/or were involved in a deadly accident as a result, please feel free to contact our office at (301) 854-9000 and schedule an appointment for a free legal consultation at our office in Vienna or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/