Law enforcement officers are trained and mandated to do just that: enforce the law and keep the public safe. And part of this involves looking out for drunk drivers. However, the police cannot stop you and conduct a DUI investigation without justification. They must...
DUI
What is implied consent?
Everyone who has a driver’s license in this country is subjected to the implied consent law. Virginia Code § 18.2-268.2 states that anyone who operates a motor vehicle on public roads is subjected to implied consent laws, regardless of whether they have a driver’s...
Should you agree to a field sobriety test?
Understanding your rights and obligations is crucial if the police stop you on suspicion of drunk driving. One area to know about is a set of physical tests collectively known as field sobriety tests. The police can ask you to perform one or more of these, and you...
When can police pull you over on suspicion of drunk driving?
Increased drunk driving patrols are common during the holiday season. Police officers will look for signs that a driver is impaired and initiate a traffic stop if they spot any of those. Other reasons the police might come into contact with an impaired driver are...
3 lessons you’ll learn in DUI education courses
The severity of a DUI sentence depends on the BAC (blood alcohol content) in your system. According to Virginia DUI laws, if you possess at least a BAC level of 0.08 percent, you need to pay a fine of $250 to $2,500. Plus, you’ll have a suspended license for up to a...
What limitations does a Virginia restricted license have?
There are numerous consequences of a driving under the influence DUI charge in Virginia. You will have to pay a fine and could spend some time in state custody, especially if you have previous DUI charges on your record. Even if this is your first-ever arrest, you are...
How fast does your body process alcohol?
The police could give you a DUI based on the way you were driving alone. Yet more typically, they back themselves up with a breath or blood test for alcohol. While there are ways to challenge test results, empirical evidence is typically quite convincing. If you like...
What happens during field sobriety testing?
Police officers need a justification to demand a chemical breath test unless you willingly submit to the testing. If you caused a collision, that can be justification for testing. Otherwise, they require probable cause. If you admit to drinking when you talk to them...
How different BAC levels affect your body and mind
Your blood alcohol content, or BAC, measures how much alcohol you have in your bloodstream. Usually, the BAC levels are given as a percentage and used for legal and medical purposes to determine intoxication levels. Anyone who has had an alcoholic beverage before...
Can you get a DUI on a bicycle?
If you’re out dinking with friends, you already know that you won’t be able to drive home safely. You want to do what’s best for you and those around you, so you might decide instead to walk or bike home. What about that bike, though? Bicycles are largely considered...