Criminal Defense

If you are ever stopped by the police and asked to take a Breathalyzer test, you may not be sure what you should do. By law, you’ve given permission for the police to collect a simple by accepting your license. That being said, you can refuse despite that. Whether or...

Virginia authorities expect those who take to the state's public roads to follow the traffic laws. Minor offenses may lead to a traffic citation and a fine. Sometimes, the moving violation presents such a danger that criminal charges and subsequent penalties may...

If you're pulled over by an officer in Virginia, you may have to complete a sobriety test. These tests typically involve performing basic tasks like balancing yourself or walking in a straight line. A police officer might also ask you to take a breathalyzer test to...

One of the most noticeable disparities to lawyers in the Washington, D.C., area and across the United States involves race. In most jurisdictions, judges and prosecutors skew white; the numbers show that up to 95% of American prosecutors are white. Increasingly,...

Motorists in Virginia who have been charged with driving while influenced by drugs or alcohol usually choose to avoid a trial by pleading guilty in return for a more lenient sentence. However, there are a number of options available if they choose to reject a plea...

When asked to take blood, urine or Breathalyzer tests by authorities, drivers generally have the right to refuse. However, drivers in Virginia and elsewhere who don't subject themselves to a chemical test may be in violation of implied consent laws. Generally...

The U.S. Constitution says anyone who is charged with a crime is guaranteed a speedy trial. However, the Constitution does not say how long a person could be held in jail without being charged with a crime. Typically, those who are taken into custody in Virginia and...