DUI Court Series

Interesting series of reports in the Chesterfield Observer on Virginia drunk driving arrests, the court process, penalties, legal strategies used by prosectutors and defense attorneys, and the implications of the Melendez-Diaz decision.

More on Driving I-81 Dangers

As we noted before, I-81, especially near Page and Shenandoah counties is a dangerous road. This has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Transportation, and today's comments about a reckless driving charge for a truck driver who fell asleep add some extra food for thought.

Due to budget cuts, rest areas have been closed, and it is illegal to pull over on the side of the road to sleep. This may have been a significant factor in the accident after the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Fortunately, there was no one was harmed in this incident. But when you take roads that VDOT and the Virginia State police know to be dangerous, and make them more dangerous due to short term budget constraints, you are toying with public safely in a disturbing way.

Madison VA Police Seek Suspects In More Than One Assault Case

Late night partying over the weekend led to a few assault victims and several suspects still on the lam. Madison police were certainly busy getting the facts from the injured parties and looking for the aggressors in both cases.

The first case happened in the early morning hours on Saturday on the corner of University Avenue and Lake Street. According to the 20 year old victim, he was attacked by a large group of approximately 10 Hispanic men. A witness called the police but all suspects fled before law enforcement arrived. The victim suffered various cuts on his head.

The second case occurred at a house party early Monday morning when a 21 year old man was dancing and having a good time. Apparently the aggressor spoke some unkind words to the dancing victim before punching him in the face. This punch resulted in a facial fracture and a broken nose. The victim was treated at the local hospital.

In both cases, police have made no arrests. This is not uncommon in cases like these. Late at night in large groups where there is likely alcohol involved, strangers can get into altercations. This makes finding the suspect difficult because the victim often has no clue who it was that assaulted them.

If an identification is possible and a warrant is issued, that’s another story. Running from a warrant won’t last long as the police nearly always get their man. The real fight begins and ends in the courtroom.

Accidents and mistakes happen. Facing an assault charge in Virginia is a serious matter and one that should be addressed with the help of an experienced defense attorney. If you are looking at criminal charges in Virginia, call us today to discuss the specifics of your case.

Virginia Cop Blog

The Roanoke Cop is an interesting and entertaining blog by a local police officer who details some of his more noteworthy activities in the public service.

It is always worthwhile to understand the perspective on the "other side" of the courtroom. Of course, all (or at least most) court officers, police and lawyers on both sides ultimately want what is in the best interests of the citizenry. Perspectives and approaches may, of course, differ.

Recommended.

More on the proposed DUI legislation

2/27/08 - More on the proposed DUI legislation: The bill currently being worked on in the Virginia Senate would increase penalties for teenagers who are convicted of drunk driving. If a driver is 16, 17, or 18, they would automatically lose their driver's license for one year.

2/14/08 - Update: The first offense DUI interlock law has passed the Virginia House of Delegates, and goes on to the Senate in the Virginia General Assembly. If it passes the Senate, it will become law.

The vote total was 80-18 in the house. In opposition, Delegate Ken Melvin of Portsmouth is quoted saying most people who get a DUI never get a second DUI offense, and this bill is the equivalent of "using a hammer to kill a fly."