A Virginia judge brought it to a dramatic end earlier this month by dismissing the drunk driving charges Babbitt had been facing. The judge ruled that the December, 2011, stop by a Fairfax City police officer that led to the charge was unjustified.
According to police, Babbitt was pulled over after allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road, a claim that the judge determined to be rather an embellishment after his own review of the police video. Authorities also claimed they had breath test results showing that Babbitt's blood alcohol content had been over the legal limit. But Babbitt's defense attorney brought out in court that initial breath test results actually showed that his BAC level was below the legal limit.
]]> The case was dismissed before any of that evidence was introduced.Babbitt was reasonably distraught over the drunk driving charges. His life was turned upside down. The charges and subsequent public scrutiny in the case led to Babbitt's resigning from his FAA post. They also cast something of a pall over his 25-year career as a commercial airline pilot.
In a rare show of great character by someone in this situation, Babbitt stated later that he holds no ill will toward the officer who pulled him over. He also said he has no regrets about having resigned from his government post. He stated that he plans to move on to other career opportunities in aviation consulting.
Drunk driving charges can damage anyone's reputation and can cause more than just legal hardship. Virginia drivers who are charged with DUI or other related charges should know that, just as in this case, they ought not face such charges without the help of an experienced attorney.
Source: The Washington Post, "Drunk driving charges dismissed against former FAA chief Randy Babbitt," Justin Jouvenal, May 10, 2012
]]>One Virginia county conducted a study on underage drinking during 2010-2011 which revealed that 65 percent of underage teenage drinkers were supplied alcohol by parents or family members or friends over 21. In Virginia, providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21 is illegal and may result in serious criminal charges and consequences.
]]> Many parents who host parties for their teenagers during this season of celebration do so in the hopes of avoiding more severe, dangerous behaviors outside of their scope of protection. But is this protection enough, and what about the protection of the parents in the event of incident or injury? Underage drinking in Virginia is considered a serious offense and parents and teenagers should be prepared in the event they find themselves facing litigation or charges. Many parents may challenge party hosting parents who provide alcohol to underage attendees. This can lead to charges, litigation and damage to the reputation of the parents and families involved.Along with initiatives around the state during the month of May to promote awareness about the dangers of underage drinking, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has distributed information detailing parental responsibilities and potential civil or criminal charges that parents can face if partygoers or others are injured. Newport News parents and teenagers should be aware that even if no incidents or injuries occur, they may still face legal issues for allowing alcohol to be served to minors on their property.
Everyone makes mistakes, many of them only once. While not every party will get out of hand, and not every drinker will get behind the wheel of a car, when it comes to underage drinking in Virginia, you simply cannot be too careful or protected from the harsh judgments and penalties that may be associated with being charged and convicted of an underage drinking-related crime.
Source: Fairfax News, "County Ramps Up Prom, Graduation Drinking Awareness Campaign," James Limbach, May 2, 2012
]]>An attorney can investigate how the arrest occurred and make sure authorities stayed within their bounds. Seeking help when facing a DUI charge, or after failing or refusing a Breathalyzer test in Virginia might be a wise idea. Defending your reputation and record can be extremely important, especially if your profession requires you to have a driver's license. The penalties for a DUI are getting even more strict in Virginia, making defending your rights that much more crucial.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Brandon Meriweather Arrested: Redskins Safety Busted For DUI," April 26, 2012
]]> For people who don't understand their rights during an arrest, they may say or do something that can be used against them in court. Police should inform people of their rights when they are arrested, but sometimes proper procedures aren't followed. If police or investigators don't follow proper procedures during an arrest, some of the evidence may be inadmissible in court, and charges might be reduced or dropped.An attorney can investigate how the arrest occurred and make sure authorities stayed within their bounds. Seeking help when facing a DUI charge, or after failing or refusing a Breathalyzer test in Virginia might be a wise idea. Defending your reputation and record can be extremely important, especially if your profession requires you to have a driver's license. The penalties for a DUI are getting even more strict in Virginia, making defending your rights that much more crucial.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Brandon Meriweather Arrested: Redskins Safety Busted For DUI," April 26, 2012
]]>When someone is arrested, things can be chaotic and confusing. People often don't understand their rights when they are arrested. That's why speaking with a criminal defense attorney can be helpful. An attorney who is experienced in fighting DUI charges can help to rigorously defend the charges.
]]> For people who don't understand their rights during an arrest, they may say or do something that can be used against them in court. Police should inform people of their rights when they are arrested, but sometimes proper procedures aren't followed. If police or investigators don't follow proper procedures during an arrest, some of the evidence may be inadmissible in court, and charges might be reduced or dropped.An attorney can investigate how the arrest occurred and make sure authorities stayed within their bounds. Seeking help when facing a DUI charge, or after failing or refusing a Breathalyzer test in Virginia might be a wise idea. Defending your reputation and record can be extremely important, especially if your profession requires you to have a driver's license. The penalties for a DUI are getting even more strict in Virginia, making defending your rights that much more crucial.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Brandon Meriweather Arrested: Redskins Safety Busted For DUI," April 26, 2012
]]>While the situation is sad, it is important to remember that those accused of serious crimes such as this one also have rights. Police should treat people with respect while in custody, and any violation of an accused person's rights could lead to a wrongful conviction.
]]> Those who are accused of serious crimes including vehicular manslaughter in Virginia might be wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney. They can help a person understand their rights, and what information they should and should not share with authorities. People facing charges should understand that they have the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. Police should advice people of their rights after they are arrested, and failing to treat the accused person legally could result in some or all charges being dropped.The charges against the Virginia woman in this case are very serious. A conviction of vehicular manslaughter could lead to years in prison and hefty fines, as well as the loss of a vehicle license for many years. Because of the severity of these charges it is important to form a rigorous and thorough criminal defense.
Source: WDBJ7.com, "Two people dead after car accident in Lynchburg," April 23, 2012
]]>If the person is granted a license to drive to work, they must pay hundreds of dollars to a vendor to have the device installed. For some people, their paychecks might only be a few hundred dollars. If someone is unable to install the device after their first DUI offense, they may be unable to drive.
]]> If a person isn't able to drive, even to work, because they can't afford the ignition-interlock device, they might lose their job, be unable to attend their child's sporting events, or drive to other things that the court would allow. This means only those who can afford to pay for the ignition interlock device will be able to continue going to work and their kid's sporting events.In the past, some laws would allow a judge to waive the fee for those who couldn't afford to take a mandatory class, but the new DUI law in Virginia doesn't allow for fees to be waived. If someone finds themselves in this situation, they may want to speak with a DUI defense attorney who can help fight for your rights.
Source: The Washington Post, "Is Va.'s ignition-interlock rule for first-time DUI offenders too tough?," Justin Jouvenal, April 8, 2012
]]>With a current campaign at the school against drunk driving, the public attention might severely damage the man's reputation. Sometimes people make mistakes, and their profession shouldn't cause them to have extra scrutiny. If he is convicted he could face still penalties with the courts and at work. Because of this, it is important to formulate a rigorous criminal defense.
]]> As a teacher, this Virginia man might be held to a higher standard in the public's eye for a DUI arrest, but he shouldn't receive unfair treatment with the courts because of his status. Police say the teacher blew a 0.19 on a Breathalyzer test.School officials are not responding to the incident, according to reports, but it is important that people remember that the criminal justice system works when people are presumed innocent until proved guilty. When someone is arrested for a DUI, they might be wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney that is experienced in drunk driving charges.
An attorney can help people decide what they must share with investigators and what they don't have to say. They can also make sure that all proper procedures and laws were followed during the arrest and investigation to ensure the accused person's rights weren't violated.
Source: WTVR, "Henrico teacher arrested, accused of DUI," Jon Burkett, April 11, 2012
]]>She is now facing charges of DUI and felony child neglect. According to reports the daughter was in a car seat and is now being taken care of by family members.
]]> This woman may need a rigorous criminal defense for these charges. Losing her child or requiring a visitation agreement might be a possible consequence if she is convicted. This would restrict her right as a mother to care for her own daughter.It's unclear from news reports whether the woman has a history of drunk driving, but if she doesn't it is possible the courts could have leniency. Taking someone's child away or restricting visitation can have serious consequences on a child's development.
If someone is convicted of a first-time DUI, it might be possible to negotiate a sentence that would allow them to seek help for their alcohol use in place of other punishments. Sentencing can be dependent on the person's individual legal situation. Speaking with a Newport News drunk driving defense attorney can help a person better understand their legal situation. They can also help inform the accused person of their legal rights throughout the investigation and make sure those rights are preserved.
Source: WTKR, "Newport News woman accused of driving drunk with 3-year-old in car," March 29, 2012
]]>The Virginia college student was charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter. The student was originally charged with driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a blood test, and felony manslaughter. All the original charges in the case have been set aside for now. This new charge is still especially serious, and will likely need a rigorous criminal defense.
]]> The police say the driver was accused of drunk driving and running a red light, hitting another vehicle. Because of the severity of the accusations against the student, it is important that all the evidence in the case is properly handled and was obtained legally.An experienced DUI defense attorney can help make sure the accused person's rights are not violated through the investigation and aren't violated in court proceedings. If a person's rights are violated during criminal proceedings, authorities may illegally obtain evidence which could then lead to a wrongful conviction.
When a person faces a long prison sentence it is important that all parts of the legal proceedings are handled properly. An attorney can help assess the evidence being used by the authorities and help build the accused person's case by bringing in witnesses and gathering their own evidence. In the case of a conviction, a defense attorney can help try to make sure the sentence is in line with the conviction or seek a reduced sentence.
Source: WTVR, "New charge for VCU student in alleged DUI accident," Jerrita Patterson, March 22, 2012
]]>One Virginia county stopped more than 1,500 drivers at a DUI checkpoint last weekend and five of them were arrested and are facing DUI charges. In all 109 people were either arrested or received summonses.
]]> Police also told people who tested over a blood alcohol content of .05 that they couldn't drive home. It's unclear whether those people were arrested or not. If they were arrested, they may be wise to seek the help of an experienced attorney.DUI charges in Virginia can lead to fines, loss of a license, and embarrassment. It's important that those arrested and charged with DUI understand their rights. While police are responsible for ensuring public safety, they also need to make sure the rights of those accused are preserved. However, sometimes police improperly handle evidence or situations that may lead to a wrongful conviction.
Because drunk driving charges can lead to problems with employment, school disciplinary measures and family problems, it is important that those who are accused are treated fairly. An attorney can help make sure all proper procedures were followed leading up to a person's arrest and ensure that their rights were not violated after an arrest.
Source: WVIR, "St. Patrick's Night Checkpoints Catch Drivers," March 18, 2012
]]>However, another thing they should keep in mind is that St. Patrick's Day is at least one holiday that extra law enforcement officials will be patrolling Virginia roadways hoping to arrest drivers who may be drunk driving. Since St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, police officers may be even more aggressive of their pursuit of drivers whom they believe have been drinking and driving.
]]> In fact, a Virginia State Police sergeant has sent out a warning to drivers in Virginia that the state police will be out in full force. Arresting and charging drunken drivers will be their main priority this coming weekend.So what should you do if you would like to have a good time but do not want to end up in jail on DUI charges? Certainly looking out for one another will be a good first step. Avoiding having too much to drink and deciding not to drive if you have will obviously lessen your chances of getting involved with the police.
However, if you are pulled over, do not think all is lost. Sometimes, police officers try to cut corners, especially during busy holiday days such as St. Patrick's Day. In such cases, they have been known to make significant mistakes by failing to follow proper procedures that can cost them their case.
If you end up in jail on DWI or similar charges, you will want to seek help to ensure that your rights are protected and that law enforcement officials follow all proper procedures.
Source: WDBJ7.com, "Alcohol-related crashes could soar on St. Patrick's Day," Joe Dashiell, March 15, 2012
]]>They are especially serious when someone is injured as a result of a crash. The woman was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and maiming. It is expected that the people injured in this situation will all make a recovery. These charges will need a rigorous criminal defense.
]]> While it is important to be sensitive in a case when someone is injured, especially children, it is equally important that the person accused has a chance at a fair trial. Because of the media coverage of this case, the woman involved may have a more difficult time having an unbiased trial.Having a solid criminal defense can help make sure that the person accused receives a fair trial and those involved in the investigation are following the laws and procedures that protect the rights of those standing trial. A defense can also help examine evidence to make sure it was acquired legally.
People accused of drunk driving in Virginia can receive tough penalties if they are convicted and a conviction may hurt the person's reputation and make it more difficult to get a job. This emphasizes the need to preserve the accused rights and ensure they have a fair trial.
Source: WAVY, "Woman accused of DUI crash denied bond," Jessica O Swink, March 6, 2012
]]>Restrictions for those convicted of drunk driving are about to get a little tougher. The Virginia Senate passed a bill that will make it mandatory for those convicted of a first-time drunk driving offense to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. The device will require those who have the devices to blow into it to test their blood alcohol content in order to start the car.
This will also increase the cost of a DUI conviction. Since penalties for a DUI conviction are increasing, it is important to formulate a tough defense.
]]>As it is now in Virginia, and ignition interlock device is only required for people who have two or more drunk driving convictions. This limits most of them from driving if their blood alcohol content is over .02.
DUI charges are serious and can affect a person's future and reputation. Even if the person is innocent it is likely that their name will end up in the local newspaper, and having an ignition interlock device could result in further embarrassment and isolation. This could potentially have an impact on career and family matters.
People who are pulled over for drunk driving should understand their rights. They may be wise to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney to make sure their rights are preserved. If police make mistakes in their handling of your case, the evidence they collect may not be admissible in court. It is also important that you are treated fairly and with respect from authorities.
Source: Patch, "Senate Requires Ignition Locks For DUI Offenders," Brian Hill, Feb. 26, 2012
]]>The fact that the charge was dropped is unique because Chittum actually pled "no contest" to the drunk driving charge when he appeared in court on February 8, 2012. He was also facing a civil citation for failing to take a breath or blood alcohol test, but prosecutors agreed to drop that in exchange for his plea.
]]> The judge presiding over his case chose to accept his plea but wasn't ready to administer punishment during the court appearance earlier this month. Instead she revoked his bond, leaving Chittum behind bars until she was ready to announce sentencing.In a surprise twist, though, after she reconvened the proceeding, the judge accepted a request from Chittum's defense counsel seeking that the DUI charge be reduced to reckless driving. Reckless driving is still a serious charge, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, but the law does not judge it as harshly as a conviction for even a first-time DWI/DUI.
Judge Vincent Lilley's rationale was that a drunk driving conviction would have barred Chittum from performing his trained profession of economic development in the public sector. He credits Chittim's time in jail - and the reports that he counseled fellow inmates and tried to encourage them to turn their lives around - for the decision.
In Judge Lilley's own words, "society is better off with [Chittum] being able to follow [his] training and get a job in economic development."
Source: The Roanoke Times, "No DUI conviction for former Roanoke County official," Katelyn Polantz, Feb. 17, 2012
]]>Stuckey was charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, underage DUI, and driving too fast for highway conditions. She admitted to police that she had had two beers at the party and that she had been driving too fast for the unfamiliar road. Her blood alcohol level three hours after the crash was .06, below the Virginia's legal limit of .08.
]]> One scientist from the Virginia Department of Forensic Science testified that Stuckey's blood alcohol content at the time of the crash could have been as high as .09. At the time of the crash, she was under 21, the legal age for alcohol consumption in Virginia. For underage DUI, the .08 threshold for drunk driving is lowered to .02.Now 22, Stuckey was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to five years in jail. The majority of the sentence was suspended and Stuckey will spend only six months in jail for causing the fatal car crash. She was also fined $2,250 for the crash and her driver's license was suspended for one year.
Some believe that she received too light of a sentence for the deadly crash and that the judge was too lenient in this case. Stuckey could have been sentenced to up to 13 years for the multiple charges she faced.
Source: The Virginia Gazette, "Her friend died, she got 6 months," Susan Robertson, January 31, 2012
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