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Virginia DUI / DWI Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: First Time DUI. No probation - Only VASAP. Paid for classes just haven't been able to attend due to transportation.

My Case manager signed me up for classes without speaking to me first. I called her and told her I couldn't make the classes she signed me up for and now I have a show cause. Will I go to Jail?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Feb 12, 2018

The lawyer who represented you on the DUI charge will have a better idea regarding the judge's position regarding violations and whether you have a defense.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: 11 years since my 2nd off dui, so I had not driven since. Is the ASAP/interlock penalty indefinite or is there an out.

Had been under impression that because I had no vehicle, not driving untilmy record was clean was punishment and at some point I would not be obligatedto submit to ASAP, etc. Is there a certain length of time Asap is no longer applicable.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Feb 12, 2018

You needed to complete the ASAP program or you would have been violated. If you have completed the program, you will require a letter from ASAP to take to the DMV. In all likelihood, DMV will advise you that you need to get the interlock installed and have 6 straight months of no positive breath... View More

3 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Inpatient Treatment/Rehab

If you are charged with a felony DUI and you successfully complete a 30 day inpatient rehab/treatment program before your court case will that help your defense?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Feb 6, 2018

It certainly won't hurt. It may give your attorney a good argument for your felony dui to be amended to a miss. dui.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: What does it mean to have an agreement to the stipulation of facts in a felony dui case

What does it mean to have an agreement to the stipulation of facts in a felony dui case

Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
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Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
answered on Feb 2, 2018

It means you are agreeing with all the facts of the government that are being used to prove the elements of the charge. However, you can still present your own evidence that may mitigate or help your defense.

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Felony DUI Virginia

I have been charged with a felony DUI even though I was not driving my vehicle. I have never been charged with a felony before. Is it possible that a plea bargain could be reached after indictment by the grand jury? Possibly to a misdemeanor considering I was not driving the car.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Jan 29, 2018

Your attorney would be in a better position to answer this question. A felony DUI usually indicates 2 prior DUI convictions. You only need to be in the driver's seat with the key in the ignition. "Drive" has been interpreted to mean "operate". It might be possible to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Virginia felony DUI preliminary heearing

I have a preliminary hearing today for a felony DUI. I was not driving my vehicle I was parked with the keys in the ignition at the top of my driveway. Giving my circumstance do you think the judge would find probable cause and certify the case to the Grand Jury? Also, do you know how long a... View More

Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
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Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
answered on Jan 26, 2018

In Virginia if the keys are in the ignition and you are in the driver’s seat the case law holds that you are “operating” the vehicle. Hopefully your attorney can reach a favorable agreement with the Commonwealth.

3 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: DUI 4th offense in 10 years Caroline County, VA

I have been charged with a felony DUI 4th offense in 10 years. I have no felonies on my record as my other DUI's are DUI 1st and two DUI 2nd offenses. I have a pre-liminary hearing this Friday if the officer does not show up for the hearing can the case be dismissed?

Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
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Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
answered on Jan 23, 2018

Most likely the case would be continued to give the Commonwealth an opportunity to get the officer to court.

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: DUI 4th offense in 10 years

I have been charged with a DUI 4th offense in 10 years. I have no felony charges on my record. My other DUI charges are DUI 1st and two DUI 2nd offenses. Can this charge still be considered a "wobbler" and be part of a plea bargain which may reduce this charge to a misdemeanor because of... View More

Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
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Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
answered on Jan 20, 2018

Any charge can potentially be reduced if you work out a plea agreement with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. However, some Commonwealth Attorneys have different policies when it relates to discretion on DUI charges. Talk to a local attorney who can advise you on possibilities and the defences.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: DRV AFTER ILLEGL CONSUME ALCOH

Do you know approximately how much time a person would have to serve for the following charges:

DRV AFTER ILLEGL CONSUME ALCOH

TWO BAILEE VIOL REL/PRETRIAL COND

ALTERING A URINE DRUG SCREEN SAMPLE

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Jan 15, 2018

There is not enough information to answer your question. For example, the first one sounds like a DUI. How much jail time, if any, would depend on your criminal record, if any, the BAC if any, etc. You should seriously consider hiring a local experienced criminal defense attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Can a felony DUI in Virginia be considered a wobbler.

Can a felony DUI in Virginia be a "wobbler" meaning can the prosecutor amend the charge to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal. If so, can this be done at or before the preliminary hearing or at some point in the felony case process. I live in Caroline County, VA.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Jan 10, 2018

The felony DUI could be amended to a misdemeanor as part of plea deal at the preliminary hearing but it depends on your criminal record (if any), the BAC reading, the facts surrounding the alleged offense, whether the prosecution can prove that there are at least 2 prior dui convictions, etc. You... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: How do I complain if I was treated cruelly and unusually in jail?

I am in the weekender program serving 10 weekends (20 days) for a second DUI conviction. I was "misplaced" in the detox room when I was supposed to be in the suicide watch cell, though I am not suicidal, and have no history of mental illness, or poor mental health. I was left in the... View More

Beau  Correll
Beau Correll
answered on Jan 7, 2018

You need to consult with an attorney that specializes in what are called "1983" actions. You should act soon, there are certain strict time limits that may apply.

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: If you get a dui in a state you don't live in do you have to stay in that state until your trial date or can you go home

my grandson got a first offence dui while visiting in Colorado. Can he come back home and await the trail?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Jan 3, 2018

He needs to check his release conditions with his lawyer. Since he has an out of state address, he likely had to sign a release form which likely states whether he can leave the state or not. If he has a condition that states he cannot leave, he can ask his lawyer to bring a motion to change that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Charged w/ 2nd DUI

A year ago I moved overseas. If I surrender my license do I have to complete ASAP before I can return overseas? Or can I complete it when I return to VA and want my license back?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Dec 31, 2017

You should speak to your DUI attorney. Generally, if you don’t complete ASAP within a certain time frame, they will send a notice of noncompliance to the Judge and a warrant for your arrest will be issued. It would likely be better to request a waiver in advance than a forgiveness after the fact.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: My son got a DWI with a .11 BAC at approximately 10:00 am. He had not had anything to drink since the night before.

Background: My son is 27 years old and has always been careful not to drink and drive and never considered that he could still show any level of alcohol usage the day after. He was pulled over because he changed lanes across a solid line. The officer said he smelled alcohol on his breath and did... View More

Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
answered on Dec 27, 2017

There is a possibility of a great many things happening at trial including jail time. Therefore, your son should hire a lawyer to represent him. The likelihood of success depends on several factors which a lawyer will need to explore with your son.

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Dui, restricted license. Will I have to install an interlock after my restriction is over?

I was convicted of my first dui in December of 2016, my license was suspended in march of 2017. I never had an ignition interlock installed, and my restricted license will end on March 15th. Will I have to install a device after that date? Or will I be free to reinstate my license without a device?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Dec 23, 2017

To drive on a restricted license, you need to have an interlock device. If you have a restricted license but have not driven, DMV will require that you imstall an interlock device for at least 6 months and have no positive readings in that time before they will consider reinstating your full... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Charged with DWI in 96 didn't go to court can I get a driver's license
Steve Miyares
Steve Miyares
answered on Dec 19, 2017

That depends on the status of your DUI case. The fact that you didn’t go to court mare made you a fugitive, and being a fugitive tolls the statute of limitations and could also have led to an additional charge of failure to appear. If a fugitive warrant was issued against you then it might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: I'm on a low dose of tramadol and it doesn't to impair my abilities, but I've heard Virginia has a no tolerance policy

i havent drove sinve ive been on it and its really frustrating so I was wondering I'd it illegal if I have it in my system even at a low dose.

Steve Miyares
Steve Miyares
answered on Dec 19, 2017

The issue would be whether or not you are impaired while driving. For alcohol and certain other drugs, Virginia has certain specific level in your body at which you are presumed to be impaired (for example, 0.08 or higher blood alcohol). However, a person can still be convicted of DUI with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: If a minor is taken into custody is the arresting officer required to read him his Miranda rights
Steve Miyares
Steve Miyares
answered on Dec 13, 2017

While most police officers will read a person their Miranda rights as soon as they are being arrested, this is not required. The Miranda warnings apply to situations where the person is in police custody and is being questioned by police. So the police are not required to give Miranda warnings... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: If I got into an accident after smoking marijuana, can I be charged with multiple offenses since pot isn't legal in this

state?

Wilfred Yeargan
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answered on Oct 19, 2017

Yes, you could be arrested for DWI, possession of marijuana and/or possession of paraphernalia depending on what was in the car at the accident scene. DWI is a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries potential jail time, loss of license, and significant probation restrictions. Possession of marijuana is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Virginia on
Q: Can my case get thrown out if the police officer didn't read me my Miranda rights?
Wilfred Yeargan
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answered on Sep 27, 2017

If the police officer failed to read you Miranda rights AND you were in custody and subject to interrogation (questioning) under circumstances where it is clear you were not free to leave, then any statements obtained as a result of the conversation may be suppressed as evidence. The prosecution... View More

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