| Read Time: 4 minutes | Restricted License

How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Stay on Your Record in VA?

Getting a traffic ticket is frustrating and annoying, especially when you know the officer made a mistake. But many people think that contesting a ticket is a waste of time, so they pay for tickets even when they know they didn’t do anything wrong. However, most people don’t realize that a traffic ticket or violation stays on your record...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | DUI

Is Possession of Xanax a Felony in Virginia?

Xanax is the name of a drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family. Benzos, as this class of drugs is often known, are powerful depressants. In addition to Xanax, other drugs in the benzodiazepine group include Valium, Ativan, Restoril, and Klonopin. Doctors prescribe these drugs to treat seizures. However, doctors also prescribe these medications to patients suffering from severe sleeplessness...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | DUI

How Long Does a DUI Arraignment Take?

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Virginia, you should know what to expect when you go to court for your DUI arraignment. Your choices at arraignment shape how your case proceeds through the court system. Familiarizing yourself with the DUI arraignment process before you go to court will help you make the best decisions for yourself and your...

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| Read Time: 4 minutes | DUI

Can A First-Time DUI Be Dismissed?

Facing a DUI charge can be daunting, especially if you have no criminal record. You probably realize that keeping your record clean is important. So you might wonder if Virginia has any first DUI laws on the books that might give you a break because you don’t have a record.  When people ask us about what can happen with...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Chemical Tests

Breath and Blood Testing for DUI Evidence

When Is a Breath or Blood Test Required? When a driver is suspected of DUI, it is standard for law enforcement to have breath or blood tests administered. When the law enforcement officer first pulled you over, they may have subjected you to a preliminary breath test. A handheld device is used to conduct such tests, and these handheld...

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| Read Time: 3 minutes | DUI

Refusing a DUI Test

What Happens If You Refuse the Chemical Test? A standard set of actions take place in all DUI charges in Virginia. The process begins with the initial police stop. A law enforcement officer will claim to have observed some type of driving behavior that could indicate alcohol or drug intoxication, such as speeding, weaving, wrong-way driving, or the police...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | DUI

Can I Still Drive to Work or School With a Suspended License?

Yes, You Can! Here’s What You Need to Know In Virginia, if you meet the criteria, you may have the ability to get a restricted license after being convicted of a first or second DUI offense. If there has been an accident or injury, the legal situation may be more complex to resolve. The first action you should take...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | DUI

How Many Points Will Be Added To My Driving Record for DUI?

A DUI conviction will put 6 demerit points on your license Six-point demerit violations are the most serious. A conviction will remain on DMV record for years – 11 years for DWI and 11 years for driving under the influence (DUI). To reinstate your driving privileges will require certain actions to be taken for you, based upon the circumstances...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | DUI

Will I Lose My License for a DUI in Virginia?

Your license will be suspended, but you may apply for a restricted one instead. All DUI convictions include license suspension if you plead guilty or are convicted of the offense in court. For a first-time misdemeanor DUI conviction, your driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year. There is the ability to require a restricted license based upon the...

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