Posts Tagged ‘FIRST OFFENSE’
CHARGES REDUCED / DISMISSED: Misdemeanor DUI / DWI and Reckless Driving in Northern Virginia
2011
NORTHERN VIRGINIA: Client was charged with a serious Drunk Driving violation (VA Code 18.2-266 – a class 1 misdemeanor offense) with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .18. Under VA law, he was facing a mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail for having a BAC above .15. He was also charged with Reckless Driving (VA Code 46.2-852 – also a class 1 misdemeanor offense) for speeding 30 miles over the speed limit. The evidence in this case overwhelmingly favored the government.
Client was facing up to 2 years in jail with a maximum fine of $5,000.
RESULT: Reckless Driving charge DISMISSED. DUI with a .18 charge REDUCED to a DUI with a lower BAC level of .14. Client received a penalty of a $300 fine and only two and a half days to serve in jail, with the standard license suspension for DUI offenses.
Read more about DUI law here: DUI / DWI LAWS IN VIRGINIA | A criminal defense lawyer’s explanation of drunk driving arrests, 18.2-266 charges, and refusal to take a breath test
Read more about reckless driving and criminal traffic violations here: What is Reckless Driving in Virginia? | A Defense Lawyer’s explanation of VA Law 46.2-852 and 46.2-862
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