With the tragic death of George Floyd and worldwide marches on his behalf, and in support of #BlackLivesMatter, countless Americans are asking “what can be done to prevent these senseless killings?” Inevitably, the issue of Qualified Immunity comes to mind. Qualified Immunity is a complex issue, which we intend to write about more in the coming […]

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Northern Virginia (or anywhere else), you’re probably wondering what you can do to improve your chances of getting a better outcome.  One thing we always recommend clients work on is “mitigation evidence.”  These are efforts that you take, as a person charged with a crime, that would […]

This week, the United States Supreme Court ruled that state court juries must vote unanimously to convict a defendant. This decision reversed the conviction of Evangelist Ramos in the state of Louisiana.  He was convicted 10-2 by a jury of killing a woman in New Orleans.  Two years after his conviction, Louisiana approved a constitutional […]

If you pulled over for drunk driving in Virginia, it’s likely that law enforcement will ask you to take Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs).  Before you find yourself in that situation, here’s some information that you need to know: What are Field Sobriety Tests? Law enforcement claim that Field Sobriety Tests “scientific” and “objective” tests that […]

Whether you’ve been to court before, taken a criminal justice class, or are a big fan of legal movies or crime dramas, at some point in your life, you have been introduced to the principle that all are presumed innocent of a crime until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The same principle applies in […]

Just because you were charged with a Virginia DUI does not mean you are guilty. While every case will depend on its particular facts, it’s important to discuss your case with an attorney. Virginia DUI cases are very technical, and there are certain facts a prosecutor must prove for you to be convicted. James Abrenio […]

If you’re facing a Virginia DUI charge, at some point you will have to decide – do I go to trial or do I take a plea? In most Virginia DUI cases, the prosecutor will offer to resolve your case without trial. This is a plea offer. As you might expect, a plea offer involves […]

If you’ve been charged with a Virginia DUI, you need to know about “enhanced penalties.” First, check out Virginia Code Section 18.2-270. Then keep reading here. How enhanced penalties will apply in my Virginia DUI Case? Enhanced penalties may apply when there are “aggravating factors” in your Virginia DUI. Aggravating factors include: An elevated blood […]

At Abrenio Law, the first question we usually get about Virginia DUI charges is, “James what will I get? Can I really get a year in jail for my first conviction?” The purpose of this post is to add some clarity to this important question. Will I have to serve a year in jail for […]