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 […]
Continue reading…You were injured by a Drunk Driver in your Virginia Car Accident Case? (A discussion of Punitive Damages).
If you were injured by a Virginia drunk driver, you might have Punitive Damages claim. Different from medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, punitive damages send a statement that drunk driving will not be tolerated. Not every Virginia car accident case involving a drunk driver is eligible for punitive damages. In fact, in our […]
Continue reading…How does the prosecutor prove you were drunk in your Virginia DUI case?
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 […]
Continue reading…Do I have a chance to win my Virginia DUI trial? (Possible defenses to your case).
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 […]
Continue reading…Should I go to trial for my Virginia DUI?
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 […]
Continue reading…Enhanced Penalties for Some Virginia DUI Charges.
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 […]
Continue reading…What will I get for my First DUI conviction in Virginia?!
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 […]
Continue reading…Virginia’s 4th Circuit reverses dismissal of law enforcement shooting of a suspect’s dog.
Recently, the 4th Circuit of Virginia reversed the dismissal of a suit based upon the shooting of a Plaintiff’s dog during a police investigation. As written about in the Fairfax County Times, Augusta County Law Enforcement was called to investigate a domestic assault. The dog , Jax, was placed on a zip leash and had […]
Continue reading…Learn about Larceny Charges in Virginia.
A larceny conviction will have long-lasting consequences on your life. Because theft deals with “lying, cheating, or stealing,” it constitutes a “crime of moral turpitude,” which potential educators, employers, and the law do not take lightly. If you’ve been charged, you need to learn how Virginia treats larceny charges. What’s the difference between Petit Larceny […]
Continue reading…Learn about Virginia Hit & Run Laws.
In Virginia, Hit & Run charges are very serious. The Virginia Code divides Hit & Run charges into two different scenarios: you struck attended property (someone was in the car) and unattended property. You struck an occupied vehicle. (Someone was in the car). Read Virginia Code Section 46.2-894, which provided: The driver of any vehicle […]
Continue reading…