Roanoke Virginia Criminal Defense Law Blog

Man charged with DUI after Virginia Dunkin Donuts crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Sunday, January 26, 2020.

When a person is driving in an unfamiliar area, it is understandable that he or she might become disoriented and confused. In fact, such confusion could ultimately lead to a car accident. Despite this, a Virginia man is now accused of driving under the influence, or DUI, after he was allegedly involved in a car accident involving a restaurant.

Reports indicate that the man was visiting the area in which the accident happened. According to police officers, he was leaving an apartment complex when his vehicle struck a Dunkin' Donuts on the other side of the street. His vehicle reportedly became wedged between two pillars.

Charges related to Virginia drunk driving crash dismissed

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, January 20, 2020.

When an unexpected death occurs, there is an understandable desire for answers and justice, if appropriate. However, when law enforcement officers believe a crime has been committed, a person suspected of committing that crime has certain rights that must be upheld. In fact, charges against a driver in Virginia stemming from an alleged drunk driving case have recently been dismissed due to what some reports describe as police officer missteps.

The case involves an accident that happened in Feb. 2019. According to reports, a 66-year-old man attempted a left turn into the path of a vehicle driven by a 78-year-old man, causing both vehicles to strike a guardrail. Though the accident appeared minor at the time -- reports indicate that both vehicles were traveling at 20 mph -- the older man began suffering headaches soon after and ultimately passed away days after the accident, reportedly due to subdural hematoma.

DUI suspected in fatal Virginia car accident

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, January 13, 2020.

When a car accident results in serious injuries, the desire to hold someone criminally responsible is understandable. However, the fact is that car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a driver miscalculation, which is not necessarily criminal behavior. Despite this, law enforcement officials in Virginia believe that a recent fatal accident was the result of driving under the influence, or DUI.

The incident happened one morning on a day in December. According to reports, a vehicle operated by a 22-year-old and occupied by his mother, sister and grandparents was stopped at a red light. Unfortunately, police say that a vehicle driven by a 56-year-old man struck the rear of the vehicle.

Responding to accusations of traffic violations in Virginia

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in traffic violations on Thursday, January 9, 2020.

Nearly every driver has felt a moment of panic when they looked into their rear view mirror and saw the flashing lights of a law enforcement officer. Often, when someone is facing claims of traffic violations, they automatically accept the accusations against them and pay a fine. However, the law office of Robert F. Rider, PLC can help drivers respond to such claims.

Following convictions of a traffic violation, drivers in Virginia are assigned demerit points. For less serious violations, drivers typically receive three demerit points but can receive six for more serious offenses such as reckless driving or DUI. Drivers who receive more than 24 points in two years or 18 in one year face a suspension of driving privileges in addition to being required to attend a driver improvement clinic.

Mistakes are often made during field sobriety tests

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC on Monday, January 6, 2020.

If you're pulled over for suspicion of DUI, the officer may eventually decide to put you through a variety of field sobriety tests. While you assume that the officer knows what they are doing, don't be so sure of it.

It's common for police officers to make mistakes when conducting a field sobriety test, which can lead to inaccurate results.

Drunk driving suspected in fatal Virginia car crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.

The criminal justice system can be complicated. Unfortunately, people are often left facing choices that they feel unprepared to make. In fact, a man in Virginia may be considering the legal options available to him after law enforcement officers accused him of being involved in a single-vehicle drunk driving accident that resulted in a fatality.

The incident happened during the early morning hours of a day in mid-November. According to reports, a 31-year-old man was headed east on a Virginia road when his vehicle left the roadway. Unfortunately, the vehicle is said to have gone airborne and then struck a utility pole and residential fence. Unfortunately, both occupants, including the driver and a 31-year-old female passenger, were ejected from the vehicle.

Virginia driver charged with DUI in rollover accident

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

Most drivers likely know of the panic experienced when their vehicle runs off the road due to a single moment of inattention or misjudging a curve, even if it is only one tire. Instinct often kicks in, prompting drivers to take action without thought. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in an overcorrection and, ultimately, cause an accident. In fact, a man in Virginia now faces DUI allegations after an accident that apparently resulted in a similar incident.

Reports indicate that the accident in question happened just after 10 p.m. on a day in early December. The 38-year-old driver was reportedly driving a pickup truck when the vehicle ran off the left side of the road while the driver was maneuvering a curve. The truck is said to have crossed over to the right side of the road where it rolled and struck a tree.

Virginia man accused of DUI after construction accident

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

Driving at night can be disorienting in the best of conditions. However, the lights associated with a construction site can make it even more difficult for drivers. Despite this, a man in Virginia is now facing a DUI charge after he allegedly drove into workers at a construction site.

The incident that led to the man's arrest happened during the early morning hours of a day in early December. According to reports, the man was driving a sports utility vehicle containing two passengers. Officials claim that his vehicle struck a crew of six construction workers.

Things you should never say at a DUI checkpoint

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

The simple thought of driving into a DUI checkpoint will give you the chills. So, if you find yourself in this position, don't be surprised if your palms sweat and your stomach does a little lurch.

Fortunately, if you know what to expect at a DUI checkpoint and how to react, you put yourself in position to avoid trouble, even if you've had a drink or two.

Drunk driving suspected in Virginia beltway crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, December 2, 2019.

Anyone who has driven on the beltway in Virginia likely knows that it can be an intimidating and confusing undertaking, even for those who have experience doing so. As a result, it is understandable that someone driving during the early morning hours could become disoriented. Despite this, police believe that drunk driving was a factor when a driver headed the wrong way on the interstate.

Police say that the incident happened during the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day. Reports indicate that shortly after police received a call about a vehicle being driven in the wrong direction on I-495, there was a head-on collision between the alleged wrong-way vehicle and a sports utility vehicle. Debris from initial collision reportedly struck two other vehicles.