Roanoke Virginia Criminal Defense Law Blog

Man accused of DUI following Virginia crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Many people in the United States spend a great deal of time behind the wheel of a vehicle, making it easy to forget the power of the vehicle they are driving. In fact, something as simple as momentarily crossing a dividing line could ultimately have devastating consequences. Even though it is easy for a motor vehicle accident to occur -- and happen so quickly that a driver does not have time to respond -- police in Virginia have charged a driver with DUI following a recent crash that resulted in a fatality.

The incident happened during the evening hours of a day in late March. According to reports, a 35-year-old male was driving a sports utility vehicle south. Police believe that his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic where the SUV struck a motorcyclist.

DUI suspected following Virginia police pursuit

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

When people find themselves in a stressful situation -- such as facing a confrontation with police officers -- they often react in unforeseen ways. Unfortunately, such a reaction can create additional complications for them. In fact, a man was recently arrested in Virginia after police say that he led them on a chase; he was reportedly arrested for DUI.

The incident happened around 7 p.m. on a day in March. Despite reports in the media regarding the incident, there are many details that are unclear. For example, police say that they attempted to stop the man but reports did not explain why they initiated the stop.

Refusing to take a breath test following DUI arrest in Virginia

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, March 16, 2020.

When drivers are pulled over in Virginia, they often have questions about their rights when interacting with police officers. In fact, many people suspected of DUI often wonder about the legal requirements regarding the administration of certain tests. Fortunately, the experienced law firm of Robert F. Rider, PLC can help.

It is first important to distinguish between a breath test done in the field using a handheld unit, known as a preliminary breath test, and one conducted at a police station. The preliminary test is a rough readout of a person's blood alcohol content; law enforcement officer's often use it to establish probable cause. There is no penalty for refusing the preliminary breath test.

Man accused of drunk driving following fatal Virginia crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, March 9, 2020.

Motor vehicle accidents can happen at any time of the day or night and for a variety of different reasons. Despite this, law enforcement officers in Virginia and across the country may be quick to make assumptions about the cause of accidents that happen at a certain time of day. For example, they may automatically suspect that drunk driving is a factor in accidents that happen during the early morning hours.

In fact, a man was recently arrested for his alleged role in an accident that reportedly resulted in the death of a tractor-trailer driver. The incident is said to have occurred during the early morning hours of a day in late February. According to reports, a 37-year-old driver was headed south on a Virginia interstate when his vehicle veered over the median into oncoming traffic.

Photo enforcement of traffic laws could catch you off-guard

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

There are plenty of things that you can't do behind the wheel without being at risk of violating a law. One of those things is completing a rolling stop.

Rolling stops are pretty common around the U.S. They happen when a driver pulls up to a stop sign and slows down, but they don't fully stop. Failing to stop at a stop sign can lead to a traffic violation and ticket.

Virginia man accused of DUI after rear-end crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, March 2, 2020.

When a person is not feeling well, the natural thing for him or her to do is to go to the store and purchase over-the-counter medication to help treat the symptoms. Unfortunately, one Virginia man claims that such a trip occurred shortly before he was accused of causing an accident that sent two people to the hospital. He now faces DUI charges as a result.

The incident reportedly happened on a day in February. According to reports, a vehicle was stopped at a stoplight. A couple in the vehicle claimed that another vehicle, reportedly driven by the 72-year-old man now under arrest, struck them from behind while traveling at 60 mph. Police say they were attempting to stop the vehicle when the accident happened.

Police say drunk driving factor in Virginia crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

When driving on Virginia roadways, it is easy for drivers to take their safety for granted. However, the simple fact is that on many roadways, the only thing protecting drivers from crashing into one another is a strip of paint on the center of the road. Most drivers have likely experienced a moment in which they have allowed their vehicles to cross that line, typically with mild consequences. However, one woman now faces criminal charges, including claims of drunk driving, following a collision in which she was allegedly involved that resulted in the loss of life.

The incident took place in Aug. 2019. According to reports, a 34-year-old woman was driving a van on a Virginia roadway when the vehicle crossed the centerline. Unfortunately, the van reportedly struck a pickup truck, driven by an 83-year-old man, head-on.

DUI suspected in fatal Virginia crash

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Monday, February 17, 2020.

Anyone who has spent time behind the wheel of a vehicle likely knows how easy it is to miss a traffic sign or signal, even for drivers who are typically committed to driving safely. Unfortunately, a single missed red light can have serious consequences. In fact, police claim that a missed red light was the cause of a fatal car accident in Virginia. One driver was arrested for DUI as a result.

According to reports, police were called to the scene of a traffic accident involving two vehicles just before 9 p.m. on a day in mid-February. Police say that a 26-year-old driver, a woman, failed to stop at a traffic light at an intersection. They believe that her vehicle then struck a sports utility vehicle, causing the latter to flip onto its side.

DUI charge for off-duty Virginia deputy

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC posted in dui defense on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

Law enforcement officers across the United States are often looked upon with a great deal of scrutiny from the communities that they serve. As such, if a sheriff's deputy, for example, is accused or suspected of a crime, regardless of the evidence that may support those suspicions, there may be an eagerness to prove that action is being taken. In fact, an off-duty sheriff's deputy in Virginia was recently charged with DUI.

The incident that led to the 55-year-old woman's arrest reportedly happened around noon on a day in January. According to reports, the driver of a truck was driving in an erratic manner. Police say that they discovered the woman when they responded.

What to do if you face peer pressure to drink

On behalf of Robert F. Rider, PLC on Monday, February 3, 2020.

Regardless of your age, there may come a point when you feel peer pressure to drink alcohol. For example, if you're in college, your friends may pressure you to go out on the weekend and consume as a means of having a good time. Or if you're an adult, your coworkers may pressure you to take in happy hour with them.

While peer pressure will always exist, there are steps you can take to turn down these advances. Here are some things you can try:

Offer to be the designated driver: Not only does it get you off the hook, but it's also the safe thing to do. Add to this the fact that your friends will be happy to take you up on the offer, and you have a strategy that's sure to help ease the tension.
Explain why drinking alcohol right now isn't possible: For example, you can simply explain that you don't want to drink and drive. Or maybe you have a big test tomorrow and you need to be on your game. Regardless of the reason, have one you can lean on.
Remove yourself: There are times when no matter what you say, your peers will continue to pressure you. It's best to remove yourself from the situation entirely, as this eliminates the potential for additional conversation about the matter. It may sound harsh, but you need to do what's best for you.