Virginia, including Virginia Beach, enforces an open container law among its drivers. This law prohibits public and vehicular consumption of alcohol. This means that having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle's driver or passenger seat areas is illegal....
DWI
Higher BAC levels lead to harsher first-offense DWI penalties
Being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Virginia is by no means a good thing. Even for your first offense, you’ll face fines and jail time if you’re convicted in court, not to mention the loss of your driving privileges. Could it get any worse? The...
Can declaring bankruptcy get rid of debts related to DUI charges?
If you get charged for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Virginia, you can expect to pay a fine between $250 and a hefty $2,500. On top of the fines, you may be asked to pay for any damages and injuries you cause if your intoxication leads to a motor...
How does a DUI compare with a DWI?
Getting arrested for unsafe driving in Virginia could warrant a DUI or DWI charge. Although many people interchangeably use these two terms, there are differences. This is how a DUI compares with a DWI. Understanding DUI versus DWI Although similar, driving under the...
What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test in Virginia?
One of the most common questions relating to driver's rights involves Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Specifically, drivers question what penalties await them if they choose not to take a breathalyzer test. What types of breathalyzer tests do cops give? When you are...