Fairfax Criminal Defense Blog

Learn about new changes to Virginia criminal laws effective July 1, 2020.

In the face of the Coronavirus outbreak, strict stay-at-home orders have caused family tensions for many people to run high. It is not surprising that Fairfax Police report that during April 2020 alone, they experienced a 26 percent increase in domestic-related calls compared to the previous Apri...

Now that stay-at-home orders have lifted, people across northern Virginia are excited to celebrate Independence Day, but don't forget that it's important to exercise caution if you plan to drink alcohol during the holiday. More than likely, we'll see a rash of DUI arrests during the Fourth of J...

As you likely remember, back in April of this year Governor Ralph Northam signed Virginia HB 972 decriminalizing simple marijuana possession in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Now the Virginia decriminalization date is nearly upon us: effective July 1, simple possession of marijuana will no longe...

If you've ever received a DUI in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you're probably familiar with the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (usually referred to as ASAP). ASAP, which is required if you have been convicted of a DUI, is a series of classes and treatment programs that help people with...

As with all criminal charges, if you are convicted of reckless driving, you will need to disclose (if asked) the conviction in a background check, which means that potential, and sometimes current employers will become aware of it. This leaves many people wondering to what degree can it affect th...

Contrary to what some people think, a reckless driving charge in Virginia is not just an everyday “ticket,” but a serious criminal charge. Unfortunately, many of those who are charged with this crime are surprised to learn of the serious consequences they face after a first offense reckless dri...

After being charged with a DUI, most people want the situation to just be over with so they can move forward with their lives. Unfortunately, a DUI is a criminal offense, which means it will appear on your criminal record. In addition, it will be included on your driving record and show up on b...

A first offense DUI can be an incredibly scary and intimidating experience, but it is important to remember that although it may feel like it at the time, your entire life won't come to an end because of the charge. That said, knowing what to expect after your first DUI can go a long way toward...

When it comes to reckless driving, one of the most common questions I am asked is when speeding crosses the line and becomes a reckless driving charge. Virginia law is very specific about this, and recent bills passed in the House and the Senate may be helpful to drivers, allowing them to avoid...

If you have been charged with a DUI in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it can be overwhelming to learn about the harsh penalties the state imposes for this offense. Since a DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, if convicted you will incur a 12 month suspension of your driver's license, expensive fines, e...

If you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you can usually expect to be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. While the penalties for this charge are not ideal, and include up to a $2500 fine, up to 12 months in jail, and the loss of your driver's license for up to six months, a misdem...

While jail time, expensive fines, and a criminal record are some terrible repercussions after a DUI, for many people the worst part of a conviction is losing their driver's license. While fines can be paid and jail time isn't forever, a license suspension, even for a short period of time, can d...

There is nothing scarier that driving home after a dinner with friends or watching a big game at a sports bar and discovering that you are about to be stopped at a DUI checkpoint. Even if you have had little to drink, Virginia law does not require that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is ...

If you have been charged with a crime in Virginia, how you conduct yourself after the fact is essential to the outcome of your case. Unfortunately, many people facing Virginia criminal charges make serious mistakes that jeopardize their chances of successfully defending themselves in court and ...

Drug crimes are taken seriously in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Even if you are caught in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance with no intention of distributing it, you could find yourself facing serious consequences. Jail time, costly fines, and the suspension of your driver...

If you are facing a domestic assault charge, getting through it can be incredibly trying. Not only is it a criminal charge with harsh penalties, but it can be incredibly disruptive to your personal life, leaving you feeling embarrassed and alienated from your family and friends. If an order of ...

Whether you got in a heated argument with your spouse or had a physical altercation with a stranger at a local bar, you could find yourself unexpectedly facing an assault and battery charge. And if you're wondering how you may be penalized for assault and battery under Virginia law, you've like...

If you're like most people who drive in this high paced area, you've probably unfortunately received a speeding ticket at some point and responded by grumbling a bit, paying the fine, and moving on with your life. It is certainly true that some speeding tickets are not a big deal and may be bes...

If you get a speeding ticket or are charged with another minor traffic offense in Fairfax County, most of us choose to simply pay the fine and be done with it. Getting charged with reckless driving in Fairfax, however, is unfortunately another story. For one, reckless driving is a Class 1 misde...

Getting a DUI in Fairfax can be an incredibly frightening experience. Being pulled over, having to perform field sobriety tests under pressure, blowing into a breath test machine or even worse, having blood withdrawn from your arm, and spending the night in jail can all be overwhelming to say the...