Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Does a Speeding Ticket Become Reckless Driving in Virginia?
When a person receives a speeding ticket in Virginia, the typical punishment usually involves a fine and several driver’s license points. In certain cases, however, speeding in Virginia can result in a criminal charge for reckless driving. At that level, the offender can face steep criminal fines and even prison time. In the most… Read More »
Fatal Drug Overdoses Increasing Across USA & Virginia
The number of fatal drug overdoses increased almost 10 percent across the United States in recent years, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, opioids seem to be a driving factor behind the increase of fatal overdoses. Across the United States, opioids caused approximately… Read More »
SHARE RIDE LIABILITY-Help! I Crashed My RENTAL Car- Now What?
By J. Caleb Jones, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. Car-Share services allow users to take advantage of vehicles on a short-term rental basis. Companies like Zipcar, Car2Go, Hertz on Demand, uHaul, and Enterprise CarShare allow users to rent vehicles on per-hour and even per-mile basis. This can be extremely convenient. For example, Zipcar advertises… Read More »
Virginia’s Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drivers
A person must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Accordingly, Virginia has a zero tolerance law for any person under the age of 21 who drives under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. The terms of the zero tolerance law are much more stringent than… Read More »
Reinstating a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License in Virginia
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is unlawful to engage in dangerous driving behavior, such as distracted driving or other traffic violations. If a person violates these requirements, they may face a period of driver’s license suspension or revocation. Once a person loses their driving privileges, they must complete all license reinstatement requirements before… Read More »
Virginia Reckless Driver Kills 4 & Injures 7 in Church Van Crash
A Norfolk truck driver faces criminal charges for reckless driving in Virginia after smashing into a church van and causing four deaths and seven injuries, according to an article by WAVY. This auto accident occurred on May 28th at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Route 460 in Dinwiddie County. According to statements from the Virginia… Read More »
How Does Virginia Classify Illegal Drugs & Other Substances?
It is a crime in Virginia to possess or distribute illegal drugs or similar substances. All of these compounds are legally referred to as controlled substances. In Virginia, state law requires the Board of Pharmacy (the Board) to classify controlled substances in different categories, referred to legally as schedules. These schedules exist to control… Read More »
Driving a Commercial Vehicle While Intoxicated in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs on public roadways. These DUI laws apply equally to personal and commercial vehicles. When a truck driver violates these requirements, commercial DUI is punishable separately under Virginia law. Upon conviction, the commercial driver can face criminal fines… Read More »
What Qualifies as Distracted Driving in Virginia?
Distracted driving is the source of many automotive accidents across the Commonwealth of Virginia every year. Despite the inherent dangers, many drivers continue to send messages and check status updates while driving a vehicle. That is why Virginia instituted laws against and penalties for distracted driving. When a person uses their cell phone while… Read More »
Dissecting 5 Common Varieties of Reckless Driving in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a vested interest in preserving safe highways and other roadways. When a person operates a motor vehicle in such a way that endangers other people or property, it is considered reckless driving. Under Virginia law, reckless driving is punishable as misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. To understand… Read More »