The Parrish Law Firm Blog

Alcohol A Factor In Single Vehicle Crash In Isle of Wight County, VA

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A woman who suffered serious injuries after her vehicle ran off the road and crashed into a tree in Isle of Wight County Monday was found to have alcohol in her system, reports WAVY.com.

Christina Stallings, 49, of Yorktown, drove off the right side of Route 258 around 9 p.m. and collided head-on with a tree. There were no passengers in the vehicle.

Stallings was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital by the aircraft Nightingale.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya of Virginia State Police reported that Stallings had her seat belt on and that alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Charges are pending.

If you have been charged with drunk driving in Virginia, you need the expert drunk driving defense lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm to protect your driving rights. Call us now at 703-906-4229, or email us for a free case consultation.

Is New Virginia DWI Blood-Alcohol Testing Device Unfair to the Poor?

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The new Virginia drunk driving ignition lock law that goes into effect on July 1^st requires all DUI (Driving Under the Influence) first time offenders to install an ignition lock system in their vehicle before they can receive a restricted license to drive for the year after their conviction.

To see our original report on the new law, click here.

However, some public defenders believe that the law unfairly puts those who can’t afford the expensive ignition lock systems at a disadvantage, reports NBC29.com.

The new interlock system alcohol test takes around 8 seconds, and if the driver blows above .02, the vehicle will not start up. If the driver passes the test and gets on the road, the system continues to test them between 15 and 45-minute increments, giving them a 6 minute warning that they need to find a safe place to pull over and retest.

A Centers for Disease Control task force reports that while the ignition lock system may seem strict, it is effective, finding that its use can reduce the rate of re-arrests by 67%.

But a public defender in Charlottesville-Albemarle, Jim Hingeley, is worried that the new law “falls unequally on the two groups of people – some can afford it, some can’t.”

Hingeley says that the new law unfairly burdens the poor, who cannot afford the expensive ignition lock systems which can come with a cost of $80 a month which includes fees to track data, download the data and send the data to court.

If those convicted of DUI’s can’t afford the ignition lock systems, it means that they can’t obtain a restricted license, preventing them from driving to their places of work, school, and alcohol treatment programs ordered by the court.

Hingeley worries that "people who can't get an ignition interlock because they can't afford it may become a burden to the community in other ways."

We will keep you updated at July 1^st approaches.

If you have been charged with DUI / DWI in Northern Virginia, you need the experienced drunk driving defense lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm to protect your right to drive. Contact us now for a free case consultation, or call us today at 703-906-4229.

Driver Charged With Reckless Driving After Crash In Albemarle County, VA

Sun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A driver involved in a crash that left The Economist’s Washington bureau chief, Peter David, dead on Thursday, May 10^th, in Albemarle County, VA, has been charged with reckless driving, reports Politico.

David was 60*.

To see The Parrish Law Firm’s original report on the accident, click here.

A 28-year veteran of the London based magazine, David had been a foreign editor and a British political editor before taking on the role of the Washington bureau’s chief in 2009.

David was the author of the Lexington column, often writing on United States business and politics.

The accident, which occurred Thursday evening, injured two others in David’s vehicle, including his wife, Celia.

The driver of the other vehicle has been charged with reckless driving.

If you have been charged with reckless driving in Northern Virginia, you need the reckless driving expert lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm to give you the defense that you deserve. To fill out your free case consultation form, click here, or call us now at 703-906-4229.

*This is a correction from our orignial report that states Peter David's age as 70.

Albemarle County, VA Man Charged With DUI, In Serious Condition

Sun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Albemarle County man has been charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) after his 1997 Ford Aspire swerved and hit a tree while traveling East on Plank Road early Friday morning, reports Newsplex.com.

Wesley Evans, 34, of Schuyler was the only person involved in the crash, and was charged with DUI after police determined that alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Evans was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle, requiring the Jaws of Life to cut him out. He was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center to be treated for serious injuries.

Evans is expected to survive.

If you or a family member has been charged with DUI or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Northern Virginia, you need the criminal defense attorneys at The Parrish Law Firm on your side to protect you from these serious charges. Email us now for a free case consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

Four Drivers Wrongly Convicted of Drunk Driving in D.C. Awarded $20,000

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Four drivers who challenged their drunk driving convictions in D.C. have won a total of $20,000 from the state, plus lawyers’ fees, after it was found that the breath test results used in their convictions were undependable and imprecise, reports The Washington Post.

There are sixteen other similar claims pending in D.C. Superior Court and federal court after it has been widely realized that errors have made the old drunk driving testing system in D.C. almost obsolete.

The Office of the Attorney General and D.C. police are working to implement a more dependable and accurate breath-testing program to the area.

Prosecutors and police now rely heavily on urinalysis, which is time consuming and expensive, coupled with roadside observations as use for evidence in court.

D.C.’s wrongly calibrated breath-testing systems have played a part in 400 convictions dating back to 2008, and some have chosen to challenge their convictions.

The four drivers who accepted D.C.’s payment were convicted of DWI based on inaccurate machine readings.

The District remains “hopeful” that accurate and reliable breath-testing machines could be in use on the streets by the fall. D.C.’s planned improvements to the breath-testing machines would bring them on par with the systems in Virginia, Maryland and other states that give responsibility to their forensic science units.

If you have been charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia, you need to contact the drunk driving lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of by the state. Contact us today for a free case consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

DWI Fines in Chesterfield County Could Spread To Northern Virginia

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Those convicted of drunk driving (DWI) in Chesterfield County are getting hit with double fines after conviction in traffic court, reports Virginia Lawyers Weekly, and these fines are likely to spread to Northern Virginia soon.

Chesterfield County has been taking offenders into civil court after drunken driving, reckless driving, driving suspended or revoked, or leaving the scene of an accident convictions and asking to be paid back for the cost of an officer stopping them and giving them a ticket.

The fixed “cost” is usually $350, but can reach up to $400 if the case is filed in court.

The state law, in existence since 1994 and amended since then, allows counties and localities to demand reimbursements for ‘reasonable expenses,’ and was originally set up to recover costs of accidents caused by traffic offenses.

Now, however, after lawyers convinced local judges that the attorney general’s interpretation of the law was too narrow, convicted citizens with large court fines find themselves billed again even if they weren’t involved in an accident.

The state statute allows a fee of $350 for ‘reasonable expenses,’ and anything over that must be proved by a step-by-step recording of actual costs incurred, with a maximum $1,000 cap.

Don’t be surprised if these extra fines start moving their way to Northern Virginia, as counties and localities are always looking for extra sources of revenue. Driver, beware.

If you have been charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving While Under the Influence) in Virginia, please contact the expert drunk driving lawyers of The Parrish Law Firm today for a free consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

AAA Study Finds Correlation Between Fatal Accidents and Teen Passengers

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new American Automobile Association (AAA) study has found a correlation between the number of teen passengers in a vehicle, and the risk of teen drivers being killed in car accidents, reports ABC13.

The study found evidence that as the number of teen passengers in a vehicle operated by a 16 or 17-year-old without an adult in the car increases, so does the risk of that vehicle being involved in a fatal accident.

AAA has found that with each additional passenger under the age of 21 in a vehicle driven by a 16 or 17-year-old, the chances of a fatal accident goes up. With one passenger under 21, the chance of a fatal accident increases by 44%, and with two passengers under 21, the risk more than doubles.

Fortunately, the study also found that with the presence of at least one passenger over the age of 35 in a vehicle driven by a 16 or 17-year-old, the chance of being involved in a fatal accident decreases by 62%.

Experts report that the solution begins at home, where parents can sit down with their children and talk about the rules of the road and the inherent dangers of driving a motor vehicle.

If you or a young family member has been charged with reckless driving, contact the expert reckless driving defense lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm for a free case consultation, or call us today at 703-906-4229.

2011 DUI Arrests Up In Fairfax, Fauquier, and Prince William Counties

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The newly released 2011 Virginia Crime Analysis Report shows increases in D riving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests in Fairfax, Fauquier, and Prince William Counties compared to 2010 numbers.

In 2010, there were 3,062 adult DUI arrests and 21 juvenile DUI arrests in Fairfax County, and those numbers jumped to 3,227 adult arrests, and 29 juvenile arrests in 2011, increases of 5.2% and 28% respectively. Further, the number of adult DUI arrests in Fairfax County has jumped 33% since 2009.

In Fauquier County, there were 395 adult DUI arrests in 2010, and that number increased to 423 in 2011, an increase of 7%.

Prince William County had the largest increases this year however, with 1,916 adult DUI arrests and 10 juvenile arrests in 2010 versus 2,149 adult arrests and 14 juvenile arrests in 2011, jumps of 11% and 29% respectively. The 2011 numbers for adult DUI arrests in Prince William County have jumped 32% from 2009 numbers.

However, Warren County and Loudoun County DUI arrest numbers experienced decreases in 2011. Warren County adult DUI arrests are down to 160 from 221 in 2010, and Loudoun County adult DUI arrests are down to 719 from 808 in 2010.

For access to the complete 2011 Virginia Crime Analysis Report, as well as past reports dating back to 1999, click here.

With the new, tougher DUI laws that will be enforced this summer, the future 2012 DUI arrest numbers should be a good indication of the effectiveness of these measures. We will just have to wait and see.

The DUI and DWI criminal defense lawyers of The Parrish Law Firm are prepared to fight for you if you are facing a difficult drunk driving charge. We understand that a momentary lapse of judgment can have potentially serious consequences, and are prepared to take on your case today. Please call us at 703-906-4229, or email us today for a free case consultation.

Sources:
2011 Virginia Crime Analysis Report
2010 Virginia Crime Analysis Report
2009 Virginia Crime Analysis Report

Lynchburg Ambulance Driver Charged With Reckless Driving After Crash

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An ambulance driver has been charged with reckless driving after his ambulance failed to stop at a red light and collided with a pickup truck, killing one in Lynchburg, reports Newsadvance.com.

Justin Kidd, 25, of Rustburg, ran a red light on Thursday, May 3rd at the intersection of Campbell and Florida avenues, and collided with a pickup truck driven by Dean Anders, 69, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Police representative reported that the ambulance was transporting a patient to Lynchburg General Hospital when the accident occurred.

None of the survivors are facing life-threatening injuries.

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you need the experience and expertise of the criminal defense lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm on your side. Contact us now for a free consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

Virginia Teen Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Driving

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A 17-year-old girl from Wirtz, VA has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving after a crash on January 23^rd left her Franklin County High School classmate dead, and two others seriously injured, reports The Roanoke Times.

The girl’s name has not been released due to her age, but earlier police records name Marina Snyder, 17, of Wirtz, as the driver of a Mercury Cougar, and her passengers as deceased classmate Zach Parsons, as well as Cole Kinsey and Christian LaPrad, both 17.

On the afternoon of Jan. 23^rd, Wirtz was heading north on Booker T. Washington Highway when she lost control of the vehicle, crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming Toyota Scio, as well as a Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Lawsuits were quickly filed within weeks by the families of those injured in the wreck.

It is unclear where the case stands as of today.

The Parrish Law Firm wants to remind you that a reckless driving charge is a serious matter that requires a legal defense team with experience. If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, please contact us today for a free consultation, or call us now at 703-906-4229.

Woman Charged With DUI In Lynchberg, VA, After Killing Two In Wreck

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A woman has been charged with DUI and two counts of manslaughter in Lynchburg, VA after her vehicle collided with another vehicle in the early morning of Saturday, April 28^th, killing two men, reports WDBJ7.com.

Amy Phillips of Bedford is being held in the Blue Ridge Regional Jail without bond. The accident occurred just after 2:00 a.m. in the 7200 block of Timberlake Road.

The driver of the other vehicle, John Hawkins of Lynchburg, and his front seat passenger, Garry Moore of Spout Springs, died at the scene. Both men were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

If you have been charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia, you need the drunk driving attorneys at The Parrish Law Firm to protect you from these serious charges. Contact us today for a free case consultation, or call us now at 703-906-4229.

Sources:
http://articles.wdbj7.com/2012-04-23/timberlake-road_31380276

Two Injured In Roanoke, VA Crash, Teen Charged With Reckless Driving

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A 17-year-old has been charged with reckless driving in Roanoke, VA after his vehicle struck a pickup truck on Interstate 581 the afternoon of Sunday, April 19th, sending the teen driver and his 15-year-old female passenger to the hospital, reports ABC13.

The teen and his passenger were driving northbound when they struck the truck, which rolled 3 times as a result of the collision.

The lone adult driver of the truck, however, refused to be taken to the hospital.

The 17-teen-year-old and his passenger were conscious at the scene, and were take to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you need the criminal defense team of The Parrish Law Firm to protect you from these serious charges. You can email us today by clicking here, or call us at 703-906-4229.

Sources:
http://www.wset.com/story/17926030/teen-charged-with-reckless-driving-in-interstate-accident

Man Charged With DUI in Norfolk Virginia, Hits Pedestrian In Work Zone

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A pedestrian working within a designated work zone on Interstate 64 was hit and seriously injured by a vehicle the evening of Wednesday, April 25^th, reports The Virginian-Pilot.

The crash occurred shortly after 9 P.M., just east of Northampton Boulevard.

Thomas Ricky Moore, of Virginia Beach, was arrested at the scene of the accident for DUI (Driving Under the Influence), after his 2008 Dodge Avenger drove between work zone cones and entered into a closed far left lane, where he struck Riguel Dexter Durant, who was operating a concrete saw with a small crew.

Durant suffered serious injuries and was driven to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Durant has been working for Ladybug Concrete Specialties Inc. as a Virginia Department of Transportation subcontractor.

The work zone was reported to have been correctly signed, and had an assigned trooper in a marked car with the proper emergency equipment activated.

If you have been charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia, let the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Parrish Law Firm take on your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

Sources:
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/04/man-hurt-after-being-hit-i64-work-zone-norfolk

Northern Virginia Police Cite Increased Accidents Due To Cell Phones

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The large amount of highway construction being done in Northern Virginia has further exposed the dangers of cell-phone use while driving, reports The Washington Post.

A survey conducted by the American Automobile Association and highway construction company Transurban of 409 N. Virginia police officers has found that the use of cellphones to talk or text while driving can be blamed for 1 in 3 work-zone accidents, while reading or sending text messages is twice as likely to be the cause of an automobile accident than all other driver errors.

Almost 80% of police officers surveyed said that restricting the use of a cellphones while driving would significantly reduce accidents on the road.

A past AAA report said that greater than half of the 210,000 drivers who navigate the Capital Beltway each day are distracted by cellphones.

While the dangers of cellphone use while driving are well documented, it becomes even more risky in a work zone, as lane closures, lane changes, narrow lanes and uneven pavement are common and require a driver’s concentration to navigate.

A report from the National Safety Council claims those drivers using cellphones fail to take in up to 50% of the information in their driving surroundings.

Whether this information will lead to increased penalties for cellphone use while driving in Northern Virginia remains to be seen, but it is an important reminder to drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, and their eyes on the road.

If you have been charged with a traffic offense in Virginia, the defense lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm are prepared to defend your driving rights. Please contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/nva-police-accidents-caused-by-cellphones-have-increased/2012/04/25/gIQAxSYxgT_story.html

Redskin’s Brandon Meriweather arrested for DUI in Arlington, Virginia

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Virginia Police are reporting that NFL safety Brandon Meriweather, of the Washington Redskins, has been charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) after he declined to take a breathalyzer test, writes The Washington Post.

According to Dustin Sternbeck, a Virginia police spokesman, Meriweather was stopped in the early morning of Thursday, April 26^th, around 3 A.M., outside of Washington on Interstate 66. Meriweather refused a Breathalyzer test, and then failed a field sobriety test.

Meriweather, 28, was taken into custody to a county detention center but has since been released.

We will update this story as it develops.

If you have bee charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia, contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Parrish Law Firm today for a free consultation. You can also reach us by phone at 703-906-4229.

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/va-police-say-redskins-brandon-meriweather-arrested-for-dui-refuses-breath-test/2012/04/26/gIQABsWyjT_story.html

Lynchburg, VA DUI Accident Kills Two People, Woman Faces DWI Charges

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Amy Phillips has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and one count of DUI after a car accident in the early morning of Saturday, April 21^st claimed the lives of two men in Lynchburg, VA, reports WDBJ7.com.

Phillips is being held without bond in the Blue Ridge Regional Jail. The accident happened on Timberlake Rd., on the 7200 block shortly after 2AM.

Philip’s vehicle collided at a high speed with a vehicle driven by John Hawkins of Lynchburg, VA who died at the scene. Garry Moore of Spout Springs was Hawkins’ passenger, and also died at the scene of the accident. It is reported that both were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision.

If you have been charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), please contact the criminal defense lawyers at The Parrish Law Firm today for a free consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.

Sources:

http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-two-people-dead-after-car-accident-in-lynchburg-20120421,0,3474446.story

Manassas, VA Driver Crashes Through 7-Eleven Window & Charged With DUI

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Manassas, Virginia DW/DUI Law-A driver who smashed through the window of a Manassas 7-Eleven Thursday night has been charged with DUI, reports Inside NoVA.

The incident occurred around 9PM on Coverstone Dr., and while no one was injured, the police have charged the suspect with DUI (Driving Under the Influence).

Manassas police may be getting used to people crashing into buildings, as this is the 8^th time since December an accident like this has occurred.
Photo courtesy of Chrissy Hogan via Inside NoVA.
We will update you as this story progresses.

If you have been charged with DUI/DWI, please contact us now for a free case consultation.

Sources

http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2012/apr/12/3/car-slams-coverstone-7-eleven-ar-1839115/

Fairfax VA Traffic Lawyer | National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Nortehrn Virginia traffic defense attorneys of the Parrish Law Firm wants to remind you that texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Virginia, and it can have serious consequences that go far beyond the three demerit point assessment on a driver’s record.

In 2011, greater than 28,000 Virginia motor vehicle accidents were attributed to driver distractions, which caused 136 deaths, and 16,128 injures.

Texting and cell phone conversations, however, are not the only significant contributors to these accidents. Eating, radio adjusting, or fussing with children and animals endanger not only those within the vehicle, but all others on the road as well.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has showed that almost 80% of all crashes are the result of driver inattentions, along with 65% of near crashes.

The Parrish Law Firm urges you to keep your eyes on the road, and your hands on the wheel in order to keep yourself and others free from needless harm.

If you have been charged with texting while driving or other traffic violations in Virginia, contact us today for a free consultation.

Sources

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/general/news/news.asp?id=6700

Virginia DWI Penalties Will Require Blood-Alcohol Testing Device in Cars

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Starting in July 2012, the state of Virginia will begin enforcing a strict drunk driving penalty that requires first time DUI offenders to install blood-alcohol testing devices in their cars, reports the Washington Post.

Approximately 18,000 will be affected by the law, requiring them to install the devices for a fee of $480, which covers six months of use.

The new requirement has created passionate debate between groups like MADD (Mother Against Drunk Driving), who see the measure as a positive development in the fight against drunk driving, and public defenders and lawyers who argue that the severe penalty is too much for those who are charged with DUI at alcohol levels at the legal limit of 0.08.

The existing Virginia law states that only those charged with more than one drunk driving offense must have an ignition interlock device, along with those convicted of drunk driving with a blood alcohol level 0.15 or higher.

The devices used work much like a breathalyzer does; the driver blows into the device, and the car will not start if he/she blows above the legal limit.

Stay tuned for further updates as the law becomes enforced this summer.
If you have been charged with DUI in Virginia, please contact us for a free consultation.
Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/is-vas-ignition-interlock-rule-for-first-time-dui-offenders-too-tough/2012/04/08/gIQAmFhd4S_story.html

Did Councilwoman Karen Toles Get Away with Speeding at 105 mph on the Capital Beltway? | Arlington Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On February 22, 2012, Karen Toles, a Prince George's County Councilwoman, was clocked at 105 mph in a 55 zone on an officer's dashcam when she was spotted making an unsafe lane change on the Capital Beltway. After a pursuit that ended up with officers surrounding her car with guns drawn, Toles did not receive a ticket for speeding but instead was only issued a citation for an unsafe lane change. This has some questioning if politicians are getting away with serious traffic offenses. Assistant Police Chief Kevin Davis insists that Toles was not given special treatment but rather the officer used his discretion in this type of situation and may have not had enough evidence to support such an offense that carries hefty points and fines. Although the officer’s dashcam shows speeds of 105 mph, apparently the officer’s cruiser was not equipped with radar and his efforts to pace her were unsuccessful.

Karen Toles has issued a statement showing remorse for the incident but then evaded any further questioning by the media.
"On February 22nd I received a citation for an unsafe lane change and a warning for speeding. I was leaving a meeting and was late for my next appointment. I consider moving violations serious matters and I regret the incident. I intend to pay the appropriate fine for these traffic violations." - Karen Toles
If you have been charged with speeding or reckless driving in Arlington, Virginia, contact the Parrish Law Firm for a free evaluation of your traffic case. Click here for your free copy of our guide Faced with Reckless Driving and don't know what to do? for helpful tips on how to handle your reckless driving charge.
Sources: