With drunk driving a prevalent problem in Virginia and across the nation, it is no surprise that law enforcement is on the lookout for drivers who might be operating under the influence. A motorist who is stopped on suspicion of drunk driving, investigated, and subsequently arrested on drunk driving charges must be fully aware of his or her rights from start to finish, particularly since these allegations can happen to anyone regardless of their age, job, or station in life. In these instances, a legal defense is vital.
A member of a local school board in Virginia was stopped by law enforcement and placed under arrest for DUI. The arrest was made at around 1 a.m. He posted bail a few hours later and was released. The man, 43, was elected to the board two years ago after a recount. Right now, he is vice-chairman. In addition to being on the school board, the man is also a church pastor and has multiple advanced degrees. His alleged blood alcohol content and other details of the arrest were not disclosed.
A person who is arrested and charged with DUI will often be fearful and concerned about the future. Jail time, fines, a driver’s license revocation, and a negative perception in the community are all factors to think about. For many people, driving is an integral part of their lives, and they need to be able to do so legally for work. Jobs can be negatively affected by a drunk driving conviction, and there can be financial losses, harm to a person’s ability to advance in a current job, and difficulty getting into a school or the military.
What many people do not realize is that there are many different criminal defense options for those who are facing DUI charges. For example, if the arresting officer did not initiate the stop legally, did not follow established protocol, or was using a breathalyzer that was not calibrated correctly, then a legal argument could be made that certain evidence should be suppressed. There is, of course, the possibility that the driver was innocent of the alleged crime.
Considering everything that is on the line for the man who was arrested in this case, it is imperative that he craft a strong defense from the beginning. To protect his personal and professional life, he must contact and discuss the matter with an experienced attorney to begin planning his legal defense.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Henrico School Board member arrested, charged with driving while intoxicated at 1 a.m. Saturday,” Katie O’Connor, Aug. 5, 2017
