Most Virginians view a DWI arrest or conviction as a relatively minor infraction. However, many DWI stops often lead to other charges, some far more serious than a first-time DWI.
Recent case
A recent arrest in Fauquier County has led to the arrest of a Stafford man and has resulted in several other charges being lodged against the man.
Perhaps the most shocking charge is the allegation that the defendant is now facing his eighth DUI charge in the last eight years. If convicted, the defendant would have been convicted of a DUI three times in the past 10 years.
According to news reports, the arresting officers were reporting to the scene of a minor traffic accident involving a Fauquier County ambulance and a Chevrolet Tahoe. When officers approached the driver of the Tahoe, they detected the smell of alcohol. They found four empty beer cans, and the man admitted to consuming the beer before driving the Tahoe. Officers also found an unaccompanied, unrestrained child in the rear seat.
The officers pulled up the man’s driving record on their on-board computer and discovered that he had been convicted of DUI seven times in the last ten years. The current charge is now his third alleged violation in the last three years. The man was arrested and incarcerated in the Rappahannock County Regional Jail. The child, who was unharmed, was turned over to relatives. In addition to the DUI charge, the man was charged with child endangerment, driving without a license, driving after license revocation in connection with a prior DUI and driving with an unrestrained child in the vehicle.
Increased penalties
A third DUI within a period of 10 years is a felony in Virginia. Media reports of this incident did not state the frequency of his prior convictions, but this driver is plainly facing severe penalties for intoxicated driving plus additional penalties for the related charges. This driver needs expert legal assistance to avoid large fines or a lengthy period of imprisonment.
