BATTLEFIELD BLOG
Fairfax DUI Stops: Can Police Search Your Car?
During a DUI stop in Fairfax County, police don’t always need your permission to search your car. From inventory searches after an arrest to the plain view doctrine, several legal exceptions allow officers to look inside your vehicle. Learn when a search may be unlawful, and how Battlefield Law Group can help protect your rights and your license if you’re facing DUI charges.
Can You Be Arrested if You Blow Under .08 in Virginia?
Many drivers believe blowing under .08 means they can’t be arrested for DUI in Virginia. That’s a dangerous myth. Even a low roadside breath test can give police probable cause to arrest you for further testing. Learn why the Preliminary Breath Test is voluntary, how Virginia’s Implied Consent Law applies, and what this means for Prince William County drivers.
Agree or Disagree: Courtroom Perspectives with Trial Attorney Steve Duckett
In our Agree or Disagree series, Battlefield Law Group partner Steven L. Duckett, Jr. shares candid courtroom insights from more than 25 years of criminal defense work in Northern Virginia. From witness preparation and jury strategy to the art of cross-examination, Steve explains what really matters in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, and surrounding counties, and why courtroom experience makes all the difference.
Resisting Arrest During a DUI Stop in Virginia
A DUI stop can escalate faster than you expect. In Virginia, resisting arrest is a Class 1 Misdemeanor that can turn one charge into two, each carrying serious penalties. Learn how these cases unfold, why they’re especially challenging in DUI situations, and how an attorney can help protect your future.
Your DUI Case in Prince William County: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you facing DUI/DWI charges in Prince William County? Learn step by step what to expect after an arrest, how the local court process works, and why having a DUI lawyer based in Manassas can make a difference.
DUID Laws in Virginia
You don’t have to be drunk to be charged with DUI in Virginia. If you’re impaired by marijuana, prescription medication, or any other substance, you could still face arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID). Learn what Virginia law says and what to do if it happens to you.
Sleeping in Your Car After Drinking? Why You Could Still Face a DUI Charge in Virginia
You might think sleeping in your car after a night of drinking is the safe choice, but in Virginia, it could still get you arrested for DUI. In this blog, attorney Nicole Naum of Battlefield Law Group explains how “physical control” laws work and what you need to know to avoid turning a responsible decision into a criminal charge.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Required in Virginia? What You Should Know During a DUI Stop
Field sobriety tests are widely used during DUI stops in Virginia, but they’re not as reliable or required as many drivers think. Learn how these tests work, why they’re flawed, and what rights you have if you're pulled over. Battlefield Law Group breaks down the key facts every driver should know.
Can Police Aggression Help Your DUI Defense?
Being treated roughly or aggressively during a criminal or DUI arrest can be a traumatic experience, but does it mean your case will be dismissed? Not usually. While unnecessary force by police rarely results in dropped charges, it can still impact your case. If the arrest was caught on video, prosecutors may be hesitant to let that footage be seen in court. At Battlefield Law Group, we carefully review every detail to determine if misconduct can help leverage a better outcome.
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Virginia?
Pulled over for DUI in Northern Virginia? You can say no to roadside sobriety tests, but once you’re arrested the evidentiary breath or blood test is mandatory, and refusing it adds a separate charge plus an automatic license suspension. Discover the real-world consequences and how Battlefield Law Group fights to keep your license and record intact.
Your Right to Refuse Police Entry in Virginia
Police at the door with no warrant? Under the Fourth Amendment and Virginia law, you can refuse entry. Learn the right way to assert your rights, verify a warrant, and avoid accidental consent that could expose you to criminal charges. Our attorneys explain the law, exceptions, and next steps if officers push past the threshold. Read more to safeguard your home, car, and self, plus watch our latest short video for a kid-friendly reminder: No warrant? No entry!
Is It Legal to Record Phone Calls in Virginia? Your Guide to the One-Party Consent Law
Think your conversation is private? Under Virginia’s one-party consent law, any call or in-person discussion can be legally recorded if even one participant agrees—and jail phones are monitored automatically. Learn how this rule affects DUI stops, domestic-violence cases, protective orders, drug charges, and other criminal matters.
A Guide to Alcohol Monitoring Devices for DUI and DWI Cases
If you're facing DUI charges in Northern Virginia, you may be required to use an alcohol monitoring device. In this blog, the attorneys at Battlefield Law Group compare three commonly used devices—including cost, functionality, and court usage—to help you understand your options. Learn what to expect and how these tools impact your case in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, and surrounding areas.
How Likely Is Jail Time for Your First DUI Offense in Virginia?
Wondering if jail time is likely for your first DUI offense in Virginia? While a first-time DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, many cases avoid active jail time, unless certain factors apply, like a high BAC or a minor in the car. In this post, we break down Virginia's DUI laws, mandatory jail thresholds, and how different courts across Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Alexandria, Spotsylvania, Warren, Frederick, and Winchester, handle first-time offenses. Learn what to expect and how local legal trends may impact your case.