BATTLEFIELD BLOG

Fairfax DUI Stops: Can Police Search Your Car?
DUI/DWI, DUID, Fairfax County DUI Kari Newton DUI/DWI, DUID, Fairfax County DUI Kari Newton

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.

Read More
Can You Be Arrested if You Blow Under .08 in Virginia?
DUI/DWI, Prince William County Kari Newton DUI/DWI, Prince William County Kari Newton

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.

Read More
Sleeping in Your Car After Drinking? Why You Could Still Face a DUI Charge in Virginia
DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense Kari Newton DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense Kari Newton

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.

Read More
Are Field Sobriety Tests Required in Virginia? What You Should Know During a DUI Stop

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.

Read More
Can Police Aggression Help Your DUI Defense?

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.

Read More
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Virginia?
DUI/DWI, Unreasonable Refusal Kari Newton DUI/DWI, Unreasonable Refusal Kari Newton

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.

Read More
Is It Legal to Record Phone Calls in Virginia? Your Guide to the One-Party Consent Law
DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense Kari Newton DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense Kari Newton

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.

Read More
A Guide to Alcohol Monitoring Devices for DUI and DWI Cases
DUI/DWI Kari Newton DUI/DWI Kari Newton

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.

Read More
How Likely Is Jail Time for Your First DUI Offense in Virginia?
DUI/DWI Nicole H. Naum DUI/DWI Nicole H. Naum

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.

Read More