Fairfax Criminal Defense Law Blog

Impaired driving is a very serious problem throughout this nation, and Virginia isn't an exception to that. When you think of impaired driving, you can't think about only alcohol these days. Instead, you have to think about alcohol and drugs. Essentially, you would have to include anything that could alter your ability to drive in a safe manner when you think about impaired driving.

What is BAC?

If you are trying to commit a crime and don't actually get to commit that crime, you might still face criminal charges for an attempted crime. Even though the charge that you face might not seem as serious as what was possible if you were successful in the commission of the crime, there is still a chance that you could face significant penalties and consequences if you are convicted.

When it comes to attempted crime charges, the prosecution has to show that you had the intent to commit the crime. Think about this one -- you shoot at a rival gang member and the bullet hits that person in the shoulder. The person lives, but you are now facing attempted murder charges. The prosecution would have to show that your shot at that person was made in an effort to kill the person.

It is often said that juveniles who enter into the juvenile justice system are actually crying out for help. Getting this help should be a goal of the juvenile justice system, but some youthful offenders might not see it that way. The fact remains that it can be difficult for the current system to come up with suitable answers to all of the issues that lead kids to get introduced into the system in the first place.

The individual but vast differences between juveniles mean that what works for one juvenile might not work for another one even if both are charged with similar offenses. It is important to look at the underlying causes that can signal a juvenile in crisis. This might be a drug addiction or the gang life. If the underlying cause of the juvenile's issues can be addressed, there is a better chance that the rehabilitation will be successful.

You can probably remember the feeling you got the first time that you did your drug of choice. Now, you are facing criminal charges from an addiction that stemmed from your desire to replicate that feeling. You probably don't think that your entire future should hinge on a criminal case when all you need is the chance to get clean and walk on the right path again.

We know that facing drug charges because you have an addiction is something that can make your life horrible. The stress of the charges might push you back toward the drugs, but the bail on which you are out of jail might not allow you to have drugs or alcohol. While we can't take the stress or difficulties away, we can help you to learn about the options you have for handling your drug case.