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Lawyer Mark Matney of Matney Law PLLC - Newport News Virginia - DUI and Traffic Court Lawyer

Mark Matney

DUI - DWI Lawyer

Call Attorney Mark Matney at
(757) 703-4556

Monday Morning Money Minute

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
__________________________________

Monday Morning Money Minute

Budget is not a 4 letter word! Maybe 10% of us are so disciplined that we don’t need a budget and perhaps 10% have enough income to spend what they want. Everyone else needs a budget. It doesn’t seem like it at first, but a budget frees you to spend money. What?! Once you know your income and expenses, you can allocate money for recreation without worrying. In a nutshell, the steps for a budget are: Determine your total monthly income and expenses, subtract your expenses from your income, assign your income dollars to your expenses, and keep track. You may find that you need to increase your income or cut your expenses to achieve a balanced budget. A book like Your Money or Your Life can help you focus your money on what is really important to you.

Request An Appointment

Lawyer Mark Matney of Matney Law PLLC - Newport News Virginia - DUI and Traffic Court Lawyer

Mark Matney

DUI - DWI Lawyer

Call Attorney Mark Matney at
(757) 703-4556

Successfully Challenging Radar Certificates

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
__________________________________

Successfully Challenging Radar Certificates

In the past week, I have had two cases where the police officer was unable to show accuracy of his radar. So they were both dismissed, right? Wrong. Sometimes, even when the officer cannot prove accuracy of the equipment, the case is not dismissed.


In the first case, my client was charged with reckless driving by speed, 81/55 (26 mph over the limit). In that case the officer seemed upset when I asked him for his calibration record and then provided a certificate for a calibration that was performed after my client was stopped. To demonstrate accuracy at the time of the stop, the certificate must be dated during the six-month period before the stop. When I told the judge that I challenged the calibration certificate and explained the reason, the judge granted my motion to dismiss.


For the second case, with a different judge, my client’s summons was for reckless driving by speed, 97/65 (32 mph over the limit). This case involved a cordial trooper who shared all of his documents and discussed them with me. We found that he had certificates that were too recent and a certificate that was too old, but he did not have one for the six-month period before the date he stopped my client. The judge agreed with my challenge to the certificate, but said that he would not dismiss the case since the speed was so high. I argued that without the certificate the trooper could only establish speeding and not reckless driving by speed since he could not show that my client was driving more than 20 mph over the limit or over 85 mph (the two grounds for reckless by speed). The judge told me I could appeal and ruled reckless driving. The sentence was more lenient and did not include the jail time he was giving to drivers with similar speeds, but it was not the result I wanted after successfully challenging the radar.


Although I believe that the second judge was incorrect in finding my client guilty of reckless driving, he was right about her right to appeal. She now has a second opportunity to avoid the criminal misdemeanor.

DUI Attorney Mark Matney - Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Newport News - Williamsburg

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Monday Morning Money Minute

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
__________________________________

Monday Morning Money Minute

Recently I helped lead Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.  We discussed how to build a strong financial house during a series of nine meetings.  I will share some of what I learned each Monday for the next several weeks. The foundation is setting up an emergency fund.  Many people are realizing how essential this is as they face cutbacks and layoffs. Dave Ramsey recommends starting with $1,000. I prefer $1,500 because it seems like often things happen in sets of three and that they cost $500 each.  Car repair cost?  $500.  Pet to the vet?  $500.  Plumbing issue?  $500.  The important thing is to start somewhere, $250, $500, $1000.  The idea is to have some money on hand so that you can avoid any additional debt.  If you have to use your emergency money, then don’t be upset.  Be thankful that you had the money available and replace it as soon as you can.

Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - DUI & Traffic Court Defense Attorney - Newport News, York County, Hampton
  • Speedometer Calibration Centers In Hampton Roads Area

Speedometer Calibration Centers

The top traffic court defense lawyers at Holcomb Law PC (Follow us on Facebook) in Newport News Virginia has put together a list of speedometer calibration centers that perform speedometer calibration checks.  Our resources link on this website also includes: Find Your Court House, Volunteer Opportunities, Blog Post, Forms, Ignition Interlock Providers, Driver Improvement & RADEP Courses, and Counseling.

Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC (Virginia's Top Ranked Traffic Court Defense Team) has offices in Newport News Virginia has the experience and the system needed to prepare you and your case for the best outcome.  Visit (Avvo Reviews)  for testimonials of clients who were charged with reckless driving, DUI / DWI, speeding tickets, driving with a suspended license, driving without a license, hit-and-run, and other serious traffic charges.  Our attorneys focus on the traffic courts in Newport News, Hampton, York County / Poquoson, Williamsburg and James City County.  We defend everyone from high school students to our military.

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Local: (804) 423-1100, Toll Free: 1-800-446-2880
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Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Traffic Court Attorney - Newport News Virginia
  • 2021 Case Results

2021 Case Results

This is a listing of the 2021 Case Results handled by Holcomb Law, PC  Our attorneys serve the Hampton Roads area of Virginia with the top traffic court defense attorneys in the area.

Disclaimer for Case Results

I am frequently asked for the results of my representation. I have therefore summarized the cases I handled in 2021 and provided them on the website for your review. I chose not to post only the most successful cases or a sampling of cases. Instead, I have provided outcomes for all of my traffic related matters. In some instances I have reported only the final Circuit Court result when a case was presented in the General District Court and then appealed to the Circuit Court.

To protect confidentiality, I have removed the identities of clients, judges, and law enforcement personnel.

This information accurately reflects the outcomes of those cases but the results in each situation depend on many factors and cannot be relied on to guarantee the result in your particular matter. Each case is unique because it involves its own combination of evidence, client history, law enforcement, prosecutor, and judge.

Note:  In every case where a Reckless Driving charge is amended to Speeding or Improper Driving, the outcome involves a criminal misdemeanor becoming a traffic infraction.

JANUARY

•  Hampton GDC -  Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 85/60.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 69/60 with $54.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Chesapeake GDC – Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 107/60 (47 mph). Result:  Guilty, $252.00 fine, 4 days jail (one weekend to serve after good time credit).  Appealed to Circuit Court.
•  Chesapeake GDC - 3 Charges: (1) Improper Use of Dealer Plates (misdemeanor).  Result:  Dismissed Improper Use of Dealer Plates!  (2) Operating Unlicensed Motor Vehicle.  Result: Dismissed!  (3) Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/60.  Guilty with $168.00 fine.  Appealed to Circuit Court.
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 40/25.  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $90.00 fine plus costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 51/25.  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment with $100.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  NEWPORT NEWS Circuit Court - Charge:  Speeding, 40/25.  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment, with $250.00 fine and court costs.
•  Williamsburg Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 81/45 (36 mph).  Result:  Guilty of Reckless Driving by speed with $500.00 fine, plus court costs, 30 days restricted license, no jail.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 94/65.  Result:  Judge continued for client to perform more volunteering.  Judge will consider amendment to Speeding below 20 mph.
•  Newport News GDC – Charge:  Marijuana Possession.  Result:  Civil violation with $25.00 fine plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Reckless Driving with Accident.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving with payment of costs of $91.00.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Driving Without a License (class 2 misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to No License in Possession, a traffic infraction, with $10.00 fine plus court costs. 
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 90/65.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 20+ mph, with $250.00 fine plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 77/35.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving with $250.00 fine, plus costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Speed, 43/25.  Result:  Dismissed Speeding! 
•  Hampton GDC - Charge:  Reckless Handling of Firearm.  Result:  Guilty. Sentencing:  90 days jail - all suspended; 2 years good behavior; forfeit the handgun; $101.00 court costs (no fine); complete a gun safety course within 12 months.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 87/65.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 87/65, with fine of $250.00 and court costs. 
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Improper Lane Change (Accident).  Result:  Dismissed Improper Lane Change with accident!
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, with elevated 0.18 BAC.  Result:  Guilty of DUI / DWI as charged and sentenced to: $250.00 fine; 180 day jail - 175 suspended - weekends permitted; 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock.  Filed Appeal to Circuit Court.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Following Too closely, Accident.  Result:  Dismissed Following Too Closely with accident, No fine, $76.00 court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Improper Stop on Highway.  Result:  Dismissed Improper Stop on Highway!
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Driving with Suspended License (class 1 misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to Driving Without License (class 2 misdemeanor).  Appealed to Circuit Court to pursue amendment to traffic infraction.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - 2 Charges: (1) Review of Marijuana 1st Offender Program; (2) Failure to Appear.  Result:  Dismissed Marijuana Possession and dismissed Failure to Appear!
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 58/35, (23 mph).  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 49/35 (14 mph), fine of $80.00, plus costs.  Appealed to Circuit Court.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 68/45 (23 mph over).  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving with court costs. 
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 69/45 (24 mph over).  Result: Dismissed Reckless Driving with court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 54/35 (19 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment, with $70.00 fine, plus costs.
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges: (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/65 (21 mph over). Result:  Amended too Speeding, 74/65 (9mph over), $250.00 fine, plus costs. (2) Not Wearing Seatbelt. Result:  Dismissed!
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Speeding, 54/35 (19 Mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $250.00 fine plus court costs.  (2) Driving Without License  (Class 2 Misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to No License in Possession (traffic infraction), with $10.00 fine and court costs.
•  York GDC – Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st offense, 0.08 BAC.  Result:  Amended from DUI / DWI to Reckless Driving, General.  Sentence:  $500.00 fine with $250.00 suspended; 90 days jail - all suspended; ASAP; 2 years good behavior; 6 months restricted license, no ignition interlock required.
•  York GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 54/40 (14 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $84.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 66/45.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 20 mph over, with $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Speeding, 50/35.  Result:  Dismissed Speeding!

FEBRUARY

•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving General.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!
•  Hampton Circuit Court - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.16 elevated BAC.  Result:  Amended to DUI / DWI, 1st, standard BAC.  Sentence: (1) Complete ASAP; (2) $500.00 fine with $250.00 suspended, plus court costs; (3) 30 days jail with 10 days suspended; (4) 2 years good behavior; (5) 12 months suspended license - eligible for restricted license.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Following Too Closely - Accident.  Result:  Amended to Defective Brakes.
•  Isle of Wight GDC - 3 Charges:  Speeding, 71/55.  Result: Dismissed Speeding!  (2) Failure to Obey Highway Lane Markings.  Result:  Dismissed Failure to Obey Highway Lane Markings!  (3) DUI / DWI, 1st Offense, 0.19 elevated BAC.  Sentence:  (1) Complete ASAP - equivalent program in home state; (2) $250.00 fine; (3) 12 months suspension of privilege to drive in VA; (4) 24 months good behavior; (5) 30 days jail - 25 days suspended, with electronic monitoring.  
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Failure to Obtain Registration.  Result:  Dismissed Failure to Obtain Registration!
•  Isle of Wight GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 64/35 (29 mph over). Result:  Amended to Speeding, 54/35 (19 mph over), $180.00 fine, plus court costs. 
•  Chesapeake GDC – 3 Charges:  (1) Destruction of Property; (2) Elude Police; (3) Reckless Driving 125 mph in 60 mph zone.  Dismissed the Felony Destruction of Property charge and the other charges were certified to the Circuit Court.
•  Suffolk GDC - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, elevated BAC (0.18).  Result:  Amended to DUI / DWI, 1st, standard BAC, avoiding 5 days mandatory minimum jail.  Complete ASAP, $250 fine, 12 months suspended / restricted license.
•  York GDC - 4 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 1st.  Result:  $500.00 fine with $250.00 suspended, plus court costs of $186.00; VASAP, 12 months suspended license; all jail suspended; 2 years good behavior.  (2) No Driver's License.  Result:  Guilty, $100.00 fine, plus court costs of $30.00; (3) Refusal. Result: Dismissed Refusal!; (4) Reckless Driving General.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving.
•  Isle of Wight - Charge:  Speeding, 70/55 (15 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $90.00 fine and court costs.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - 2 Charges: (1) Felony DUI / DWI, 3rd offense.  Result:  Sentenced to 5 years of jail with 4 years and 9 months suspended for a period of 5 years.  The three remaining months are the mandatory minimum sentence. Driver’s license suspended for an indefinite period of time.  Eligible to apply for a restricted license after three years. (2)  Hit and Run.  Sentenced to 6 months jail will all of the time suspended.  No fine imposed for this charge. (3)  For both charges the period of Good Behavior is 5 years.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Driving with Suspended License (Class 1 misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to:  Driving Without a License (Class 2 misdemeanor), with $150.00 fine.
•  Newport News Circuit Court – Charge: DUI / DWI, 1st, no BAC.  Result:  Complete ASAP; $250.00 fine, plus court costs; 180 days jail - all suspended; 12 months suspended license with 12 months ignition interlock; one year good behavior. 
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 41/25 (16 mph over).  Result:  Dismissed Speeding!
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Fail to Update Operator's License.  Result:  Dismissed Fail to Update Operator’s License!
•  Suffolk GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving General,  SP 89/60.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, $100.00 fine with $50.00 suspended, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Driving Without a License - Class One Misdemeanor.  Result:  Amended to Driving Without Driver's License in Possession (traffic infraction) with $10 fine.
•  York GDC - 2 Charges:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 105/65 (40 mph over).  Result:  Guilty of Reckless Driving, $400.00 fine, plus court costs; 6 months suspended/restricted license; 30 days jail with 26 days suspended. 2 years good behavior.  (2) Failure to Appear.  Result:  Guilty with $50.00 fine, plus court costs
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 53/25 (28 mph over).  Result:  Dismissed Speeding!
•  Northampton GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 75/55.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, with fine of $120.00, plus court costs.  (2) Improperly Mounted Plates.  Result:  Dismissed Improperly Mounted Plates.
•  New Kent GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 64/45 (19 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment with $75.00 fine, plus costs.

MARCH

•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 63/35 (30 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 44/35 (9 mph over).
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 69/45 (24 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 54/45 (9 mph over).  $250 fine plus court costs.
•  York Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, with $250.00 fine plus costs.
•  Williamsburg GDC - 3 Charges:  (1)  DUI / DWI, 1st (elevated BAC 0.21); Result:  $500.00 fine, 12 months jail - 10 months suspended (one month to serve after good time credit), 12 months suspended license/restricted License, ASAP; (2) Reckless Driving Failure to Obey Highway Lane Markings.  Result:  Dismissed by Nolle Pros; (3) Reckless Driving Fail to Maintain Control.  Result:  Dismissed by Nolle.
•  Williamsburg. Circuit Court - Charge:  Felony Hit and Run / Fail to Stop at Accident.  Result:  Amended to misdemeanor with fine and court costs of $292.00; 12 months jail with 11 months 20 days suspended (5 days to serve after good time credit).
•  Surry GDC - Charge:  Speed, 58/45 (13 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment with $78.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 80/45.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 54/45, with $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  New Kent GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 91/70.  Result:  Amended to Speeding with $100.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 90/65. Results:  Amended to Speeding with $250.00 fine, plus court costs of $91.00.
•  York GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 58/35 (23 mph over).  Result: $300.00 fine plus costs, and 30 days suspended license.  Severe result due to lack of cooperation with the police.
•  Gloucester GDC - 3 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 1st, no BAC, with minor in the vehicle.  Result:  90 days jail - 85 days jail suspended; $1,000 fine with $250.00 suspended; complete ASAP; 3 years good behavior; 12 months suspended license with restricted license - 12 months with ignition interlock and no other requirements.  (2) Refusal, 1st.  Result: Dismissed.  (3) Speeding, 56/45.  Result: Dismissed.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Following Too Closely (accident).  Result:  Dismissed Following Too Closely!
•  Norfolk GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI 1st, 0.14 BAC; (2) Improperly stopped on Highway.    Result:  Dismissed DUI / DWI!  Dismissed Improperly Stopped on Highway!
•  New Kent Circuit Court - Petition for Restoration of Driving Privilege.  Result:  Petition Granted.  The judge entered Orders Restoring Driving Privileges and Removing Ignition Interlock Requirement.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 84/65.  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $200 fine plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge: DUI / DWI, 2nd within 5 years. Trial on not guilty plea with legal argument challenging the prior DUI / DUI order.  Judge denied amendment to 1st Offense but amended to 2nd in 5-10 years.  Sentence: $1,000 fine; complete ASAP; 180 days of jail - 160 days suspended to serve on weekends; 3 years suspended license - eligible for restricted license after 4 months.  (The amendment of the charge avoided 10 days of jail and reduced the time before eligible for a restricted license from 12 months to 4 months).
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, elevated BAC (0.21).  Result:  Amended to DUI / DUI, 1st, standard BAC.  Sentence:  $250.00 fine; 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock; complete ASAP; 180 days jail - all suspended.  The amendment of the charge avoided ten days mandatory minimum jail.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, elevated BAC (0.15).  Not Guilty Plea with argument over BAC.  Defense called the Breath Test Operator as witness and argued for standard BAC.  Judge denied the challenge to the BAC.  Result:  Complete ASAP; $250.00 fine; 12 months Suspended License - did not apply for Restricted License; 180 days jail - 175 days suspended - 5 days to serve on weekends.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Petition for Restoration of Driving Privilege after Declared Habitual Offender.  Result:  The Judge granted full Restoration of Driving Privileges without any requirements of a restricted license or review period.  This ended client's status as an habitual offender and qualified him to proceed to DMV to reinstate his driver's license.
•  Isle of Wight - 2 Charges: (1) Following Too Closely.  Result:  Dismissed Following Too Closely!  (2) Fail to have Vehicle Inspected.  Result:  Fine of $25.00, plus court costs.
•  Chesapeake Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/60.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 79/60, with $114.00 fine, plus costs.
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Assault and Battery; (2) Destruction of Property.  Result:  Dismissed Assault and Dismissed Destruction of Property!
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Felony - Obtain Money by False Pretenses.  Result:  Dismissed Felony Obtain Money by False Pretenses with payment of restitution.
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge: Reckless General.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, with $200.00, plus costs.
•  Norfolk GDC - Charge:  Damage to Property.  Result: Dismissed Damage to Property!
•  Caroline County GDC - Charge:  Fail to Obey Highway Sign.  Result:  Dismissed Fail to Obey Highway Sign!
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 94/65.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1)  DUI / DWI, 1st.  Result:  DUI / DWI amended to Reckless Driving General; $250.00 fine; ASAP, 6 months suspended license; 180 days jail with 178 days suspended. This result avoided the DUI / DUI, the ignition interlock requirement, and 6 additional months of a restricted license. (2) Improper Lane Change:  Result:  Dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  Hampton GDC – 3 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 2nd in 5 years.  Result:  Guilty, Complete ASAP; 3 years license suspension, eligible for restricted license after 12 months, $500.00 fine and $50.00 to Trauma Fund; 6 months jail with all but 20 days suspended, leaving 20 mandatory days.  (2) and (3) Dismissed Refusal, 2nd and Dismissed Reckless Driving.

APRIL

•  Williamsburg Circuit Court - Charge: Reckless Driving by Speed, 55/25.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 44/25, with $250.00 fine and costs.
•  Williamsburg Circuit Court - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st. Result: $250.00 fine, 12 months jail with 6 months suspended (3 months to serve); ASAP; 12 months suspended license.  Severe sentence due to accident, elevated BAC and client’s criminal record.
•  Newport News GDC – 2 Charges:  DUI / DWI.  Result:  Sentence:  $250.00 fine, ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock; 180 days jail with 175 days suspended, 1 year good behavior.  (2) Improper Lane Change.  Result:  Dismissed.
•  King William Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/35.  Result:  $450.00 fine; 90 days suspended / restricted license; no jail sentence.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 52/25.  Result:  Amended to Fail to Obey Highway Sign, with $30.00 fine and costs.
•  Williamsburg / James City County GDC - Charge:  ASAP Show Cause.  Result:  Dismissed ASAP Show Cause!
•  King & Queen GDC - 4 Charges: (1) Speeding, 48/35.  Result: Amended to Improper Equipment, with $100.00 fine, plus court costs; (2) Expired Registration.  Result:  Dismissed with court costs; (3) Expired State Inspection.  Result:  Dismissed with court costs; (4) Failure to Display License Plate.  Result:  Dismissed!
•  York GDC - Charge:  Fail to Yield Right of Way - Accident.  Result:  Dismissed Fail to Yield Right of Way!
•  Williamsburg GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Driving with Suspended License (Class 1 Misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to Driving Without License (Class 2 Misdemeanor).  This result avoided 90 days license suspension.  Pay $10.00 fine and costs of $101.00. (2)  Fail to Obey Highway Markings (Accident). Result:  Dismissed!
•  Norfolk GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 95/55 (40 mph over).  Result:  Guilty of Reckless Driving, with $240.00 fine, 90 days jail with 80 days suspended leaving 5 days to serve after good time behavior applied, 12 months good behavior.
•  Isle of Wight GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 75/55.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 51/25 (26 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 44/25, with $100.00 fine and costs.
•  Chesapeake GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 100/55 (45 mph over).  Result:  Fine of $270.00, plus court costs.  No jail or license suspension.
•  Chesapeake GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/60 (22 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 79/60, with fine of $114.00 and costs.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Fail to Obey Lane Markings.  Result:  Guilty of the original charge.  Judge declined to amend due to client's -6 DMV transcript.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Fail to Obey Highway Sign.  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment, with fine of $30.00 and court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 95/65 (30 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving with $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - 2 Charges:  (1)  DUI / DWI, 2nd in 5 years.  Result:  Jail: 365 days with 335 suspended, so 25 days to serve less credit for time served.  Permitted to serve jail on weekends; $500.00 fine plus $50.00 Trauma Fund; ASAP; 3 years suspended license.  (2) Driving Without Ignition Interlock.  Result:  180 days jail, all time suspended, $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Gloucester GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 69/45.  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment with $150.00 fine, plus costs.
•  Charge: Speeding, 81/65.  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment, with $50.00 fine, plus costs.
•  York GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Speeding, 81/65.  Result:  Amended to Defective Equipment, with $250.00 fine, plus court costs of $66.00. (2) Expired Registration.  Result: Dismissed, with cou2rt costs of $15.00.
•  Williamsburg GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Speeding, 38/25.  Result:  Dismissed by Nolle Pros.  (2)  Driving Outside of Restrictions.  Result:  Amended to Driving with Suspended License.  This amendment avoided 12 months mandatory license suspension.
•  Williamsburg Circuit Court - Charge:  Speeding, 43/25, (18 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer with $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speeding, 48/25.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 48/25, with $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45.  Result:  Guilty with $500.00 fine, plus court costs.  Appealed to Circuit Court.
•  Williamsburg GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 65/35.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, with fine of $500.00, plus court costs.

MAY

•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 65/35 (30 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, with $50.00 fine and court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45 (25 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving, with $50.00 fine and courts costs.
•  2 Charges: (1)  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.16 BAC.  Result:  DUI / DWI Dismissed!  (2)  Failure to Appear.  Result:  Dismissed Failure to Appear!
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 93/45.  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $250.00 fine and court costs.
•  Newport News GDC – 2 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI 2nd in 5 years, 0.13 BAC.  Result:  Sentence:  ASAP; $500.00 fine plus costs; 365 days jail with 345 days suspended - 20 mandatory days to serve. 3 years license suspension; eligible for restricted license after 1 year; 3 years good behavior.  (2) Fail to Obey Highway Sign.  Result:  Dismissed.
•  Newport News GDC – 4 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 1st.  Result: DUI Sentence:  ASAP, $250.00 fine, plus court costs; 180 days jail - all suspended; 12 months suspended/restricted license; one year good behavior; 12 months ignition interlock requirement with no other restrictions. (2) Refusal.  Result:  Dismissed. (3) Fail to Maintain Control. Result:  Dismissed.  (4) Obstruction of Justice.  Result:  Sentence:  180 days jail - all jail suspended.
•  York GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 96/55.  Result:  Guilty.  Sentence:  $500.00 fine, 30 days jail - 10 suspended, 6 months license suspension - restricted after 30 days; 2 years good behavior.  (2) Reckless Driving by Passing on Crest or Curve.  Result:  ( Guilty) Sentence:  $300.00 fine, 30 days jail - 10 suspended, 6 months suspended/restricted license; 2 years good behavior.  Appealed both charges to Circuit Court.
•  Hampton GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 101/65.  Result:  Guilty of Reckless Driving.  Sentence:  Weekend jail, suspension of license for 30 days.  Client appealed to Circuit Court.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless by Speed, 69/45.  Results: Amended to Speeding, 69/45, $144.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  USDC Newport News - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 43/20.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 39/20, with $125.00 fine, plus $5.00 special assessment.
•  Hampton General District Court - Charge:  Operating Vehicle While Holding Cell Phone.  Results:  Guilty.  Appealed to Circuit Court.
•  Newport News GDC - 4 Charges:  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.15 BAC.  Result:  DUI Sentence:  $250.00 fine; ASAP, 180 days jail with 175 suspended - 5 days mandatory, 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock.  Result:  All three remaining charges Dismissed:  Concealed Weapon While Intoxicated, Speeding, 60/45, and Fail to Obey Highway Lane Markings.  Firearm returned to client.
•  Newport News GDC - 3 Charges:  (1)  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.13 BAC.  Sentence:  ASAP; $250.00 fine, plus court costs; 12 months suspended/restricted license, with ignition interlock as the only restriction; 180 days jail - all suspended; 12 months good behavior. (2) Open Container. (3) Fail to Obey Highway Markings. Both these charges dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  Newport News GDC Newport News GDC - 2 Charges: (1) DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.20 BAC.  Sentence: $250.00 fine, ASAP (temporary indigency for ASAP fee); 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock; 180 days jail - 175 suspended (5 days mandatory to serve on weekends).  (2) Reckless Driving - Fail to Maintain Control.  Result: Dismissed.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Speeding, 47/35 in Enhanced Penalty Zone.  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, $250.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. (Class 1 Misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to Simple Possession of Marijuana (Civil Penalty), with $25.00 court costs.
•  Hampton GDC- Charge:  Reckless Driving by Driving Too Fast for Highway and Traffic Conditions.  Result:  Not Guilty of Reckless Driving.
•  Isle of Wight GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/35 (53 mph over limit).  Result:  Guilty of Reckless Driving.  Sentence: $500.00 fine with $250.00 suspended; 12 months good behavior; 5 days jail - 4 days suspended leaving one overnight to serve.  No license Suspension.
•  Isle of Wight GDC -  2 Charges:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45 (25 mph over).  Result:  Not Guilty of Reckless Driving by Speed.  (2) Driving Without a License.  Sentence:  $50.00 fine, plus $99.00 costs.
•  Henrico General District Court –  Charge:  Speeding, 75/60 (15 mph).  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 69/60 (9 mph over), with $100.00 fine, plus court costs.
•  New Kent GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 76/55.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 65/55, with fine of $125.00, plus court costs.
•  New Kent County GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 76/55.  Result:  Amended to Speeding 64/55, with $125.00 fine, plus court costs. (2) No Driver's License (class 2 misdemeanor).  Result: Amended to Fail to Carry License (traffic infraction) with fine of $10.00, plus court costs of $71.00.
•  Hampton GDC - 3 Charges:  (1) Expired Registration.  Result:  Dismissed with $15.00 court costs.  (2) No Driver's License in Possession.  Result:  Dismissed with $66.00 court costs.  (3) Reckless Driving - Racing.  Result:  Guilty, $200.00 fine, no jail or license suspension.  Appealed Racing charge to Circuit Court.  
•  Hampton GDC - Charge:  Improper Lane Change.  Result:  Dismissed Improper Lane Change!
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge: Driving with Suspended License (class 1 misdemeanor).  Result: Amended to Fail to Carry License (traffic infraction) with fine of $10.00, plus court costs of $161.00.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Driving With Suspended License.  Result:  Dismissed Driving With Suspended License!
•  Newport News Circuit Court -  Charge:  Speeding 62/45.  Result: Amended to Speeding, 54/45 (9 mph over).
•  Newport News Circuit Court - 2 Charges (1) Reckless Driving – Fail to maintain control.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving with fine of $250.00 and court costs.  (2) Speeding, 70/55.  Result:  Fine of $80.00 and court costs.
•  York GDC - 4 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 2nd in 5 years.  Result:  Amended to 1st Offense; $500.00 fine, $250.00 suspended; ASAP, 2 years good behavior, 90 days jail - all suspended, 12 months suspended/restricted license.  (2) Suspended License (class 1 Misdemeanor).  Result:  Amended to class 2 Misdemeanor, which avoided 90 days license suspension), $50.00 fine.  (3) Result:  The two remaining charges were dismissed:  Impeding Traffic and Refusal, 2nd offense.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Speeding, 45/25 (20 mph over).  Result:  Amended to Defective Speedometer, with $30.00 fine and court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 112/65 (47 mph over).  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!  (22)  Failure to Appear.  Result:  Dismissed Failure to Appear!
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Fail to Stop Entering Highway.  Result:  Dismissed Fail to Stop Entering Highway with payment of court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1)  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.22 BAC.  Result:  Amended to reduce the BAC to 0.20 BAC.  This result reduced the mandatory jail from 10 days to 5 days; $250.00 fine; ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock; 180 days jail with 175 days suspended; 5 days mandatory jail to serve weekends.  (2) Fail to Obey Highway Lane Markings.  Result:  Dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  New Kent GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 89/70.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 79/70, with $125.00 fine plus court costs.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.18 BAC.  Result:  Sentencing:  $250.00 fine; ASAP; 12 months suspended/restricted license; 6 months ignition interlock, 180 days jail - 175 days suspended; 5 days mandatory – weekends.

JUNE

•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Reckless Driving General - Accident.  Amended to Improper Driving with $75.00 fine plus court costs.  (2) Open Container.  Result:  Dismissed Open Container!
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Driving with Suspended License (Class 1 Misdemeanor) Result:  Amended to Driving Without License in Possession, with $10.00 fine plus costs.
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 94/65.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!
•  Hampton GDC.  Charge:  Speeding, 76/60.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 69/60, with fine of $54.00, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 104/60 (44 mph).  Result: $250 fine; 30 days jail with 20 days suspended, leaving 5 days to serve after good time credit.
•  Newport News JDR - Charge:  Fail to Obey Highway Sign.  Result: Dismissed Fail to Obey Highway Sign!
•  Williamsburg GDC - 4 Charges: DUI / DWI 2nd in 5 years, Open Container (misdemeanor), Driving Uninsured Vehicle (misdemeanor), Following Too Closely (traffic infraction). Result:  Three charges dismissed by nolle pros: Open Container, Driving Uninsured Vehicle, Following Too Closely.  DUI / DWI Charge amended from 2nd offense to 1st offense.  Sentence: Complete ASAP, $500 fine, 12 months suspended driver's license (eligible to apply for a restricted license), 180 days jail with 145 days suspended, 2 years good behavior.
•  York GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Driving Without a License.  Result:  Dismissed Driving Without a License!  (2) Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/65.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 84/65, with $150.00 fine, plus costs.
•  York GDC -  Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 92/65.  Result:  Amended to Speeding, 84/65, with fine of $250.00, plus court costs.
•  Newport News GDC - 3 Charges:  Two ASAP Violations - Tampering with Ignition Interlock.  Result:  Dismissed both ASAP Violations!  (3) Failure to Appear.  Result:  Dismissed Failure to Appear!
•  Newport News GDC - Result:  Amended to Speeding, 84/65, with $250.00 fine, plus costs.
•  Newport News GDC - Charge:  DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.15 elevated BAC.  Result:  $250.00 fine; complete ASAP; 180 days jail - 175 days suspended, leaving only 5 days mandatory to serve on weekends; 12 months suspended/restricted license with 6 months ignition interlock required.
•  Newport News GDC -  Charge:  Reckless Driving with Accident.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!
•  Newport News Circuit Court - Case:  License Restoration Petition.  Result:  Case continued for client to complete DMV requirements and 6 months ignition interlock.  Renewed his Restricted License.
•  Chesapeake GDC -  3 Charges:  (1) Suspended License, 3rd offense, (2) Fictitious License Plates, (3) Improper Turn.   Result:  Dismissed Suspended License 3rd offense, Dismissed Fictitious License Plates, Dismissed Improper Turn!
•  Norfolk GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) Improper Use of Tags. Result:  Dismissed Improper Use of Tags! (2) Failure to Secure Registration.  Result:  Guilty with $25.00, plus $69.00 costs.
•  Henrico GDC - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/55.  Result:  Amended to Speeding (15-19 over).
•  Newport News GDC - 2 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 1st, 0.10 BAC.  Sentence:  Complete ASAP; 180 days jail - all suspended; $250.00 fine, plus court costs; 12 months suspended license; ignition interlock requirement for 12 months with no other restrictions.  (2) Reckless Driving with Accident.  Result:  Dismissed Reckless Driving!
•  Newport News GDC - 3 Charges:  (1) DUI / DWI, 1st, (2) Reckless Driving General, (3) No Registration.  Result:  DUI / DWI, 1st Dismissed and No Registration Dismissed!  Result: Reckless Driving sentence: $250.00 fine and costs; 6 months suspended/restricted license - without ignition interlock; 180 days jail - all suspended (no active jail time).
•  Newport News GDC - 3 Charges: (1) DUI / DWI, 2nd in 10 years.  Result:  DUI Sentence:  Complete ASAP; $500.00 fine, plus court costs; 3 years suspended license.  Eligible for Restricted License after 4 months; 10 days mandatory jail - all other jail suspended.  Result:  Dismissed Driving Without License and Driving without Headlights!
•  Williamsburg Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45.  Result:  Amended to Improper Driving with $300.00 fine and costs.
•  New Kent Circuit Court - Charge:  Reckless Driving by Speed, 95/70 (25 mph over).  Result:  Guilty of Reckless Driving by Speed, with $500.00 fine, plus court costs.  No jail or license suspension.

Traffic Court Defense Attorneys - Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Newport News Virginia
Traffic Court Defense Attorneys - Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Newport News Virginia
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Ignition Interlock Providers

If you are required to have an ignition interlock machine installed due to a DUI conviction, you will need to contact one of these providers.

Ignition Interlock Providers

If you are required to have an ignition interlock machine due to a DUI conviction, then it must be installed before you begin driving with your restricted license. Holcomb Law, PC, regularly receives discount coupons from the local ignition interlock providers. Please visit our office or contact a staff member to receive coupons.

Please note that you must complete at least six months without any violations in order to have the ignition interlock removed from your vehicle.

Alcolock VA
Website: www.alcolockva.com
Phone: (877) 859-4782

LifeSafer
Website: www.lifesafer.com
Phone: (866) 202-3381

Draeger, Inc.
Website: www.draeger.com/en-us_us/Ignition-Interlock
Phone: (800) 332-6858

Smart Start, Inc.
Website: www.smartstartinc.com
Phone: (800) 880-3394

Intoxalock
Website: www.intoxalock.com/virginia
Phone: (804) 381-4774

Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Traffic Court Attorney - Newport News Virginia
  • Attorney Mark Matney Case Results

Case Results

Attorney Mark Matney of Newport News Virginia has compiled and extensive list of case results going back to 2015 for your review.  The traffic court defense team at Holcomb Law has defended thousands of cases in traffic court including DUI and DWI, failure to yield, speeding, etc.  So please think of the lawyers at Holcomb Law when you require a defense attorney.

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Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Traffic Court Attorney - Newport News Virginia
  • 2018 Case Results

2018 Case Results

This is a listing of the 2018 Case Results handled by Holcomb Law, PC.
We serve the Hampton Roads area of Virginia with the top traffic court defense attorneys in the area.

Disclaimer for Case Results

I am frequently asked for the results of my representation. I have therefore summarized the cases I handled in 2018 and provided them on the website for your review. I chose not to post only the most successful cases or a sampling of cases. Instead, I have provided outcomes for all of my traffic related matters. In some instances I have reported only the final Circuit Court result when a case was presented in the General District Court and then appealed to the Circuit Court.

To protect confidentiality, I have removed the identities of clients, judges, and law enforcement personnel.

This information accurately reflects the outcomes of those cases but the results in each situation depend on many factors and cannot be relied on to guarantee the result in your particular matter. Each case is unique because it involves its own combination of evidence, client history, law enforcement, prosecutor, and judge.

Note:  In every case where a Reckless Driving charge is amended to Speeding or Improper Driving, the outcome involves a criminal misdemeanor becoming a traffic infraction.

January

•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 78/55. Result: Amended to Improper Driving w/ $125 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 85/60. Result: Amended to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $250 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed. 75/55. Result: Amended to Defective Speedometer w/ $50.00 fine.
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/70 Result: To be amended to Improper Driving on review date if completes driver improvement course and pays $175 fine. (2) Operating with Tint/Signs/Decals Windows. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 85/60 w/ $250 fine. (2) Unsafe Lane Change. Result: $30.00 fine.
•  (1) DWI with Minors in the Vehicle. Result: $500 fine (mandatory minimum), ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 180 days jail w/ 175 days suspended (5 days jail to serve). This result avoided the one year license suspension of a refusal charge and ten additional days of jail from two additional minors being present in the car. •  (2) Refusal. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros. (3) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed.
•  DWI 1st. Result: ASAP, $500 fine with $250 suspended, 365 days jail – all suspended, 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock. This result accomplished the minimum sentence permitted by the Virginia Code.
•  (1) DWI 1st. Result: ASAP, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 6 months jail – all suspended, 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, one year good behavior. (2) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed. This result accomplished the minimum sentence permitted by the Virginia Code.
•  (1) Suspended License 2nd offense. Result: Dismissed! (2) Failure to Obey Stop Sign. Result: Dismissed!
Reckless Driving by Speed, 93/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding 79/60 w/ $250.00 fine.
•  (1) Driving with Suspended License, 4th offense. Result: Reduced to Driving without a license w/ $50.00 fine. This result reduced the suspended license charge from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 2 misdemeanor, avoided a minimum of 10 days of jail, and avoided 90 days license suspension. (2) Failure to Display Front License Plate. Result: $20 fine.
Reckless Driving w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $50 fine.
•  (1) DWI 2nd in 5 years. Result: $500.00 fine, ASAP, $50.00 Trauma Fund, 3 years suspended license, 3 years good behavior, 365 days jail w/ 345 suspended – 20 days mandatory to serve on weekends. (2) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed! (3) Driving Without a License. Result: Dismissed by nolle pros.
•  Speeding 74/55. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $25.00 fine.

February

•  DWI 2nd in 5 years & Show Cause for Failure to Appear. Result: ASAP, $1,000 fine, 3 years suspended license (eligible for restricted license after 1 year), 3 years good behavior, 180 days jail w/ 150 days suspended – 30 days mandatory jail to serve on weekends. This accomplished the mandatory minimum sentence for the DWI charge and avoided risk of jury trial demanded by the judge.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 87/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine.
•  Reckless Driving / Exceeding safe speed for road conditions. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $30 fine.
•  DWI 2nd in 5 years. Result: $1,000 fine w/ $500 suspended, 365 days jail w/ 325 suspended, 36 months suspended license w/ eligibility for restricted license after 12 months, ASAP. This result accomplished the mandatory minimum permitted by the Virginia Code for a second offense except for 5 additional days of jail.
•  (1) DWI 2nd in 5-10 years. Result: ASAP, $500 fine, 365 days jail w/ 353 days suspended – 10 mandatory and 2 discretionary days to serve on weekends, 3 years good behavior, 3 years suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock when apply for restricted license. (2) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed, (3) Refusal 2nd, (4) Open Container, (5) Impede Traffic. Results: Dismissed by Nolle pros. This result avoided convictions, fines, costs, and license suspension associated with four of the charges and ensured the minimum sentence for the DWI except for one extra overnight of jail.
•  (1) DWI 1st. Result: ASAP, $250 fine, 180 days jail – all suspended, one year good behavior, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock. (2) Reckless Driving w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed! (3) Fail to Yield. Result: Dismissed!
•  Speeding, 80/60. Result: Dismissed without court costs. Officer did not have calibration records.
•  (1) DWI 2nd within 5 years (elevated BAC). Result: Reduced DWI 2nd within 5 years to DWI 2nd within 5-10 years. $1000 fine w/ $500 suspended, ASAP, 3 years suspended license, eligible for restricted license after 4 months, 6 months ignition interlock when obtains restricted license, 3 years good behavior, 6 months jail w/ 5 months suspended – this leaves 30 days to serve on weekends. The amendment reduced the waiting period for a restricted license from 12 months to 4 months. (2) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving – Fail to Maintain Control w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $200 fine.
•  Improper Backing w/ Accident. Result: Judge noted that he was in a difficult position but found that he was at fault. Guilty of Improper Backing, but judge waived fine and only required court costs of $66.00.
•  DWI (elevated BAC). Result: Reduced from 0.22 BAC (10 days mandatory jail) to 0.20 BAC (5 days mandatory jail). ASAP, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license granted, 6 months ignition interlock, 2 years good behavior, 90 days jail w/ 82 days suspended (only 6 days to serve with credits). (2) Open Container. Result: Dismissed by Nolle pros.
•  Reckless Driving, Fail to maintain proper control w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $75 fine.
•  Speeding, 52/35. Result: Reduced to defective equipment w/ $25 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 90/60. Result: Dismissed!
•  Driving without Headlights w/ Accident. Result: Judge ruled evidence sufficient for guilty, but amended to defective equipment w/ $50.00 fine.
•  DWI 1st. Result: ASAP, Eligible to apply for restricted License, 6 months interlock if applies for Restricted License, 365 days jail – all suspended, 12 months good behavior, $500.00 fine w/ $250 suspended.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/70. Result: Reduced to Speeding.
•  Speeding, 77/55. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $160 fine.
•  2 ASAP show cause violations. Result: Guilty of the ASAP violations, but judge did not impose any penalty. No jail, fine, or community service. The judge reinstated client into the ASAP program and placed client on good behavior for 3 years.
•  DWI 1st with elevated BAC (0.15). Result: Reduced to standard BAC (0.08 – 0.14). ASAP, $250 fine, 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 60 days jail w/ 55 days suspended, 2 years good behavior. This result reduced the active jail sentence by changing the 5 days of jail from mandatory time to discretionary time.

March

•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/70. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving with $400 fine.
•  Shoplifting (grand larceny) – Felony. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros!
(1) DWI 2nd within 5 years with elevated BAC. Result: Reduced the DWI 2nd to DWI 1st. ASAP, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 12 months suspended license, eligible for restricted license immediately but did not apply due to relocating, 90 days jail w/ 60 days suspended (18 days to serve after good time credit). The amendment of the DWI reduced the license suspension from 3 years to 1 year, reduced the jail from 30 days minimum to 18 days, and avoided a 1 year delay before eligible for a restricted license. (2) Reckless Driving (failure to maintain control). Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros. This result avoided a conviction, fine and costs.
•  DWI 1st w/ elevated BAC. Result: ASAP, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 180 days w/ 175 days suspended (5 days mandatory to serve on weekends), 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license. This result ensured the mandatory minimum sentence permitted under the Virginia Code.
•  (1) Failure to Obey Highway Sign. Result: Dismissed w/ payment of court costs! (2) Speeding 74/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding 64/55 w/ $54 fine.
•  Reckless Driving (failure to yield right of way). Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 94/70. Result: $500 fine w/ no jail or license suspension.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 69/45. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 64/45 w/ $114 fine.
•  Driving without a License. Result: Dismissed!
•  Public Intoxication. Result: Dismissed with payment of court costs.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 95/70. Result: $500 fine, 30 days jail – all suspended. This result avoided an active jail sentence and license suspension.
•  (1) DWI 1st, elevated 0.26 BAC. Result: Reduced to Standard BAC, 1st Offense. ASAP, 30 days jail – all suspended, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 2 years good behavior. (2) Reckless Driving General. Result: Dismissed! The amendment of the BAC avoided 10 days mandatory minimum jail.
•  DWI 1st. Result: Reduced to Reckless Driving General. $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 30 days jail – all suspended, ASAP, 2 years good behavior, 6 months suspended/restricted license.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 92/70. Result: Withheld finding (juvenile court). Charge to be amended or dismissed on review date if client complies with conditions: (1) pay court costs; (2) 25 hours community service; (3) Provide proof of completing high school; (4) No new violations.
•  Driving with suspended license (4th offense). Result: Dismissed! This result avoided the misdemeanor, 10 days mandatory minimum jail, and 90 days license suspension.
•  Reckless Driving/General. Result: Reduced to Driving Wrong Way w/ $100.00 fine.
•  Failure to signal. Result: Dismissed!
•  (1) Driving with suspended license. Result: Amended from 3rd offense to 2nd, 5 days jail to serve on weekends, 90 days license suspension; (2) Red Light Violation. Result: $50 fine. (3) No proof of insurance. Result: Dismissed with court costs. (4) Driving without license in possession. Result: Dismissed with court costs.
•  DWI 1st (0.11 BAC). Result: Not Guilty! This result was achieved at trial based on a legal argument that excluded the breath certificate and discrepancies between the video and the officer’s testimony and notes.
•  Public Intoxication. Result: Dismissed with payment of court costs!
•  Speeding, 49/25. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 39/25 w/ $84.00 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed 82/70. Result: $100.00 fine. Avoided jail and license Suspension. This is not a typical result for this speed so I encouraged an appeal.
•  Driving with suspended license (class 1 misdemeanor). Result: Reduced to Driving without a license (class 2 misdemeanor) w/ $100 fine. This result avoided 90 days of license suspension.
•  (1) DWI 1st (no BAC). Result: ASAP, 30 days jail – all suspended, $250 suspended, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 2 years good behavior. (2) Refusal. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros. (3) Impede Traffic. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine. (2) Suspended License, 5th offense. Result: Reduced to Driving Without a License w/ $100 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor for reckless driving and reduced the driving with suspended license charge from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 2 misdemeanor. This result avoided 90 days license suspension and 10 days mandatory minimum jail.
•  (1) Driving While Suspended, 5th offense (class 1 misdemeanor). Result: Reduced to no license in possession (traffic infraction) w/ $10.00 fine. (2) Counterfeit Inspection Sticker. Result: $100 fine. (3) Display License Plate on another vehicle. Result: $50 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor (30 days jail, 90 days license suspension).
•  DWI, 1st. Result: ASAP, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 90 days jail – all suspended, 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license, Ignition interlock – may petition for removal after 6 months. This result ensured the minimum sentence permitted by the Virginia Code.
•  (1) Felony Extortion. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros. (2) Cause Telephone to Ring With Intent to Annoy. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros. (3) Harassment by Computer; (4) Unlawful Dissemination of Image (Count One); (5) Unlawful Dissemination of Image (Count Two). Result: 10 hours Community Service, 4 months jail – all suspended, No contact with victim, 3 years good behavior, Complete assessment and follow any recommended treatment or counseling. This result avoided the felony and one of the misdemeanors with no fines and no active jail.

April

•  Fail to Obey Highway Lane Markings w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed!
•  Speeding, 69/60. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $90 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/60. Result: Reduced to speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine.
•  Reckless Driving, too fast for conditions, w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed w/ no court costs!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 79/45. Result: $500.00 fine w/ $101 court costs.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding. 79/60 w/ $114 fine.
•  Reckless Driving General. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $75.00 fine.
•  Speeding, 45/25. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed 56/35. Result: Reduced to Speeding 15-19 mph over limit w/ $250 fine.
•  (1) Refusal 1st; (2) Speeding, 52/35. Result: Dismissed! (3) DWI 1st Result: $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 24 hours community service, and letter of apology to the officer.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 65/35. Result: Reduced to speeding, 54/35 w/ $114 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 84/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $138 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $168 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/55. Result: Reduced to speeding, 74/55 w/ $140 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/65. Result: Reduced to speeding, 74/65 w/ $54 fine.
•  Speeding 79/60. Result: Dismissed with payment of court costs!
•  (1) Driving without License (1st offense); (2) Following too closely; (3) No Liability Insurance. Result: All 3 charges dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/70. Result: Reduced to No Demerit Point violation w/ $130 fine.
•  (1) Refusal. Result: Nolle pros. (2) DWI 1st. Result: ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 90 days jail – all suspended, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 12 months good behavior.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $126 fine.
•  (1) Driving with suspended license (3rd offense). Result: Dismissed! (2) Operating vehicle without brake lights. Result: $25.00 fine.
•  Show Cause for Non-compliance w/ ASAP. Result: 30 days jail w/ 20 suspended, $130 court costs.

May

•  (1) Stop sign violation. Result: $50 fine. (2) Driving with suspended license, 5th offense. Result: $500 fine, 90 days license suspension, 365 days jail w/ 325 suspended (25 days to serve on weekends).
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 77/60 w/ $102 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Violation of Learner’s Permit. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving, Fail to Maintain Control. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $50.00 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 76/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 64/55 w/ $54.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Review for ASAP compliance. Result: ASAP Show Cause Dismissed!
•  (1) Open Container; (2) Failure to maintain lane. Result: Nolle Pros. (3) DWI 1st. Result: VASAP, 12 months jail w/ 12 months suspended, eligible for restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock if obtain restricted license within 12 months of the court date, 2 years good behavior. This result avoided the misdemeanor, fines, and a traffic infraction. It also avoided 5 days minimum jail for an elevated BAC and ensured the minimum DUI sentence permitted by the Virginia code.
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 46/25. Result: Reduced to Speeding w/ $126 fine. (2) Improper Windows Tint. Result: $25 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor and possibility of license suspension.
•  Assault and Battery. Result: $250.00 fine – all suspended, 90 days jail w/ 88 suspended – 2 days jail mandatory.
•  Driving with suspended License, 7th offense. Result: Reduced to no License in Possession. This result reduced the charge from a criminal misdemeanor to a traffic infraction. The client avoided 10 days mandatory jail, 90 days license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 90/65. Result: Judge granted continuance for client to complete more steps before deciding case.
•  Drunk in Public. Result: Dismissed based on preparedness and testimony of officer. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Motion to amend sentence. Result: Motion was granted, probation and good behavior period were ended.
•  Driving with suspended License. Result: Client granted continuance to obtain license.
•  Reckless Driving w/ Accident. Argued that since officer did not see the accident and did not subpoena witnesses, the case should be dismissed. Result: Dismissed!
•  Driving with revoked License due to prior DUI suspension. Result: 180 days jail with 160 days suspended, $100 fine, 12 months good behavior.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 87/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/70 w/ $215.00 fine.

June

•  (1) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed! (2) DWI, 0.22 BAC. Result: $250 fine, ASAP, 12 months suspension. No ignition interlock requirement, 180 days jail w/ 170 days suspended – 10 days jail mandatory.
•  (1) Reckless Driving General. Result: Dismissed! (2) DWI 1st, 0.09 BAC. Result: $250 fine, ASAP, all jail time suspended, 12 months suspended license or restricted w/ ignition interlock.
•  Reckless driving by Speed, 86/70. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $200 fine.
•  Reckless Driving, Failure to maintain control. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 92/60. Result: 90 days suspended license, 30 days jail – all suspended, $500 fine, fine suspended if client completes 92 hours of community service.
•  Following too closely. Result: Dismissed w/ no fine!
•  (1) Failed to Maintain Control. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $75.00 fine. (2) Reckless Driving by Speed, 45/25. Result: Dismissed with no fine! This result avoided the misdemeanor for both charges.
•  (1) Refusal; (2) Speeding 52/35; (3) DWI 1st. Result: Provided judge with client’s apology letter, CCD’s letter indicating successful completion of community service, and recommending successful discharge from CCD. Client was immediately removed from CCD supervision.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 81/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine.
•  Possession of controlled substance. Result: Dismissed!
•  Speeding, 60/45. Result: Dismissed! Officer’s Radar was certified more than 6 months before stop.
•  (1) Reckless Driving General w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $250 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor. (2) Failure to Obey Lane Markings. Result: $100 fine.
•  Speeding, 74/60. Result: Will be dismissed on Review Date without a court appearance if client complies with conditions: Pay $66.00 court costs, No new violations, must provide updated DMV transcript dated within 10 days before the review date.
•  Driving w/ suspended license, 3rd offense. Result: Reduced to driving w/ suspended license, 2nd offense. 30 days jail – all suspended, 90 days suspended license – all suspended, one year good behavior, no fine, $296 court costs.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 71/45. Result: Dismissed!
•  Possession of Marijuana, 2nd. Result: Reduced to Possession of Marijuana 1st, $250.00 fine, 30 days jail – all suspended, 6 months Suspended/Restricted License, 12 months good behavior.
•  DWI 1st, (0.19 elevated BAC). Result: ASAP, $250 fine, 90 days jail w/ 85 days suspended – 5 days mandatory due to elevated BAC, 12 months suspended license w/ restricted license, 12 months ignition interlock. May petition for removal if no violations after 6 months.
•  Reckless Driving General w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $75.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving General w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $30.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 85/65. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 84/65. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Fail to Yield Right of Way. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving General w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed w/ payment of court costs.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 70/45 w/ $250 fine.

July

•  ASAP show cause for non-compliance. Result: 90 days jail w/ 86 days suspended. Referred back to ASAP supervision.
•  Speeding, 79/60. Result: Reduced to speeding, 74/60. This result avoided a 30 day license suspension.
•  Speeding, 75/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine.
•  DWI, 1st, 0.04 BAC. Result: Reduced to Reckless Driving General. $250 fine, 3 months suspended license, 365 days jail – all suspended, 2 years good behavior.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Speeding, 80/60 w/ $120 fine.
•  Reckless Driving, Failure to maintain control w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $100 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Obstructed View. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $75.00 fine.
•  DWI 1st, 0.11 BAC. Result: $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, VASAP, 12 months suspended license, ignition interlock, 30 days jail – all suspended.
•  Failure to Obey Highway Sign. Result: $54 fine.
•  (1) DWI 2nd in 5 years, 0.16 BAC. Result: VASAP, 12 months jail w/ 10 suspended (30 days mandatory and 1/2 of 30 days = 45 days to serve), $2,500 fine w/ $1,500 suspended, 3 years suspended license, 2 years good behavior. (2) Following Too Closely. Result: Not Guilty.
•  (1) Improper U-Turn; (2) Improper use of unauthorized lights. Result: Both Charges Dismissed! Must pay court costs for the U-Turn charge.
•  (1) Failure to Appear; (2) No Insurance. Result: Both Dismissed! (3) Reckless Driving. Result: $150 fine with no license suspension.
•  Assault on Family Member. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros!
•  (1) Fail to obey stop sign w/ Accident; (2) Expired Inspections. Result: Both Dismissed!
•  (1) Improper Backing. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros! (2) DWI 1st, 0.15 BAC. Result: $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 90 days jail – all suspended, ASAP, 12 months suspended License, 6 months ignition interlock.
•  Reckless Driving General. Result: $500 fine w/ $400 suspended, 6 months good behavior. This result avoided license suspension and possible jail sentence.
•  (1) 3rd Brake Light out. Result: Dismissed! (2) Driving w/ Suspended License, 2nd Offense. Result: Reduced to Driving without a License w/ $50 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 57/35. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 57/35 w/ $220 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor and the possibility of license suspension.

August

•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 101/45. Result: $500.00 fine, 90 days jail w/ 88 days suspended (one overnight to serve), 2 years good behavior, 6 months suspended license w/ Restricted license after 30 days.
•  Petition for extension of Restricted License and removal of Ignition Interlock machine. Result: Restricted License extended and ignition Interlock no longer required.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 80/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 15-19 mph, $90.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 95/55. Result: Reduced to Reckless Driving, 75/55 w/ $300.00 fine.  No jail or license suspension.
•  Tunnel Height Violation (Class 1 Misdemeanor). Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $250 fine to pay within 30 days.  This result avoided the criminal misdemeanor and the $1,000 mandatory fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 80/60 w/ $120 fine.  This result avoided the criminal misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/70. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 86/70 w/ $250 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Speeding, 62/45. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $100 fine.
•  Speeding, 80/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 87/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $250.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 92/45. Result: $1,000 fine w/ $500 suspended, 30 days jail w/ 27 days suspended, 6 months suspended/restricted license. (2) No State Inspection. Result: Dismissed! (3) No License in Possession. Result: Dismissed!
•  Following Too Closely w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 68/45. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 68/45 w/ $138 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Speeding, 61/45. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment.
•  Driving While Suspended or Revoked. Result: 60 days jail w/ 50 suspended, $300 fine, 90 days Suspended License.
•  Reckless Driving Speed 59/35. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 49/35 w/ $84.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 92/70. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $138 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $156 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 100/60. Result: $250 fine, 30 days jail – all suspended, 60 days suspended license, eligible for restricted license, one year good behavior.
•  Speeding, 50/35. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 44/35 w/ $54.00 fine.  This avoided the misdemeanor.
Reckless Driving, Fail to maintain Control w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed!  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) Reckless Driving w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving, $100.00 fine. (2) Dangling Object in View of Driver. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 89/65. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $25.00 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 85/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 71/60 w/ $66.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 80/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Speeding, 49/30. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 57/35 (Work Zone). Result: Reduced to Speeding, 44/35 w/ $63.00 fine.  This avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) DWI. Result: ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, $250 fine, all jail suspended. (2) Reckless Driving by Speed. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  DUI, 1st. Result: One year probation, ASAP, $500 fine, $25.00 assessment, 12 months Suspended License.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.

September

•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 85/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 85/60 w/ $250 fine.
•  (1) DWI, 1st, 0.29 BAC. Result: $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 30 days jail w/ 20 days suspended, 10 days mandatory to serve on weekends. ASAP, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock w/ camera, 2 years good behavior. (2) Reckless Driving by Speed, 89/60. Result: Dismissed!
•  (1) DWI, 1st, 0.15 BAC. Result: ASAP, 12 months Suspended/Restricted License, 6 months ignition interlock, $500 fine, 90 days jail w/ 85 suspended, 50 hours Community Service (2) Underage Possession of Alcohol; (3) Speeding, 42/25. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros.
•  Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance. Result: One year good behavior, One Year supervision by Probation and Parole, 100 hours community service, Waive 4th Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizure for one year, 6 months suspended license, $550 court costs.
•  Speeding, 69/45. Result: Class B Misdemeanor (Federal), $300 fine, $30.00 processing fee, and $10.00 special assessment.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 83/55. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $280 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 51/25. Result: Reduced to Speeding 26 over w/ $156 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Driving Without a License, 2nd Offense. Result: $200 fine.
•  Violation of Right Turn on Red. Result: Dismissed!
•  Public Intoxication. Result: Dismissed!
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 80/55. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $150 fine w/ $50 suspended. This result avoided the misdemeanor. (2) Unsafe Lane Change. Result: Dismissed!
•  Following too closely w/Accident. Result: Not Guilty!
•  (1) DWI 1st, 0.06 BAC. Result: Reduced to Reckless Driving General, $500 fine w/ $250.00 suspended, 30 days jail – all suspended, 2 years good behavior. (2) Reckless Driving by Speed, 78/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 75/55 w/ $120 fine.
•  Driving w/ Revoked License due to DUI. Result: $100 fine, 90 days jail – all suspended, 50 hours Community Service with CCD.  This result avoided 30 days of active jail ordered by the judge.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 99/60. Result: $1,000 fine w/ $500 suspended, 10 days jail – all suspended, 60 hours Community Service with CCD, no License Suspension.  This result avoided active jail time and 95 days of suspended/restricted license that were ordered by the judge.
•  DUI 1st, elevated BAC. Result: ASAP, $250 fine, 90 days jail w/ 85 suspended – 5 days mandatory due to elevated BAC, 12 months suspended license, 2 years good behavior.
•  (1) DUI 1st, 0.17 BAC; (2) Failure to Appear. Result: 12 months suspended/restricted license, ASAP, $1,500 fine w/ $1,150 suspended, 180 days jail w/ 175 days suspended – 5 days to serve on weekends, 2 years good behavior, 6 months ignition interlock. (3) Speeding, 62/35. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros.

October

•  (1) Driving Without License (Class 2 misdemeanor). Result: Reduced to Driving Without License in Possession (Infraction) w/ $10.00 fine.  (2) Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 71/60 w/ $66.00 fine. This result avoided misdemeanor convictions.
•  Speeding, 74/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 9 over w/ $54.00.  Lowest band for DMV and insurance.
•  Speeding, 47/35. Result: Dismissed upon presentation of apology letter to Officer.  The infraction will not appear on the DMV Transcript.
•  Fail to Obey Traffic Signal. Result: Dismissed!  The infraction will not appear on the DMV Transcript.
•  (1) DWI 1st w/ elevated BAC. Result: ASAP, $250 fine, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 180 days jail w/ 175 days suspended – 5 days mandatory due to elevated BAC. (2) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed by nolle pros!
•  Reckless by Speed, 82/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 75/60 w/ $90.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) DWI 1st, 0.20 BAC. Result: 180 days jail w/ 185 suspended – 5 days mandatory to serve on weekends, ASAP, $250 fine, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, one year good behavior. (2) Open Container; (3) Fail to Yield. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros!
•  Speeding, 79/60. Result: Client provided driver improvement certificate. Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine.  Lowest band for DMV and insurance.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 81/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding 10 over w/ $60.00 fine.
•  Reckless Driving, 84/60. Result: Dismissed.
•  Petition for Restricted License. Result: Judge granted Restricted License.
•  Reckless Driving General w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $150 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) Felony Hit & Run (Leaving scene of accident). Result: Reduced to a misdemeanor. 12 months jail w/ 10 months suspended, $250 fine – all suspended, 2 years good behavior. (2) DUI 1st w/ elevated BAC (0.15). Result: $250 fine, $50 trauma fund, ASAP, 12 months suspended license, 365 days jail w/ 360 suspended – 5 days mandatory to run concurrently with hit and run sentence, 2 years good behavior. Permitted to serve jail sentence on weekends. (3) Elude Police. Result: $100 fine, 30 days suspended license. (4) Underage possession of alcohol. Result: $500 fine.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/60. Result: Reduced to 75/60 w/ $90.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  DWI 1st, 0.14 BAC. Result: $500.00 fine w/ $250 suspended, 60 days jail – all suspended, VASAP – one year, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock.
•  (1) Speeding, 79/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $54.00 fine. (2) HOV Violation. Result: Dismissed. (3) Fail to Give Signal. Result: Dismissed!
•  DWI, 1st, 0.18 BAC. Result: ASAP, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 12 months suspended/restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, 2 years good behavior, 90 days jail w/ 85 suspended – 5 days mandatory.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 82/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 74/55 w/ $250 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving – Fail to Maintain Control w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $125 fine.
•  Speeding, 63/45 (18 mph over). Result: Reduced to Speeding, 54/45 (9 mph over) w/ $108 fine.  Lowest band for DMV and Insurance.
•  Speeding, 75/55. Result: $120 fine, $91.00 court costs. (2) Driving Under Suspended License/3rd Offense. Result: $100 fine, $91 court costs.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 90/65. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $150 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) Expired Registration. Result: $61.00 court costs. (2) No Valid Operator’s License. Result: Dismissed! (3) Fail to Obey Highway Sign. Result: $100 fine, $10.00 court costs.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 69/45. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 54/45 w/ $54.00 fine.
•  Speeding, 60/45. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $100 fine.

November

•  (1) DUI 1st, 0.15 BAC. Result: $250.00 fine, 90 days jail w/ 85 suspended- 5 days to serve, 12 months Suspended License, ASAP. (2) Speeding, 42/25. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros!
•  (1) Fail to Display License Plate. Result: Dismissed with no court costs! (2) Suspended License 3rd. Result: 10 days jail, $300 fine, 90 days Suspended License.
•  Speeding, 60/45. Result: Dismissed w/ payment of court costs.
•  (1) DUI 1st, 0.14 BAC; (2) Failure to Maintain Control. Result: (1) ASAP, $250 fine, 180 days jail – all suspended, 12 months Suspended/Restricted License, 6 months ignition interlock, 12 months good behavior.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 96/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  DUI 1st, 0.22 BAC. Result: Reduced to DUI 1st, 0.20 BAC. ASAP, $250 fine, 180 days jail w/ 175 suspended – 5 days mandatory jail, 12 months Suspended license. No ignition interlock requirement due to no restricted license.
•  (1) Marijuana Possession (not 1st offended eligible) Result: $250 fine, 30 days jail – all suspended, 6 months Suspended/Restricted license, 12 months good behavior. (2) Improper Brake Lights. Result: Dismissed!
•  (1) Speeding, 60/45. Result: Dismissed! (2) Driving Without License Result: Reduced To Driving Without A License – Infraction, Class 2 Misdemeanor. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) Reckless Driving by Speed, 92/70. Result: Reduced to Reckless Driving by Speed, 90/70 w/ $300 fine.  No jail or License Suspension. (2) Expired Registration. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 70/45. Result: Reduced charge to 9 MPG over.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Speeding, 46/25. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 34/25 w/ $54.00 fine.  This result placed the charge in the lowest band for DMV and insurance.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 65/35. Result: $180 fine. This result avoided jail and License Suspension.
•  (1) DUI 1st, 0.11 BAC. Result: ASAP, 60 days jail – all suspended, 2 years good behavior (no new misdemeanors), 12 months Suspended license w/ Restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock. (2) Reckless Driving w/ accident/fail to maintain control. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros w/ no fine.
•  (1) DUI, 1st. Result: $250 fine, 180 days jail – all suspended, 12 months Restricted License, 6 months ignition interlock (Range 6 -12 months), ASAP, 2 years good behavior. (2) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros! (3) Refusal. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros!  This result avoided 12 months license suspension.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 110/70. Result: $500 fine, 60 days jail w/ 50 suspended – 5 days to serve after good time credit, 6 months suspended license, restricted license after 60 days.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 95/70. Result: $500 fine, 30 days jail – all suspended, 6 months Suspended/Restricted license after 30 days.  This result avoided the active jail sentence and any community service requirement.
•  Reckless Driving General w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $100 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving – Operating with Improper Brakes w/ Accident. Result: Reduced to Improper Equipment w/ $100 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Red Light Violation. Result: Dismissed!  The charge will not appear on the DMV transcript.
•  Driving w/ Suspended License, 5th Offense – Class 2 Misdemeanor. Result: Reduced to Driving Without License in Possession, (traffic infraction) w/ $10.00 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor, 10 days mandatory minimum jail, and 90 days license suspension.
•  (1,2) 2 Charges Driving with Suspended License, 3rd or subsequent offense. Result: Reduced to Driving Without License, 30 days jail – all suspended, 1st Offence – $300.00 fine – all suspended, 2nd Offense – $300 fine w/ $200 suspended. (3) Failure to Appear. Result: Dismissed!
•  DWI 1st. Result: $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 180 days jail – all suspended, ASAP and no alcohol, 12 months Suspended/Restricted, ignition interlock for 12 months – can petition for removal after 6 months.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 80/55. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 80/55 w/ $250 fine.

December

•  (1) Driving w/ Suspended License Result: Not Guilty. (2) Expired Registration. Result: Dismissed with payment of court costs.
•  (1) DWI 1st w/ elevated BAC. Result: ASAP, 12 months Suspended/Restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock, $1000 fine w/ $500 suspended, 90 days jail w/ 80 days suspended – 10 days mandatory to serve. (2) Fail to Obey Highway Signal. Result: Dismissed by nolle pros!  This result accomplished the minimum sentence permitted by the Virginia Code and avoided the traffic charge.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 84/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $144 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  (1) Speeding, 80/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 69/60 w/ $120 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor. (2) No Drivers License. Result: Not Guilty!
•  (1) DUI 1st. Result: 30 days jail – all suspended, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, ASAP, 12 months Suspended/Restricted License, 6 months ignition interlock. (2) Reckless Driving – Fail to Maintain Lane. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros!
•  (1) DUI 1st. Result: $500 fine, 6 months jail – all except 15 days suspended, ASAP and no alcohol, 12 months Suspended/Restricted license, 6 months ignition interlock. (2) Refusal, 1st. Result: Dismissed!
•  (1) DWI 1st. Result: 180 days jail –  175 days suspended – 5 days to serve, 12 month Suspended/Restricted license, 1 year probation, $250 fine. (2) Driving Suspended, 3rd Result: Dismissed by Nolle Prose.  (3) Reckless Driving. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 73/45. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $280 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 86/60. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 79/60 w/ $114 fine.  This Result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 94/65. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $500 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 58/35 (23 mph). Result: Reduced to Speeding, 54/35 (19 mph) w/ $100 fine.
•  Speeding, 80/60. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment/Speedometer w/ $140 fine.
•  Speeding, 49/30. Result: Reduced to Defective Equipment w/ $50.00 fine.
•  (1) Driving with Suspended License, 3rd. Result: Dismissed! (2) Fail to Appear. Result: $100 fine.  The dismissal of the Driving with Suspended License charge avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 98/65. Result: $750 fine, 30 days jail – all  suspended, 33 days community service.
•  Improper Lane Change w/ Accident. Result: Dismissed!
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 67/45. Result: Reduced to Speeding, 64/45 w/ $90.00 fine. This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 88/60. Result: Reduced to Improper Driving w/ $250 fine.  This result avoided the misdemeanor.
•  Reckless Driving by Speed, 102/60. Result:  $1,000 fine w/ $750 suspended, 30 days jail w/ 26 suspended – 4 days to serve, 60 days suspended/restricted license.
•  (1) DWI 3rd in 5-10 years. Result: Reduced to DWI 2nd in 5-10 years. ASAP, 180 days jail w/ 160 suspended – 10 mandatory and 1/2 of 10 = 15 to serve, 3 years Suspended License – Restricted after 4 months, ignition interlock – 6 months when applies for restricted license, $1,000 w/ $500 suspended.  (2) Refusal. Result: Dismissed by Nolle Pros.  This result avoided Class 2 Misdemeanor, 3 years suspended license, fine, and costs.
•  (1) DUI 1st. Result: ASAP, 12 months Suspended License, 12 months jail – all suspended, $500 fine w/ $250 suspended, 2 years good behavior. (2) Reckless Driving by Speed, 54/35. Result: Reduced to Speeding w/ $114 fine. This result avoided a misdemeanor for the reckless driving and accomplished the minimum sentence permitted by the Virginia Code for the DUI.
•  Fail to obey Highway Sign. Result: Dismissed!

Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Member of DUI Defense Lawyers Association

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DUI Attorney Mark Matney - Matney Law PLLC - Newport News - Williamsburg

Mark Matney

DUI & Traffic Court Lawyer

Can I be Found Guilty of DUI Below 0.08 BAC

Posted by Mark Matney of Holcomb Law, PC Newport News, VA
www.matneylawpllc.com
__________________________________

Can I be found guilty of DUI below 0.08 BAC? Yes. Although I have not lost a trial for a BAC below 0.08, I watched a trial in which someone was found guilty of DUI at 0.06 BAC and I have had to go to trial for clients with a BAC as low as 0.05.

0.08 is the threshold for presuming that the driver is under the influence of alcohol.  This presumption helps the prosecutor because it places the burden on the driver to prove that he was not under the influence.  For the driver to get a presumption that he was not under the influence of alcohol, the BAC must be 0.05 or below.  In that circumstance, the prosecutor has the burden of proving that factors other than the BAC prove the driver was under the influence.  

So what about 0.06 to 0.07 BAC?  For the middle BACs, neither side is entitled to a presumption.  This means that the driver tries to prove that his driving and testing do not prove he was under the influence while the prosecutor seeks to show why the same evidence demonstrates that he was under the influence.

Let’s look at a recent 0.05 BAC defense that resulted in Not Guilty of DUI.

The police approached my client because he stopped in a left turn lane instead of pulling onto the shoulder when he needed to address something going on in his car.  He had two passengers with him.  The officer noted an odor of an alcoholic beverage, but did not note any other problems with his personal contact with the driver.  The officer also noted few issues with the field testing.  So why was the driver arrested?  He admitted to drinking and took the Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) with a result of 0.075 BAC.  Alcohol in his system was then confirmed by the formal breath test on the Intoxilyzer EC/IR II with a BAC of 0.05.  The prosecutor chose to pursue a DUI trial instead of negotiating a lesser charge.

To defend against the DUI, I broke the case up into four sections.  First, I asked the officer questions to emphasize that he did not observe the vehicle in motion.  Secondly, I had the officer review all of the good points of his personal contact notes indicating that the driver did not have any problems with his speech, standing, walking, or complying with instructions.  Furthermore, a passenger who had not consumed any alcohol felt safe riding with the driver.  Thirdly, I questioned the officer about the field sobriety tests in a way that accentuated what my client did right.  For example, the officer noted that the driver spoke slowly and paused while performing the Alphabet Test.  However, I had the officer agree that the driver started at the correct letter, stopped at the correct letter, and recited the required letters accurately.  Another example is that for the Walk and Turn Test the officer said that the driver stepped off-line during the test.  I asked the officer to explain that the test involves 18 steps with 8 possible clues and to clarify that my client only demonstrated one clue on one step.

At the conclusion of the case, I presented to the judge that the prosecutor’s case did not overcome the presumption that my client was not under the influence of alcohol. I focused on the 0.05 BAC, the lack of bad driving, the positive aspects of the personal contact, and the strength of the driver’s performance on the field sobriety tests.  The judge agreed that the prosecutor’s evidence was not sufficient and ruled that my client was Not Guilty of DUI, 0.05 BAC.

DUI Attorney Mark Matney - Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC - Newport News - Williamsburg
  • Community Service - Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Attorney Mark Matney - Holcomb Law, PC has put together a list of organizations that regularly accept our clients as volunteers and are familiar with the letter we want them to provide you for court.

Community Knights, Newport News, VA

Assist with a Bingo fundraiser that supports local charities.

Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Call Tammy Rodriguez at 757-932-8440

Website: https://communityknights.org

THRIVE Peninsula, Newport News VA

Call 757-877-6211 x2 or email [email protected]

Opportunities include cleaning the outreach center, packing donated shoes, helping at the front desk and assisting with the food pantry.

Website: https://www.thrivepeninsula.org

Dreams of Hope Foundation, Newport News, VA

Call Betty Dent, Volunteer Coordinator, at 757-806-6339

Volunteers help the program with their mission of assisting families with clothing and transportation. Dreams of Hope also operates a re-entry program for convicted felons.

Website: https://www.dreamsofhopefoundation.org

Williamsburg House of Mercy, Williamsburg, VA

Call Ellen at 757-229-3700 or email [email protected]

Provides homeless shelter and soup kitchen. Volunteers are especially needed for their food pantry. (Must be at least age 18.)

Website: https://www.williamsburghouseofmercy.org

Breaking the Cycle 757, Williamsburg, VA

Call DonQuitta Clements at 757-837-6330

Numerous opportunities. They will match your interests with a project. Breaking the Cycle 57 empowers children to live longer, thriving lives and to unlock the transformative power of generational wealth by instigating a cultural shift. Through innovative programs and advocacy, we strive to reshape mindsets, championing a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and prosper. 

Their website is: https://breakthecycle757.org/

 

Other Volunteer Listings
Volunteerpeninsula.org
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Networkpeninsula.org/volunteer-net/
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