2024 dui trends

2024 Trends in DUI Arrests and Convictions for Manassas Virginia 

DUI law and its impacts continue to change. The number of arrests and convictions continues to climb, especially as a result of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Virginia law enforcement are on the lookout for impaired drivers and have developed new strategies to find drunk drivers. This changes the trends from prior years and may affect you personally if you are arrested.

Our Manassas criminal defense lawyers at Battlefield Law Group PLLC analyze 2024 trends in DUI arrests and convictions to learn how to best defend your case. We know what to look for, what defenses to utilize, and the best strategies to protect your constitutional rights. Speak with us today to protect yourself. 

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Drunk Driving Trends Throughout Virginia

Alcohol is one of the leading reasons for traffic fatalities in the United States and Virginia. Drunk driving kills approximately 37 people per day in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means that over 11,000 people per year are killed in drunk driving accidents. 

Virginia has consistently ranked around 38th out of 50 states in the last several years in terms of total drunk driving arrests or accidents. A low place on the list is a good thing here, as this means a lower prevalence of drunk driving accidents or fatalities. However, enforcement continues to rise, meaning that drunk driving arrests are starting to increase.

In 2020, data revealed that alcohol contributed to over 3,500 injuries in the Commonwealth. 1.4% of adults reported driving even after knowingly drinking too much. 

Increased Penalties and New Drunk Driving-Related Laws

One of the most important trends we have seen is new law changes in response to drunk driving. The legislature has increased many of the penalties and even created new laws to address common drunk-driving related problems. 

These include, but are not limited to:

  • New misdemeanor law which punishes tampering with or circumventing an ignition interlock device
  • New misdemeanor offense for driving intoxicated while on a restricted license
  • New restricted license requirements

Drunk Driving Arrest Statistics in Manassas and the Surrounding Areas

Increased enforcement by law enforcement has led to an increase in the number of DUI arrests and convictions in Manassas and the surrounding areas. Actually, during 2013 to 2016, drunk driving arrest numbers went down. Starting in 2017, however, the number of arrests has remained high and even increased.

For example, 144 driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrests were made in 2017 in Manassas alone. In 2021 there were 192 DUI arrests, a rise of 22 percent from 2020. 

Increased Blood Alcohol Concentration in DUI Arrests

A concerning trend noticed by statisticians and law enforcement is the higher levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) many drivers seem to have. While previous overall numbers of convictions were often higher, police are now seeing individuals who are more intoxicated. In 1996, 27,921 drivers were convicted of driving under the influence with a BAC of 0.143. The number of convictions fell in 2021 to 15,988, but the BAC average rose to 0.155.

This concerning trend could result in more serious DUI penalties for those convicted of the crime. Higher BAC levels can result in higher-penalty convictions. This can be true even for those convicted of a first-time DUI offense.

Protect Yourself Against a DUI Conviction in Virginia

Analyzing trends helps your attorney stay educated and up to date on what is happening in Virginia. They use this information to guide your defense strategies and learn how to better protect you.

At Battlefield Law Group PLLC, our attorneys are always one step ahead in making sure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.