BATTLEFIELD BLOG
Fairfax DUI Stops: Can Police Search Your Car?
During a DUI stop in Fairfax County, police don’t always need your permission to search your car. From inventory searches after an arrest to the plain view doctrine, several legal exceptions allow officers to look inside your vehicle. Learn when a search may be unlawful, and how Battlefield Law Group can help protect your rights and your license if you’re facing DUI charges.
Can You Be Arrested if You Blow Under .08 in Virginia?
Many drivers believe blowing under .08 means they can’t be arrested for DUI in Virginia. That’s a dangerous myth. Even a low roadside breath test can give police probable cause to arrest you for further testing. Learn why the Preliminary Breath Test is voluntary, how Virginia’s Implied Consent Law applies, and what this means for Prince William County drivers.
Teen Charges and College Applications in Prince William County
A teenager’s record can impact more than just the courtroom, it may also follow them into the college admissions process. In Prince William County, early action and open communication are key to protecting both legal rights and future opportunities. Call Us Today!
Do Teens Have to Consent to a Police Search in Virginia? What Parents Should Know
Most teens don’t realize they have the right to say, “I do not consent to a search.” In Virginia, police generally need probable cause or a warrant to search personal property like backpacks or cars, though lockers and desks at school are treated differently. Parents can play a key role in teaching their children how to assert their rights and avoid charges involving drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia.
Agree or Disagree: Courtroom Perspectives with Trial Attorney Steve Duckett
In our Agree or Disagree series, Battlefield Law Group partner Steven L. Duckett, Jr. shares candid courtroom insights from more than 25 years of criminal defense work in Northern Virginia. From witness preparation and jury strategy to the art of cross-examination, Steve explains what really matters in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, and surrounding counties, and why courtroom experience makes all the difference.
Felonies and Misdemeanors in Virginia: Penalties, Classes, and Consequences
In Virginia, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony comes down to the severity of the offense, the potential penalties, and the long-term consequences. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 12 months in jail, while felonies can carry prison sentences of a year or more, steep fines, and loss of certain civil rights. Understanding how your charge is classified is the first step in protecting your future.
Resisting Arrest During a DUI Stop in Virginia
A DUI stop can escalate faster than you expect. In Virginia, resisting arrest is a Class 1 Misdemeanor that can turn one charge into two, each carrying serious penalties. Learn how these cases unfold, why they’re especially challenging in DUI situations, and how an attorney can help protect your future.
Your DUI Case in Prince William County: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you facing DUI/DWI charges in Prince William County? Learn step by step what to expect after an arrest, how the local court process works, and why having a DUI lawyer based in Manassas can make a difference.
Police Got Involved—But No One Wanted Charges
You were charged with a crime, but no one wanted to press charges. How does that happen? In Virginia, the Commonwealth, not the individual, decides whether to prosecute. Learn why police involvement alone can lead to charges and what to do next if it happens to you.
Bond Conditions and Travel
Can you still go on a planned vacation after being charged with a crime in Virginia? In this post, attorney Steve Duckett explains how courts handle travel requests while you're out on bond, and what steps Battlefield Law Group can take if you need permission.
DUID Laws in Virginia
You don’t have to be drunk to be charged with DUI in Virginia. If you’re impaired by marijuana, prescription medication, or any other substance, you could still face arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID). Learn what Virginia law says and what to do if it happens to you.
No ID, No Conviction
When the prosecution failed to prove the identity of the accused, attorney Lili O’Connell secured a dismissal for her client. In Virginia criminal cases, the Commonwealth must prove every element, including who actually committed the crime. This case is a powerful reminder that details matter and skilled defense can make all the difference.
The Truth About Polygraphs in Virginia Criminal Law
Polygraphs are often seen as truth-telling tools, but in Virginia criminal defense, their role is far more limited and complex. While the results are generally inadmissible in court, they can still influence plea negotiations and case strategy behind the scenes.
Sleeping in Your Car After Drinking? Why You Could Still Face a DUI Charge in Virginia
You might think sleeping in your car after a night of drinking is the safe choice, but in Virginia, it could still get you arrested for DUI. In this blog, attorney Nicole Naum of Battlefield Law Group explains how “physical control” laws work and what you need to know to avoid turning a responsible decision into a criminal charge.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Required in Virginia? What You Should Know During a DUI Stop
Field sobriety tests are widely used during DUI stops in Virginia, but they’re not as reliable or required as many drivers think. Learn how these tests work, why they’re flawed, and what rights you have if you're pulled over. Battlefield Law Group breaks down the key facts every driver should know.
Why Social Media Can Be Your Worst Enemy in a Criminal Case
Social media can feel harmless, until it’s used as evidence against you. In this blog, we break down a real case where one video led to six months in jail for a client awaiting trial. If you're facing charges like DUI, assault, or drug possession in Virginia, this is your warning: what you post online could cost you your freedom.
Can Police Aggression Help Your DUI Defense?
Being treated roughly or aggressively during a criminal or DUI arrest can be a traumatic experience, but does it mean your case will be dismissed? Not usually. While unnecessary force by police rarely results in dropped charges, it can still impact your case. If the arrest was caught on video, prosecutors may be hesitant to let that footage be seen in court. At Battlefield Law Group, we carefully review every detail to determine if misconduct can help leverage a better outcome.
2025 Virginia Good Samaritan Law Offers Safe Harbor
Beginning July 1, 2025, Virginia’s new “Good Samaritan” law—HB 2117, creates a safe harbor: anyone who dials 911 to report an overdose or sexual assault is shielded from arrest for minor drug or alcohol offenses. Discover what the law covers, where its immunity stops, and how Battlefield Law Group can stand up for you across Northern Virginia.
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Virginia?
Pulled over for DUI in Northern Virginia? You can say no to roadside sobriety tests, but once you’re arrested the evidentiary breath or blood test is mandatory, and refusing it adds a separate charge plus an automatic license suspension. Discover the real-world consequences and how Battlefield Law Group fights to keep your license and record intact.
Your Right to Refuse Police Entry in Virginia
Police at the door with no warrant? Under the Fourth Amendment and Virginia law, you can refuse entry. Learn the right way to assert your rights, verify a warrant, and avoid accidental consent that could expose you to criminal charges. Our attorneys explain the law, exceptions, and next steps if officers push past the threshold. Read more to safeguard your home, car, and self, plus watch our latest short video for a kid-friendly reminder: No warrant? No entry!