Law Office of Robert T. DearbornLaw Office of Robert T. Dearborn2026-07-07T08:58:36Zhttps://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1200626/2019/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[8 dangerous driving habits that could lead to traffic violations]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496942026-07-07T08:57:57Z2026-06-25T16:24:08ZIf you drive in Virginia, the roads here demand more attention than in many other states. In fact, Virginia enforces its traffic laws with a strictness that catches many drivers off guard. This is why knowing what habits to avoid can save you from a costly ticket or even a misdemeanor charge.
Virginia takes traffic violations seriously
Drivers and legal experts across the country recognize Virginia as one of the stricter states for traffic enforcement. Unlike many states that treat moving violations as civil infractions, Virginia classifies high-speed driving and several moving violations as Class 1 misdemeanors. This means a traffic stop here can carry consequences well beyond a fine. With that in mind, knowing which habits to avoid on the road becomes even more important.
Eight driving habits that could get you pulled over
Understanding how strict Virginia's traffic laws are is just the first step. The next step is recognizing the habits that put you at risk of a violation in the first place. Here are eight driving behaviors that Virginia law enforcement actively watches for:
Excessive speeding: Driving well over the speed limit or too fast for current weather conditions, reduces your reaction time and raises the risk of serious collisions.
Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely leaves you little room to brake safely if the car ahead stops suddenly.
Weaving and aggressive lane changes: Darting between lanes or failing to use your turn signal puts you and other drivers at risk.
Illegal or unsafe passing: Passing on blind curves or hills blocks your view of oncoming traffic and creates dangerous situations.
Failure to yield: Ignoring right-of-way rules at intersections, merging lanes or crosswalks frequently leads to T-bone accidents.
Running red lights and stop signs: Speeding through intersections endangers both drivers and pedestrians.
Distracted driving: Taking your eyes off the road, whether for a text or a navigation adjustment, puts everyone around you at risk.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol, drugs or certain medications can cloud your judgment and slow your physical response behind the wheel, making it dangerous for you and everyone else on the road.
Any one of these habits can lead to a serious traffic stop in Virginia. Therefore, learning what they are is helpful, but recognizing what to do if you face a violation is just as important.
Drive safely on Virginia roads
Virginia enforces its traffic laws with public safety in mind and the consequences of a violation can follow you long after the traffic stop. Staying aware of these habits puts you in a much stronger position on the road. And if you ever find yourself in an unexpected situation, remember that understanding your rights and options can work in your favor.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[Can you legally avoid a DUI checkpoint in Virginia?]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496932026-07-07T08:58:18Z2026-03-26T07:06:39ZYou see flashing lights ahead and realize you are approaching a DUI checkpoint. Such a scenario often triggers a split-second instinct to turn around. Can you legally do that in Virginia? Yes, but with important limitations you must understand.
What are the limits of a detour?
You have no statutory obligation to drive through a DUI checkpoint in Virginia. The law permits you to turn around or take a different route before entering the checkpoint perimeter. Police cannot stop you solely for choosing to avoid the checkpoint.The key restriction lies in how you make that choice. You must obey all traffic laws while maneuvering away. Any traffic violation during your avoidance gives officers the valid justification they need to pull you over.
How to avoid a checkpoint legally?
If you see a checkpoint ahead, you must remain calm. Lawful avoidance means executing your turn or route change while strictly obeying all traffic regulations. This typically includes:
Making a permitted turn onto a side street after using your blinker correctly
Pulling into a parking lot or business entrance to wait or change direction
Executing a U-turn only where traffic signs and road markings specifically allow it
Selecting a different path entirely without violating any lane markings or speed limits
Each option remains valid only when you perform it with precision.
Will there be a risk of reasonable suspicion?
Police often position patrol cars near checkpoints to monitor for drivers who appear to be evading the encounter. While choosing a different route is within your rights, it can trigger a stop if it creates reasonable suspicion.More than a vague hunch, reasonable suspicion is a set of specific, observable facts that would lead an officer to believe a crime, such as driving while impaired, is occurring.While turning away from a checkpoint is not a crime, performing that turn with evasive or erratic maneuvers, such as sudden braking, swerving or illegal U-turns, generally provides the officer with the necessary grounds to initiate a stop.Once you are stopped, any sign of alcohol consumption allows the officer to expand the investigation into field sobriety tests.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction?
Facing a DUI charge in Virginia is a serious matter with long-term effects. A conviction for a first offense leads to a one-year license suspension and a permanent criminal record. You might also face mandatory jail time if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15% or higher, as well as the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.These penalties stay with you for years and can impact your employment or future opportunities. Because the stakes are so high, it is crucial not to try to handle these charges alone.
What are your legal options when fighting DUI charges?
Challenging a DUI requires a close look at the initial encounter. If the police stopped you for avoiding a checkpoint, the validity of that action depends on whether you actually broke a traffic law. A successful defense often involves proving that the officer lacked a legitimate reason to pull your vehicle over in the first place.You can also examine whether the checkpoint itself met constitutional standards. Virginia requires specific pre-planning and public notice for these operations to be lawful. If the state failed to follow these protocols, the evidence against you might not hold up in court.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[How criminal/traffic offenses impact military security clearance]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496912026-07-07T08:58:36Z2026-01-05T11:22:15ZServing in the military means your security clearance is vital for your career. Even small offenses, like a driving-related incident, can be reviewed. Officials look at your record to assess judgment, reliability and trustworthiness. Knowing how offenses may affect your clearance can help you plan and address issues responsibly.
How offenses are evaluated for clearance purposes
Security clearance investigations consider both how serious and how frequent offenses are. Serious crimes like DUI, assault or theft get deeper review.Minor offenses can also raise concerns if they show a pattern of risky behavior. Investigators often look at your full record. They consider when incidents happened, how you handled consequences and whether you took corrective steps.
Actions that may influence your clearance
Taking steps after an offense like a driving-related incident can help show responsibility. Officials may review actions such as:
Reporting the offense to your chain of command promptly, which can show accountability
Completing court-ordered requirements such as fines, community service or counseling
Keeping records of programs or classes that address the behavior
Maintaining a clean record afterward to highlight efforts to correct mistakes
These actions can demonstrate that you are taking the situation seriously. Officials often look for patterns rather than single incidents, so showing corrective steps may help support your case.
Protecting your clearance and career
Even minor offenses can affect your clearance if you do not address them. Tracking the impact and keeping accurate records can help protect your career. Handling problems quickly may also reduce risks. Paying attention to how officials review offenses can make the process easier to navigate and reduce stress.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[Sharing prescriptions out of kindness can mean trouble]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496892025-10-13T00:58:32Z2025-10-13T00:58:32ZMany people think nothing of sharing a prescription pill with a loved one who is in pain or who is otherwise suffering. They do so, believing that they are simply helping. Yet, it is important to understand that, under the law, sharing or giving away prescription medication is considered a crime, even when it is done out of kindness.
Although many drug-related laws vary from state to state, one concern rings true across the U.S.: Prescription drugs are controlled substances that can only lawfully be used by the person to whom they are prescribed. Passing them to anyone else—even when doing so for free, and with the purest of intentions—can lead to criminal charges that may result in serious penalties.
Prescription drugs are still drugs
Prescription drugs are tightly regulated because of their potential for abuse and harm. Medications such as painkillers, sedatives and stimulants are classified according to the federal Controlled Substances Act. Giving someone even a single pill without a prescription can be treated the same as drug distribution, depending on the substance involved. This means that what feels like an act of compassion could be prosecuted as a felony offense, leading to a criminal record, possible jail time and more.Intent does not generally excuse individuals from drug-related crimes from liability. The law does not distinguish between someone selling pills for profit and someone handing them out to help a friend. Prosecutors only need to show that medication was knowingly transferred to another person who did not have a valid prescription. In some cases, people are charged after lending a pill to help another sleep, focus or ease pain. Others face charges after sharing medication with a friend recovering from surgery. Regardless of motive, the act is still illegal. If someone becomes ill or overdoses from a shared medication, the person who gave it to them could face additional criminal and civil consequences.With all of this said, if you or a loved one has been charged with wrongdoing because of shared prescription medication, don’t panic. Good intentions may not prevent prosecution, but with a strong legal defense, it may be possible to avoid long-term damage. ]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[Watch out for these 3 surprising setbacks of a traffic ticket]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496852025-07-11T00:37:24Z2025-07-11T00:37:24Z#1: Impact on professional licenses
Many professions require a valid license to practice, and a traffic ticket can jeopardize this. For example, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and commercial drivers must maintain clean records to keep their licenses. A traffic violation can lead to disciplinary actions from licensing boards, increased scrutiny during license renewal, and potential suspension or revocation of the license.
These consequences can hinder your career progression and even result in job loss.
#2: Effect on security clearances
Many government and private sector jobs require security clearance. A traffic ticket, especially one involving criminal charges, can raise red flags during the clearance process. Consequences can include:
Delays in clearance approval
Increased background checks
Possible denial of clearance
Without clearance, you may lose access to sensitive information and job opportunities, affecting your career trajectory.
#3: Impact on university scholarships
Students often rely on scholarships to fund their education, and a traffic ticket can threaten these financial aids. Universities and scholarship committees may view traffic violations as a sign of irresponsibility. This can lead to the revocation of existing scholarships, difficulty in obtaining new scholarships, and damage to academic reputation.
Traffic tickets can have far-reaching effects beyond the immediate penalties. They can jeopardize professional licenses, security clearances, and university scholarships, impacting your career and education. Understanding these potential consequences can help you take traffic violations seriously and seek legal advice when necessary. Stay informed and proactive to mitigate these unforeseen impacts on your life.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[Can a cheap online marketplace purchase lead to larceny charges?]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496842025-04-14T14:52:55Z2025-04-14T14:52:55ZPossessing stolen goods is a crime
It is unlawful to steal from other people. It is also unlawful to knowingly possess items stolen from another person. An individual does not have to actively deprive another person of their property to be at risk of criminal prosecution.
Under state statutes, anyone who knowingly possesses stolen merchandise may face the same charges and penalties as those who actually steal assets from others. Someone who purchases a used video game console or mobile phone through an online marketplace might end up contacted by law enforcement authorities when they begin using those devices.
If police officers and prosecutors believe that the person in possession of those stolen goods knew about their provenance, the buyer could face criminal prosecution. Larceny charges related to the purchase of stolen goods might be misdemeanor charges, but the state could pursue felony charges in scenarios where the property is worth $1,000 or more.
Buyers accused of possessing stolen property may be able to avoid a criminal conviction if they respond assertively. Learning about the rules that govern theft charges and related offenses can benefit those accused of possessing stolen property or similar crimes. With the right insight and guidance, criminal defendants can potentially avoid convictions.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[What is the penalty for declining a breath test?]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496832025-01-20T14:40:58Z2025-01-20T14:40:58ZTest refusal can cost a driver their license
The standard penalty for declining a post-arrest breath test is a driver's license suspension. The record of the accused motorist determines the duration of that suspension. The first time a driver refuses a chemical test after arrest, the state can suspend their license for one year. The offense counts as a civil offense, not a crime.
Subsequent test refusals within 10 years of a prior refusal may result in misdemeanor charges. The driver is at risk of losing their license for three years. Implied consent penalties are separate from the penalties the courts may impose if prosecutors also secure a guilty plea or conviction for an impaired driving offense.
Losing driving privileges for a year or longer can be a major inconvenience for professionals and those with families to support. It can be very expensive to rely on on-demand ride services, like taxis and rideshare companies. People could also be at risk of losing their jobs or facing other personal challenges because they cannot drive.
Drivers may need help responding to allegations of chemical test refusal or impaired driving to minimize the penalties they face, and that’s okay. Learning more about the law in Virginia can help people when they interact with the police or when they must choose how to respond to a pending charge.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[3 actions that are considered reckless driving in Virginia]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496822024-10-19T17:05:54Z2024-10-19T17:05:54ZVirginia state law that can create not just financial penalties but also a criminal record for the motorist accused.
The broad definition of reckless driving allows police officers to arrest those accused of driving in a patently unsafe manner. Having an obstructed view or faulty brakes can be enough to warrant reckless driving charges in some cases. There are a host of other definitions included in Virginia traffic statutes. The following are three of the most common and serious forms of reckless driving, according to state law.
Excessive speeding
When a driver maintains a speed that is at least 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, the state could prosecute them for reckless driving. Particularly in scenarios where speeding occurs in a residential neighborhood or a school zone, officers may choose to arrest someone for reckless driving rather than to issue them a basic speeding ticket.
Passing on an incline or curve
Generally speaking, passing is only legal when the central line indicates that there is a passing zone ahead. However, some drivers pass in locations where they technically should not. Occasionally, unsafe passing may be serious enough to warrant reckless driving charges under Virginia state statutes. The law specifically addresses cases where a motorist tries to pass while going up a hill or rounding a curve. In such situations, the driver passing cannot clearly see the road ahead and could endanger themselves or others by potentially causing a head-on collision.
Racing on the street
Some people specifically modify their vehicles to make them faster, sleeker and more competitive. If they encounter each other in traffic, they might make eye contact and attempt to arrange an impromptu race to the next stop light. Others go so far as to coordinate races on public roads with small groups of other enthusiasts. Anyone caught racing on public streets could potentially face reckless driving charges rather than just a speeding ticket.
Reckless driving is a crime that can follow someone for years and affect their opportunities in life. Understanding what behavior might lead to reckless driving charges can help motorists avoid arrest and can also help them plan an effective defense strategy if they are accused of breaking Virginia traffic statutes.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[When is it a crime to possess or use a prescription drug?]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496812024-07-15T11:29:45Z2024-07-15T11:29:45ZWhen someone does not have a prescription
Some people self-diagnose their symptoms and then seek out medication that they take could help with their symptoms. Other times they may have a formal diagnosis but their prescription has already expired. In either scenario, it is illegal for someone to seek out prescription medication on the unregulated market. Anyone caught in possession of medication without a current and valid prescription could be at risk of arrest.
When people source their drugs illegally
Even if someone has a prescription, it is only legal for them to possess the medication dispensed to them by a licensed pharmacist. There are many bad actors willing to resell their own medication or prescription drugs acquired through more nefarious means. The theft of prescribed medications from people and businesses is common, especially drugs that have a strong association with abuse.
If the medication someone has belongs to someone else or was obtained by theft from a pharmacy or a person, they could be at risk of criminal prosecution. It is also worth noting that anyone who openly abuses the medication, even if they secure it legally, could be at risk of criminal prosecution as well.
Although prescribed medication is theoretically legal to use when done in compliance with state laws, there are still many ways for people to violate state statutes. Anyone who breaks the law with a prescription medication could end up facing drug charges. Learning more about drug statutes can help people avoid violations and plan an effective response if they get arrested.]]>On Behalf of Robert T. Dearborn Law Office<![CDATA[Do drivers have to submit to roadside testing in Virginia?]]>https://www.dearbornlawoffice.com/?p=496782024-04-16T15:36:56Z2024-04-16T15:36:56ZVirginia does have an implied consent law
Motorists often want to comply with police officers' requests during traffic stops, but they may also have the right to refuse certain requests. There are limits on police officers' authority during traffic stops, and they may try to get around those limits by asking for someone's consent.
The law does grant police officers the authority to request chemical testing in certain scenarios. Virginia's implied consent law makes it an offense for a driver to decline post-arrest chemical breath testing. If a police officer already has probable cause to arrest someone for impairment, the driver could face secondary penalties for refusing to submit to a test.
That being said, drivers do not need to submit to a breath test prior to arrest. They also typically do not have a legal obligation to perform field sobriety tests. While officers may ask people to participate in physical testing as a way of gauging their level of intoxication, they cannot force someone to exit their vehicle and physically perform the tests.
Drivers who refuse to perform field sobriety tests should not face penalties for doing so. Depending on the timing of a breath test refusal, someone's choice to decline a test could affect the charges and penalties they face.
Learning about the laws that apply in Virginia drunk driving cases can help people avoid getting arrested or better handle requests for chemical tests if they are stopped. Motorists who know their rights can more readily stand up for themselves during encounters with the police and avoid mistakes that could affect their criminal cases in the event that charges are filed.]]>