The National Transportation and Safety Board has recently recommended changes to the nation's drunk driving laws. Currently, all 50 states and the District of Columbia, have their blood-alcohol content (BAC) levels at .08 for drivers over 21. If you are pulled over in Virginia with a BAC higher than that, you will likely need a Fairfax DUI lawyer because you can be charged with driving under the influence. The NTSB hopes, however, that the new lower recommendations will make it easier to enforce existing laws and keep impaired drivers off the street, thereby keeping other drivers safe.
Criticism of the New Recommendations From Fairfax DUI Lawyer
The problem with moving the BAC so low is that some people may be over the legal limit and show no signs of impairment. In Virginia, the law gives police some latitude in dealing with drivers who are impaired but under the legal limit: if an officer finds a person is impaired behind the wheel, they can be charged with a DUI even if they have a BAC slightly under .08. As a Fairfax DUI lawyer, I have seen clients with a BAC as low .06.
Several groups are skeptical of the new NTSB recommendations, including:
- Restaurant owners
- Bar owners
- MADD
That last group may surprise people, as MADD is known for a hard-line stance against drunk driving. However, they argue for increased enforcement instead of simply moving the legal limit. Through increased enforcement and increase awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, the number of traffic fatalities caused by impaired driving can be reduced without changing the law.
If you need a Fairfax DUI lawyer, contact The Law Offices of Wilfred Ward Yeargan. With thousands of cases successfully handled in Virginia, he offers the experience and knowledge to help with even the most difficult criminal charges.