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Missed Your Court Date in Virginia?

Written by Emma.S on . Posted in Breath and Blood Tests, Driving on a Suspended License, DUI, DUI and Drugs, DUI for CDL Drivers, DUI for Military Members, Eluding, Federal DUI, Felony DUI, Hit and Run, Open Container, Reckless Driving, Repeat DUI, Speeding, Traffic Infractions, Traffic Resources, Underage DUI, Vehicular Manslaughter.

Not every traffic matter in Virginia requires you to appear in court. However, if you are required to appear and miss your court date, it can lead to serious consequences.

A Failure to Appear (FTA) may result in additional criminal charges, warrants, fines, and complications on top of your original traffic violation. Understanding when you must appear, what an FTA means, and what steps to take if you miss court can help protect your driving record and avoid unnecessary legal trouble.

When Do You Have to Appear in Court for a Traffic Matter?

Whether you have to appear for a traffic matter in Virginia depends on the type of charge.

For most infractions, you may be able to prepay the fine online and resolve the case without appearing in court. However, for more serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, a court appearance is required, even if you retain an attorney.

Always review your summons carefully for instructions and deadlines. If you are unsure, contact the court or a Driving Defense Law attorney.

What Will the Court Do if You Miss You Court date?

If you miss court for a traffic infraction, the court may find you guilty in absentia. This can result in fines, court costs, and a conviction on your driving record. If you are unhappy with this outcome, you may still be able to appeal the matter by contacting the clerk’s office.

If you missed your court date on a more serious traffic matter, like a DUI or reckless driving charge, the judge may issue:

  • A capias (bench warrant) or your arrest
  • A show cause order requiring you to appear and explain your absence

What is a Capias?

A capias is a bench warrant issued by a judge directing law enforcement to take you into custody and bring you before the court. If a capias is active, you may be arrested at any time, including during a routine traffic stop.

What is a Show Cause?

A show cause order requires you to appear in court and explain why you failed to appear as required. The court will then determine whether additional penalties are appropriate.

What Should You Do if You Miss a Court Date?

If you miss a court date, it is important to act quickly and speak with a Driving Defense Law attorney right away.

Depending on the situation, you may need to appear before the court promptly. If a capias has been issued, there is a possibility you could be taken into custody, processed, and released with a new court date.

What Are the Penalties for Failure to Appear?

Under Virginia law:

  • If the underlying charge is a misdemeanor (such as reckless driving), Failure to Appear is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code § 19.2-128(c).
  • If the underlying charge is a felony, Failure to Appear may be charged as a Class 6 felony under § 19.2-128(b).

Can a Failure to Appear Charge Be Dismissed?

An FTA charge may be dismissed under certain circumstances, but this should never be relied upon. You should always appear at your court date unless otherwise directed by your attorney. 

Courts will often consider:

  • Whether you had good cause (such as a medical emergency or lack of proper notice)
  • Whether you took prompt action after missing court
  • Your prior history, including any previous FTAs

If you’ve missed a court date or believe a warrant may have been issued, it’s important to address the situation as soon as possible. The attorneys at Driving Defense Law have helped hundreds of clients resolve Failure to Appear issues and traffic charges across Hampton Roads. Contact us today to understand your options and take control of your situation.

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Can You Refuse Field Sobriety Tests in Virginia?

Written by Emma.S on . Posted in Breath and Blood Tests, DUI, DUI and Drugs, DUI for CDL Drivers, DUI for Military Members, Federal DUI, Felony DUI, Repeat DUI, Underage DUI.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are a series of tests used by police to check whether a driver may be impaired by alcohol or drugs, often during a traffic stop or DUI investigation. Examples of FSTs include:

These tests are intended to help an officer determine whether there is probable cause to arrest you for DUI. They are not the same as post-arrest chemical testing, such as a breath or blood test, which is used to measure your actual blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Are You Required to Perform Field Sobriety Tests?

No, you are not required to perform field sobriety tests in Virginia. There is no implied consent law for field sobriety tests, unlike post-arrest chemical testing (breath or blood). This means you are not legally required to submit to these tests, and there is no statutory penalty for politely refusing to perform them.

Are Field Sobriety Tests and Breath or Blood Tests?

No, field sobriety tests are not the same as breath or blood tests. Field sobriety tests are a set of voluntary, physical and mental tests used by police during a traffic stop to gauge impairment. They are often used to help an officer establish probable cause for a DUI arrest, while breath or blood tests are conducted after an arrest to measure a driver’s actual blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Breath and blood tests are governed by Virginia’s implied consent law, which applies after a DUI arrest. Implied consent means that by driving on Virginia roads, drivers agree to submit to post-arrest chemical testing to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and refusing those tests can result in separate legal penalties.

What Happens If You Decline Field Sobriety Tests?

If you decline a field sobriety test during a traffic stop, you will not receive a separate charge, fine or automatic penalty. However, an officer may consider your refusal along with other signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or blood shot eyes, when deciding whether to arrest you for DUI. A prosecutor may also mention your refusal in court as part of the overall case, but it cannot be used by itself to prove guilt.

What to Do If Asked to Take Field Sobriety Tests

If you are asked to preform FSTs and would like to decline, keep these tips in mind:

  • Be calm and polite: Treat the officer respectfully to avoid escalating the situation.
  • Clearly state your refusal: You can simply say that you choose not to participate in the tests.
  • Avoid volunteering extra information: Stick to brief, factual responses and don’t offer explanations or excuses.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Ensure you are standing safely and remain cooperative without performing the tests.

What to Do If Charged with a DUI in Virgina

If you are charged with a DUI in Virginia, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your rights and your future:

  • Contact an experienced DUI attorney: An experienced traffic attorney at Driving Defense Law can explain your options, review the evidence, and represent you in court.
  • Gather relevant information: Collect police reports, witness statements, and any evidence from the stop or arrest.
  • Understand your court dates and deadlines: Missing important filings or hearings can hurt your defense.
  • Follow legal advice carefully: Your attorney can guide you regarding chemical tests, plea options, or possible defenses.

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In which city or county did you receive your ticket?(Required)
Please note that we are only accepting cases in the above jurisdictions at this time.
EX: Reckless driving, DUI/DWI, eluding, hit and run, simple speeding, etc.

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive SMS updates, reminders, and important notifications from McCormick Law, PC d/b/a Driving Defense Law. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any message. View our Privacy Policy.

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Sobriety checkpoint picture.

Sobriety Checkpoints in Virginia: What to Know

Written by john on . Posted in Breath and Blood Tests, DUI, DUI for CDL Drivers, DUI for Military Members, Federal DUI, Felony DUI, Repeat DUI.

What Is a Sobriety Checkpoint in Virginia?

A sobriety checkpoint, also known as a DUI checkpoint, is a temporary roadblock set up by law enforcement to briefly stop drivers and look for signs of impaired driving. The goal of sobriety checkpoints in Virginia is to deter drunk or drug-impaired driving and reduce DUI-related crashes.

Are Sobriety Checkpoints Legal in Virginia?

Yes, sobriety checkpoints are legal in Virginia.

Some drivers believe DUI checkpoints violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz that sobriety checkpoints can be constitutional when they are conducted under strict guidelines and for the primary purpose of public safety.

In Virginia, sobriety checkpoints must follow specific rules and procedures. If law enforcement fails to follow these requirements, the legality of the checkpoint, and any DUI arrest that results from it, may be challenged.

What Happens at a DUI Checkpoint in Virginia?

As you approach a DUI checkpoint, you should see clearly marked signs warning drivers of the checkpoint ahead. Once you stop, an officer will usually:

  • Ask for your driver’s license and vehicle registration
  • Briefly observe you for signs of impairment, such as the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or bloodshot eyes
  • Ask a short, general question, such as “Have you had anything to drink tonight?”

These interactions are designed to be brief. If the officer does not observe signs of impairment, you will typically be allowed to continue driving. If the officer develops reasonable suspicion of impairment, you may be asked to complete further screening.

Do I Have to Show My License at a Sobriety Checkpoint?

Yes. A sobriety checkpoint is considered a lawful traffic stop in Virginia, which means you must provide your driver’s license when asked. An officer may also legally request your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Do I Have to do Field Sobriety Tests at a Sobriety Checkpoint?

If an officer has reasonable suspicion that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be asked for preform field sobriety tests. If there is no reasonable suspicion, law enforcement cannot make any driver submit to any type of testing. 

However, in Virginia, field sobriety tests are voluntary meaning drivers are not required to complete the tests under law. You will not face legal penalties for declining to participate in field sobriety tests, however it is important to understand, that refusing field sobriety tests does not automatically end the stop. The officer may continue the investigation based on other observations.

Can I Avoid a Sobriety Checkpoint? 

Yes, you can legally avoid passing through a sobriety checkpoint so long as you do so safely and lawfully.

Acceptable ways to avoid a checkpoint may include turning onto a different road before reaching it or pulling into a parking lot. Attempting to avoid a checkpoint by making an illegal U-turn, speeding away, or violating traffic laws can result in a separate traffic stop and potential charges.

Have You Been Charged with a DUI after a Sobriety Checkpoint?

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Your Name(Required)
In which city or county did you receive your ticket?(Required)
Please note that we are only accepting cases in the above jurisdictions at this time.
EX: Reckless driving, DUI/DWI, eluding, hit and run, simple speeding, etc.

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive SMS updates, reminders, and important notifications from McCormick Law, PC d/b/a Driving Defense Law. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any message. View our Privacy Policy.

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Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship exists or should be assumed as a result of this communication. By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing list (your information will not be shared with anyone else).

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