Resources

How a Criminal Record for Public Intoxication Can Affect Employment and Housing

Under Va. Code § 18.2-388, public intoxication is a Class 4 misdemeanor, but even this lowest-level criminal conviction will follow you long after you pay the fine. A criminal record for public intoxication can stand in the way of employment... [Read more]

Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct: Are You Facing Double Charges?

A night out in Northern Virginia can take a sharp turn when an evening of fun ends in police involvement. The shock comes not just from being arrested, but from discovering they face multiple charges—public intoxication and disorderly... [Read more]

DUI and DWI in Virginia: What’s the Legal Difference and Why It Matters

Every 4.1 minutes, there’s a new crash on Virginia roads. In 2024 alone, Virginia saw over 6,700 alcohol-related crashes—a staggering number that means, statistically, every county and city is touched by drunk or drugged driving cases (source, DMV).... [Read more]

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Virginia? What Happens If You Do

Do you have to take a breathalyzer, or can you refuse? What you say—and what you refuse—during a DUI stop in Prince William County can follow you for years. Many believe staying silent or turning down a breathalyzer is the safest route, but... [Read more]

Caught Drunk in Public in Virginia? Here’s What Happens Next

Virginia’s public-intoxication law answers the question right away: yes—being drunk in public is an arrestable offense, punishable by a Class 4 misdemeanor fine of up to $250. While the citation looks minor on paper, the knock-on effects on security... [Read more]