Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal charges

We have over 30 years of experience representing people who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses:

  • Felonies
  • Misdemeanors
  • Assault and battery
  • Breaking and entering
  • Drug possession
  • Embezzlement
  • Robbery
  • Burglary

The trial lawyers at Ryland & Merchak work hard to keep you out of jail and preserve your liberty.  We are experienced in both Virginia and federal courts.

Traffic violations

In Virginia, driving with a clean record may earn you one positive point on your license annually, up to a total of five points. However, the most serious traffic infractions can result in six demerit points, bringing you to a negative point balance:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Accident safety violation
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Operating an unsafe vehicle
  • Moving violations

The traffic courts do not like to see a negative point balance, and may suspend your license even on the first offense. You need Ryland & Merchak at your side in traffic court to help protect your right to drive.

DUI/DWI charges

Penalties for drunk driving in Virginia are among the toughest in the nation. In our state, you can be charged with DUI/DWI if the arresting officer has reason to believe that you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. If you submit to a breath or blood test, you can be charged with DUI/DWI if you have substances in your body including—

  • Alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • PCP
  • MDMA (ecstasy)
  • Heroin

If you are arrested and refuse a breath or blood test, your license may be suspended. When convicted of drunk driving, you must complete an alcohol education program, in addition to other requirements. On your first offense, other penalties may depend on your BAC:

  • Under 0.15 BAC—license suspension for one year
  • BAC of 0.15 or above—five days in jail
  • BAC of 0.21 or above—ten days in jail

Subsequent offenses have higher minimum penalties—up to five years in prison and the indefinite loss of your driver's license. As you can see, you do not want to be convicted of DUI/DWI in Virginia. The experienced DUI/DWI lawyers at Ryland & Merchak fight to avoid a conviction.

Choose our experienced Prince William County criminal defense lawyers

Whatever charges you face, our law firm is prepared to defend you in negotiations with the prosecuting attorney and in litigation at trial. To schedule an initial consultation about your criminal charges, contact Ryland & Merchak, P.C.