Police chases on the Interstate Highway system can often lead to multiple charges in several counties. In a recent incident on I-66, a man was ultimately charged with several counts related to drunk driving after he attempted to elude Virginia state police.
The incident began with a traffic stop on I-66 when the suspect was spotted heading west at a speed of 93 mph. The driver was pulled over and issued a citation for speeding. After the stop was concluded, the suspect continued heading west on I-66. Police followed and clocked his speed at 100 mph as he entered Fauquier County. During the course of the chase, the suspect allegedly struck another car with his vehicle. The suspect stopped voluntarily on Route 340 in Warren County. He was taken into custody with no further incident.
The suspect has been charged with three counts of reckless driving, three felony counts of eluding police, three counts of driving on a suspended license, three counts of unauthorized use of an automobile, three counts of DUI and three counts of wearing a mask to hide his identity. After Warren County, the suspect incurred additional charges of a felony count of hit-and-run and one count of failing to obey a traffic light. In Prince William and Warren Counties, the suspect was also charged with passing on the wrong side of a double center line. The suspect is being held at the Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail.
While the charges entered against the suspect have varying consequences, all could entail meaningful restriction of his driving privileges, jail time and a fine. The defendant is entitled to be presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Nevertheless, a consultation with an experienced defense attorney can provide a helpful evaluation of the evidence and an estimate of the likelihood of negotiating a favorable plea agreement.