In general, the civil litigation process encompasses several crucial stages, beginning with the Pleadings phase, where parties formally outline their claims and defenses. Following that, the Discovery stage allows both sides to gather evidence through depositions and document requests to support their case. Pre-trial motions aim to resolve the case or limit issues before trial. If unresolved, the process moves to Trial, where the case is argued in court. Finally, the Appeal phase offers a chance to challenge the trial’s outcome. Each stage is pivotal, designed to ensure fairness and resolve disputes effectively.

The penalties for a DUI in Virginia depend on many factors, including whether this was your first or subsequent offense and whether anyone was injured as a result of your driving under the influence. For example, first-time offenders may face fines of at least $250 and lose their driver’s license privileges for about a year. Repeat offenders could face up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines and may lose their driving privileges permanently. Additional aggravating charges, such as DUI with a young child in the car or causing someone else’s death, could increase the penalties even further.

At Ashwell & Ashwell, our team of attorneys also handles cases in family law, including divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. We can assist you during the challenging events of separating from your spouse and will defend your rights as you face these significant hurdles. We understand how stressful family law matters can be and will offer support as you seek fair terms through mediation and litigation if necessary.

We can also help you and your loved ones prepare for the future by creating a unique estate plan that meets your needs and goals. We will discuss your current situation and offer help creating various documents that allow you to keep control over the distribution of your estate, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We can also craft unique trusts and other documents that protect your assets from unnecessary tax burdens. If you are charged with the estate administration of a loved one, our legal team can help.