There’s a call for a special session of the General Assembly in Virginia, after a Supreme Court ruling has put dozens of drunk driving and drug cases in jeopardy.

The ruling, handed down last month, forbids lab reports to be used as evidence in drug and alcohol cases unless a lab technician actually testifies in court. It has already led to dismissals on several drug and DUI cases.

Republican State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, who is running for Attorney General, says the state needs to fix the law now or many suspected drunk drivers or drug users could go free.

In a letter to Governor Tim Kaine, Cuccinelli says, “There is a need to act quickly to avoid very significant problems once some ongoing cases start to run up against speedy trial limitations as a result of continuances that are currently being requested and granted.”

Cuccinelli wants the governor to call a special General Assembly session to change the law.

A spokesman for Governor Kaine says they are looking for administrative ways to deal with the ruling, but a special session has not been ruled out.

Virginia DUI Convictions Are Expensive

The penalties for a first time Virginia DUI offense vary, but may include a jail sentence of a minimum of 24 hours up to 6 months, and a fine of $100 up to $500. It should also be noted that an individual might also have to pay court costs as well.

If or when you are accuses of a Virginia DUI, you would be well advised to contact a Virginia DUI lawyer.