Malcolm Doubles, also known as Mac, was born in St. Andrews, Scotland. (He jokingly admits that this fact is not reflected in his golf game) He attended high school at Darlington School in Rome Georgia and attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC. There he was captain of the soccer team his junior and senior year.
He took two years off from academia. The first year he was a federally licensed grain inspector trainee. The second year he worked on a dairy farm outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
He then attended law school at Washington and Lee University in Virginia where he graduated in 1986. After a brief stint with A. Carter McGee, concentrating in bankruptcy, he worked with the law firm Bird, Kinder, and Huffman in general practice. During this time he focused most of his concentration on personal injury and general litigation. After two and a half years, he accepted a position with the Roanoke City Commonwealth Attorney’s office.
In the Roanoke City Commonwealth Attorney’s office, Mac handled all manner of criminal cases, including two capital murder cases. He also met and became friends with former assistant Joel Branscom. When Branscom was elected Commonwealth Attorney for Botetourt County Doubles became his first assistant.
In July of 1994, Mac went into private practice as Mac Doubles, Attorney and Counselor. He continued as a solo practice until joining forces with Ralph Wiegandt in 2000. Wiegandt and Doubles, PC formed in the Spring of 2001. They are licensed in all State and Federal Courts and routinely practice in the Counties of Botetourt, Roanoke, Craig, Rockbridge, Floyd, Montgomery, and Franklin, as well as the independent Cities contained in each.
What Happens To First Time DUI Offenders in Virginia?
DUI/DWI is a class 1 misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A first time offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to $2500 in fines.
Virginia DUI laws mandate entry into ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program) and a one-year revocation of the defendant’s drivers license upon conviction for a first time offense.
You are DUI/DWI if you have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08 or above. If you register a 0.08 or higher BAC, your driver’s license will be suspended for seven days immediately after arrest. This is separate from the one year license revocation if you are convicted. You may appeal this suspension in the general district court where you were arrested, or by filing a challenge.
High BAC:
First time offenders convicted of driving drunk in VA with a blood alcohol content (BAC) between .15 and .20 percent will be sentenced to a minimum, mandatory five day incarceration. Those with a .21 percent or higher BAC will be sentenced to a minimum of ten days in jail.
Restricted License:
If you are convicted of a DUI first offense, you may be eligible for a restricted license. The defendant must "move" the court for the restricted license, but the court is under no obligation to grant one. If the judge allows a restricted license, the limitations are often:
Driving to and from VASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program)
Driving to and from work
Driving during work hours with proper agendas
Driving to and from school
Driving to and from medical treatment
Some judges in Virginia do not allow the issuance of a restricted license until 30 days from the conviction date.
The Breath or Blood Test:
If you operate a motor vehicle on Virginia’s public roads, you automatically agree to take a chemical test upon request. You are required to take the test. If you refuse, your license will be immediately suspended for seven days and it may be suspended for one year, whether or not you are convicted of driving under the influence. If you are convicted of DUI, the suspension period for refusing the test will be added to the DUI revocation period. You may appeal this suspension in the general district court where you were arrested, or by filing a challenge.
Under age 21:
If you are under age 21 and you drive with a BAC of at least 0.02 percent but less than 0.08 percent, you can be fined up to $500 and have your driver’s license suspended for six months.
If your BAC is over .08, your penalties will be the same as a driver over 21.
Commercial Vehicle Operators:
You will receive a one-year disqualification for driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 or higher. The disqualification becomes three years if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time.
You will also receive a one year disqualification if you refuse a blood or breath test.
Alcohol Safety Action Program
This is a 20 hour program which focuses on substance abuse and driving, substance abuse and health, and self evaluation of potential for substance abuse. (All persons will be tested for alcohol/drugs. If tested positive for either, the participant will immediately be re-classified for treatment.)
You will be probably placed on probation by the court and given a restricted license and ordered to report to the local ASAP office within 15 days. Offenders who fail to meet the requirements of ASAP probation will be returned to court as non-compliant and subject to revocation action by the court and instituted a suspended jail sentence.
Virginia DUI law requires your vehicle to be impounded immediately for 30 days if you are caught driving after your license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the vehicle for an additional 90 days if you are convicted.
Insurance Rates
Your insurance rates will rise considerably from any DUI conviction or guilty plea. You may lose your current insurance company and only find insurance with a company that offers less coverage for more money.
Accident, Injury or Death from DUI:
DUI convictions that involve accident, injury or death carry considerably greater penalties. For example, a criminally negligent homicide while DUI can lead to 1-10 years in prison, a minimum $5,000 fine, and revocation. A DUI vehicular homicide can lead to 4-12 yrs in prison, a fine of from $3,000-$750,000, and revocation
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TYPE OF CASES OUR FIRM HANDLES I have successfully tried many cases to bench and jury trials including dui, drug cases, white collar, internet crimes, wrongful death and various other criminal and traffic cases.
WE THINK YOU SHOULD HIRE US IF: You want a lawyer who will personally handle your file and will be available for consultation afternoons, evenings and weekends. I will fairly evaluate your case and determine the most favorable course. I will not hesitate to go to trial the decision however will ultimately be yours.
OUR FIRM IS NOT RIGHT FOR YOU IF: You are looking for a lawyer who will only tell you what you want to hear. I will work with you to honestly assess the facts of the case.
IF YOU WANT TO TELL OUR LAW FIRM ABOUT YOUR SITUATION YOU SHOULD: I personally communicate whenever possible. I have my cell phone with me 24 hours a day so you can always call me. If you get a voicemail I’m likely in court or with a client so leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. My office phone is (540) 473-2351 or email mdoubles@doubleslaw.com
THE TYPICAL COST TO GET US TO START WORKING ON YOUR CASE IS: The cost varies depending on the allegation and facts of the case. A fee will be quoted at our initial consultation.
OUR CLIENTS WILL TELL YOU THAT: My level of experience, knowledge of the law, and personal familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and system is a great advantage. In addition my personal and regular contact with clients, availability and involvement with every aspect of the case bring the most favorable results.
OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HOW WE APPROACH OUR CASES IS: Depending on the type of case I like to find out as much as I can about the facts of the case and talk to anyone who can help our defense. At that time we can discuss our options. The stronger our defense appears to the prosecutors the better our chances of getting the case dismissed or a favorable plea agreement.
OUR BEST RESULT IN A CASE WAS: I have successfully tried all levels of criminal and traffic cases including murder and received repeated not guilty verdicts. I call those cases where my client had the most at stake my best results. No criminal lawyer "specializes" in defending one type of case but I have also received good results for clients that had other very serious charges such as criminal sexual assault, armed robbery, drug trafficking,and serious dui charges
OTHER LAWYERS THINK THAT WE: I have consistently received the top ranking for ethics and legal ability when ranked by other lawyers and judges. My top ranking came from an anonymous survey of judges and lawyers which adds credibility to the ranking.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIRM YOU SHOULD: During our free initial consultation I will answer any questions. Please call (540) 473-2351.
