Arlington, Virginia DUI Defense Lawyers

Skilled Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys for Clients in Arlington

After getting pulled over and subsequently arrested for driving under the influence, you may be at a loss at how to respond to the fast-moving legal proceedings. You may feel pressure from law enforcement to accept your supposed guilt, but do not assume that the case against you is already decided. With help from an Arlington, Virginia DUI defense lawyer, you can fight a drunk driving charge in court.

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we can provide you with aggressive representation and personalized legal advice suited to your situation. Our attorneys have decades of experience, and we have been praised in testimonials for our effective counsel and guidance.

What Qualifies as Driving Under the Influence in Arlington?

In Arlington, driving under the influence occurs when a person operates any vehicle on public roads while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Under Virginia law, a per se offense exists if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures 0.08 percent or higher within three hours of driving. For commercial drivers, the limit drops to 0.04 percent.

Criminal charges do not hinge solely on BAC readings. An officer who observes slurred speech, unsteady footing, glassy or bloodshot eyes, or the odor of alcohol may charge you with DUI even if your BAC falls below the legal threshold. The presence of controlled substances or prescription medication in your system can trigger DUI charges if they render you incapable of safe driving.

Since Arlington traffic moves quickly along busy corridors like Wilson Boulevard and Route 50, law enforcement remains vigilant. Even momentary weaving between lanes or a delayed reaction at stoplights can prompt suspicion. Understanding how Virginia defines impairment—and recognizing that both chemical tests and behavioral indicators can lead to charges—is the first step toward a strong defense.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Always Reliable?

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are standardized exercises designed to assess balance, coordination, and eye movement. The three most common are the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg-stand tests. While these tools can indicate impairment, they carry inherent limitations. Uneven pavement in parking lots, poor lighting beneath street lamps, or distractions from passing traffic can all skew results.

Officer training also affects accuracy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets strict protocols for administering FSTs, yet not every officer completes the full certification program. A missed instruction, inconsistent timing, or inadequate demonstration can render a test unreliable. Medical conditions like inner ear disorders, arthritis, or even nervousness can further compromise performance and lead to false positives.

Given these variables, field sobriety tests should never serve as the sole proof of impairment. A skilled defense attorney will review police reports, video evidence, and the testing environment to expose flaws. Challenging the conditions under which FSTs occurred can erode the prosecution's case and create reasonable doubt.

Challenging Unlawful DUI Traffic Stops

The Fourth Amendment protects Arlington drivers against unreasonable searches and seizures, including traffic stops without proper justification. To lawfully pull you over, an officer must articulate reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, like failing to obey traffic signals or erratic braking.

A stop based on a mere hunch or a checkpoint without proper notice may be unlawful. Once a stop crosses that constitutional line, any evidence gathered afterward can be suppressed in court.

Our seasoned DUI defense lawyers will meticulously reconstruct the timeline. We will review when the officer first observed suspicious behavior, how the stop was executed, and whether proper procedure were observed. Protecting your rights from the moment of the stop is critical to preserving your freedom and driving privileges.

Meet With an Arlington, VA DUI Defense Attorney

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we can help you challenge DUI charges with a personalized legal strategy. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 301-479-5466 or contact our Arlington, VA defense attorneys.