Chantilly, Virginia DUI Defense Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers Defending Against DUI Charges in Chantilly, VA

If you have ever been pulled over, you know how scary it can be. Being suspected, arrested, and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can be even more nerve-racking. Regardless of whether or not it is your first offense, being convicted of DUI can have devastating consequences on your livelihood. With the support of a Chantilly, Virginia DUI defense attorney, you can better understand the charges against you and take steps to safeguard your future.

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our lawyers are committed to taking your needs into account and advising you on how to effectively navigate the legal system. If you have been charged with DUI in Chantilly, we are available 24/7 to help you, and we are fluent in both English and Spanish.

Drunk Driving in Virginia

Even a first-time DUI conviction in Virginia can lead to up to one year behind bars, fines as high as $2,000, and suspension of your driver's license for up to 12 months. A DUI arrest may result in a number of additional consequences, including:

• A criminal record
• Higher insurance premiums
• Lost employment opportunities
• Community service
• Driver intervention programs
• Installation of an ignition interlock device, which will require you to pass a breathalyzer test before starting your vehicle

The state defines driving under the influence as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. Virginia also has different types of DUI charges depending on the driver's blood alcohol concentration and the vehicle being driven.

While the legal BAC limit is 0.08 percent, criminal charges do not rely solely on BAC measurements. A police officer could arrest you for DUI if they believe that you show physical signs of intoxication, such as glassy eyes, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or unsteady footing.

The legal BAC limit is cut in half to 0.04 percent for drivers operating commercial vehicles such as construction equipment, semi-trucks, and buses. Substances such as recreational marijuana or prescription medications could also impact your ability to drive, and the use of drugs or medications may result in DUI charges in some cases.

Reasonable Suspicion, Field Sobriety Tests, and BAC

While most DUI arrests begin with a traffic stop, police officers are first required to meet the legal threshold of "reasonable suspicion" before pulling someone over. Typically, speeding, swerving, and delayed responses to signals are specific behaviors that an officer can point to as grounds for suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity.

Once an officer pulls someone over, they may ask the driver to take a number of field sobriety tests (FSTs) designed to assess if the person's capabilities have been impaired due to intoxication. Coordination, balance, and eye movement are among the most commonly tested abilities. However, a person's performance on these tests could also be affected by uneven payment, poor lighting, and other factors beyond their control. An experienced defense attorney can challenge the validity of the officer's observations based on extenuating factors.

While BAC results can play a significant role in DUI cases, they can seem more airtight than they actually are. Chemical testing depends on operator training, proper calibration, and compliance with legal procedures. Timing, lab errors, and improper handling can impact the validity of results. Our lawyers can examine the procedures that were followed to determine whether BAC tests can be challenged in court.

Reach Out to a Chantilly DUI Defense Lawyer

Committing three or more DUI offenses within a 10-year period can result in a felony DUI conviction. Other types of DUI offenses can result in severe penalties because of factors that increase the risk to the public. Cases involving a high BAC or a vehicle collision in addition to driving while intoxicated can result in longer prison sentences, increased fines, and loss of specific civil rights.

The decisions you make during a DUI case can affect the legal options that may be available. Getting legal help early in the process can ensure that your rights will be protected. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we can provide you with an effective defense. Contact our Chantilly, Virginia DUI defense lawyers by calling 301-479-5466 to set up a free consultation.