Fairfax, Virginia DUI Defense Attorneys

Trusted DUI Defense Lawyers for Clients in Fairfax

If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia, you could face severe legal consequences. When your rights and freedoms are at stake, the best thing you can do is to seek representation from an attorney with experience handling drunk driving charges.

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our Fairfax, Virginia DUI defense lawyers have years of experience representing clients accused of serious offenses. We can work with you shortly after your arrest and start developing your defense strategy early on, putting you in a good position before your court date. Our firm will keep you informed of your options throughout your case and help you pursue the best outcome.

Understanding DUI Charges in Fairfax

Generally, you can be charged with DUI in Virginia if any of the following are true:

• You have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above .08 percent while driving
• An officer determines that you are drunk behind the wheel based on your disposition, speech, behavior, or other tells
• You are so impaired by drugs or alcohol that it has affected your ability to drive safely

This crime is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, which could entail up to a year of jail time and a possible fine of $2,500 if you are convicted. For a second conviction in less than five years, you will face a minimum of a month in jail. Our firm can give you an idea of the potential consequences of a DUI and discuss your next steps for your defense.

Aggravating Factors in a DUI

In most cases, DUI is charged as a misdemeanor in Virginia. However, if you are convicted of DUI three times in a 10-year period, then the third conviction will be charged as a Class 6 felony offense. This comes with much stricter sentencing, ranging from one to five years in prison. Additionally, you will face increased penalties if you are accused of transporting a passenger who is 17 or younger while driving under the influence.

Your BAC at the time of the alleged offense may also factor into your sentencing. A judge can impose a mandatory minimum jail sentence of five days if your BAC was at least .15 percent. At .20 percent or higher, the minimum jail sentence increases to 10 days. If you are facing enhanced penalties for drunk driving due to specific aggravating factors, working with a Fairfax DUI defense lawyer is critical.

How Can I Fight a DUI Charge in Fairfax?

Being charged with DUI does not necessarily mean that you are guilty. A skilled criminal defense attorney can go over your case, looking for ways to minimize the charges against you. Common DUI defense strategies may include:

• Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove that you were driving under the influence beyond a reasonable doubt, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
• Violations of Your Rights: Police must follow specific procedures in order to initiate a traffic stop and look for evidence. If these procedures are not followed, your defense lawyer could argue to have the evidence against you removed from court.
• Challenging Test Results: Field sobriety tests and even chemical tests cannot always be treated as completely accurate. Your defense attorney can highlight errors in testing or variables that were not accounted for, potentially weakening the prosecutor's case.

Meet With a Fairfax, VA Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we can provide you with quality representation and legal advice to help you contest allegations of drunk driving in court. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact our Fairfax DUI defense attorneys or call our firm at 301-479-5466.