Leesburg, VA DUI Defense Lawyers
Trusted DUI Defense Attorneys Representing Clients in Leesburg
If you have been accused of drunk driving, you might be stressed out thinking about the impact it will have on your future. Between the loss of your driving privileges, the threat of incarceration, and the blemish on your criminal record, a DUI charge is something that should be taken seriously. With the help of a Leesburg, Virginia DUI defense attorney, you can develop a legal strategy and take steps to protect your future.
At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our attorneys have the skills and legal knowledge to protect Leesburg residents accused of driving under the influence. We will consider all possible defenses and pursue the best path forward to protect your rights.
Understanding DUI Charges in Virginia
In Virginia, a DUI charge usually means the Commonwealth believes alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both affected your ability to drive safely. Some cases are built around a number. If a breath or blood test shows a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, prosecutors can pursue a "per se" DUI theory. Other cases are built around observations, such as erratic driving, the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, poor balance, or performance on field sobriety tests. A driver can also be charged for drug-related impairment, including prescription medication taken improperly, illegal substances, or a mix of substances that allegedly reduced safe driving ability.
Virginia also applies different BAC standards in specific situations. Commercial drivers and underage drivers can face heightened scrutiny and lower thresholds, and the consequences can extend beyond the courtroom into licensing and employment. A DUI arrest can trigger a fast-moving process affecting your license, and Virginia's implied consent rules can create additional problems if the officer alleges you refused testing. The details matter, and small facts often decide whether a case is defensible or difficult.
What Is Reasonable Suspicion?
Reasonable suspicion is the legal threshold an officer must meet to initiate a traffic stop. It is a lower standard than probable cause, but it is not a free pass. The officer must be able to point to specific, articulable facts suggesting a traffic violation or criminal activity, viewed under the totality of the circumstances.
In DUI cases, officers often claim reasonable suspicion based on lane drift, wide turns, inconsistent speed, delayed response to signals, equipment violations, or a traffic infraction such as speeding or failing to maintain a lane. However, not every "odd" moment on the road equals reasonable suspicion. Weather, road conditions, fatigue, unfamiliarity with the area, or simple human error can explain conduct that looks suspicious in hindsight. If the stop was not legally justified, a defense attorney may be able to challenge the evidence that followed, including statements, field sobriety testing, and BAC results.
What BAC Test Results Mean in DUI Cases
BAC results are important, but they do not define the entire case. Even if the evidence seems overwhelming, chemical testing can be challenged. Proper breath testing depends on proper calibration, operator training, observation periods, and compliance with required procedures.
Evidence from blood tests can also be muddled by chain-of-custody issues, improper handling, and errors in the lab. Timing can also matter because BAC can rise after driving, which means a later test result may not perfectly reflect the BAC at the time you were behind the wheel. A strong defense looks at the number, the process that produced it, and whether the surrounding evidence actually supports impairment.
Contact a Leesburg DUI Defense Attorney
A DUI charge in Leesburg can move quickly, and early decisions can affect your license, your record, and your options in court. Call 301-479-5466 or contact our Leesburg, VA DUI defense attorneys at Arrested for a DUI, LLC today to arrange a free consultation.
