McLean DUI Defense Attorneys
Skilled Defense Lawyers for DUI Charges in McLean, Virginia
The long-term effects of a conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) can make your life miserable. Between the possible criminal penalties and the threat to your driving privileges, a DUI charge should be treated with the utmost seriousness. A skilled McLean, Virginia DUI defense lawyer can help fight the charges against you to protect your rights.
Choosing the right lawyer for your case is an important decision. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our attorneys have extensive legal knowledge gained from practical experience and years of study, allowing us to effectively represent clients who have been accused of driving under the influence. You can trust us to fight for the best outcome to your case, working out a personalized defense strategy based on the circumstances behind your arrest.
How Serious Is a DUI Charge?
An accusation of driving under the influence is not something to be taken lightly. In Virginia, the seriousness of a DUI charge may depend on many different factors, such as:
- Whether this is your first DUI charge or a repeat charge
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest
- Whether or not there was a minor in the vehicle
- Whether anyone was injured or killed in the commission of the offense
In some cases, you could even be charged with a felony for a DUI, which can carry years in prison. One of our defense attorneys can meet with you to discuss the seriousness of the charge and start discussing your defense strategies early on in the legal proceedings.
Will I Lose My License for a DUI in Virginia?
A first conviction of a DUI offense will have immediate consequences for your driver's license. If you are charged with DUI, your license will be suspended for seven days. If you are convicted, however, your license will be revoked for a year. To restore your driving privileges during that time, you must apply for a restricted license and install an ignition interlock device.
An ignition interlock device prevents your car from starting if you cannot blow a clean breath sample. Moreover, the costs of installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device can be quite expensive.
For every DUI charge after your first, you can expect stricter penalties for your license. On a third conviction in a 10-year period, your license may be revoked indefinitely. Our firm will fight to protect your driving privileges, looking for ways to minimize the charges against you.
What Should I Do During a DUI Stop?
If you are ever pulled over for a DUI, you should be careful of how you react. Your response to a traffic stop could help or hurt your case.
First and foremost, when approached by an officer, remain calm and courteous. Provide your license and registration upon request, and do not make any sudden movements. If the officer asks you any questions about how much you had to drink or if you know why you were pulled over, you can politely decline to answer.
You may also be asked to perform certain field sobriety tests, like a walk-and-turn test or following an object with your eyes. While you may feel pressured to comply, you are entirely within your rights to refuse a field sobriety test, and it is often advisable to do so to avoid giving the prosecution more evidence.
Contact a McLean, VA DUI Defense Lawyer Today
You do not have to handle a DUI charge by yourself. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we can provide you with legal advice and advocacy to protect your rights. Call us at 301-479-5466 or contact our McLean DUI defense attorneys to set up a free consultation.
