Vienna, Virginia DUI Defense Lawyer
Reliable DUI Defense Attorney for Clients in Vienna, Virginia
If you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia, you will face serious and immediate consequences, with even steeper penalties for a conviction. Without effective legal representation, your future could be placed at risk. To ensure that your rights are protected, reach out to a Vienna DUI defense lawyer for assistance.
At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we are equipped to represent clients in charges of driving under the influence. Our firm can work with you from the moment of your arrest, providing you with strong counsel and aggressive representation. We will tailor our legal strategy to suit the facts of your case as we work toward an optimal outcome.
When Can You Be Charged With DUI in Virginia?
You may be charged with driving under the influence in Virginia if you are accused of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more, as determined by a blood or breath test. However, police officers do not always need scientific evidence to charge you with DUI. You might also face criminal charges if you are judged to be intoxicated behind the wheel based on your mannerisms, movements, or speech.
It is also worth noting that DUI charges do not always have to involve alcohol. Under state law, you could be charged with driving under the influence for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by a combination of drugs or alcohol. Moreover, if you are found to have meth or cocaine in your system while driving, it could trigger a criminal charge.
What Are the Penalties for DUI in Virginia?
In most instances, a DUI in Virginia is a misdemeanor offense. For a first-time DUI, you could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum prison sentence of one year, alongside a fine of $250 to $2,500. Both the minimum fine and jail sentence increase for a second offense. For a third offense within 10 years, you could be charged with a Class 6 felony, which carries up to five years in prison.
For a DUI resulting in injury, you can expect much more severe penalties. You will face Class 6 felony charges if you inadvertently cause serious bodily injury to someone while driving under the influence. If the accident results in a permanent disability, you could face Class 4 felony charges, with the possibility of two to 10 years in prison on a conviction.
How Can I Defend Against a DUI Charge in Virginia?
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Virginia, you should seek out legal representation as soon as possible to avoid the harsh repercussions of a conviction. Our lawyers can go over possible defense strategies with you to get the charges reduced or potentially dismissed.
In Virginia, police officers need to have a reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed to pull you over. If your rights were violated in a DUI traffic stop, the evidence from that traffic stop could be deemed inadmissible.
Our lawyers will also look at the evidence against you and question the prosecution's case. Sometimes, blood or breath tests can be skewed by other factors, which can cast doubt on the results. Something as simple as an improperly calibrated machine can throw off the BAC reading significantly.
These are only a few strategies that we may use to help you fight a DUI charge. The earlier you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working on your defense.
Contact a Vienna DUI Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of driving under the influence, Arrested for a DUI, LLC is ready to represent you. To set up a free consultation today, call us at 301-479-5466 or contact our Vienna, VA DUI defense lawyers.
