Virginia DUI Lawyer

Are you facing DUI allegations in Virginia? Sadly, the penalties associated with DUI convictions can be considered harsh, especially if you are charged with multiple offenses.

While some might argue that DUI convictions are minor compared to other serious crimes, getting convicted will negatively affect your driver`s license. On top of having a criminal record, getting convicted will lead to unwanted premium increments for your car insurance.

The challenge with DUI allegations is that you can never be too sure.  An officer might pull you over if he suspects you of being under any form of influence, whether alcohol or other types of drugs, including prescription medications.

Here`s the worst part, DUI allegations often come attached to other violations such as reckless driving and child endangerment. The lack of uniform DUI laws and penalties means that you have to understand the legal measures in place in your state of residence.

Since Virginia does not allow diversion programs in DUI cases, you cannot avoid criminal culpability through a plea bargain. As such, it is crucial to liaise with an expert DUI attorney with experience in practicing in Virginia.

Having a Virginia DUI lawyer provide legal counsel in your DUI case will be crucial to your chances of escaping with minimum penalties and without a criminal record.  Moreover, you need an expert to advise on the do`s and don’ts when you find yourself on the wrong side of the law in regard to DUI offenses.

Virginia`s core DUI Statute VA Code §18.2-266 provides officers with criteria to charge defendants with DUI. You can be stopped and charged by a Virginia police officer if you do any of the following:

• Drive under alcohol influence
• Drive when having an alcohol content of above 0.08% or more
• Drive when intoxicated on any drug
• Drive when alcohol or blood concentration is found to be above legal limits

An officer can charge you based on scientific evidence. That is, you may get arrested if your breath test proves that your alcohol levels are above 0.8%. Additionally, you can also get arrested based on an officer`s opinion on whether you are under the influence.

VA Code §46.2-100 provides guidelines on the possible grounds of DUI charges and arrests in Virginia. Understanding such laws might not be easy, especially if you have little to no legal background-exactly why you need an expert. A Virginia DUI lawyer will advise and educate you on the laws and potential penalties associated with breaching the laws.

 Implied consent in DUI

Just like any other state, holding a Virginia driver`s license is a huge privilege. As a result, all drivers using Virginia`s highways are expected to comply with VA Code §18.2-268.2 that instructs drivers to provide samples at the request of an officer within three hours of an arrest.

Subsections B of VA Code §18.2-268.2 empowers officers to request for breath tests and even blood tests if a breath test is unavailable. Further, subsection C holds that officers can request a blood test upon the suspicion of impairment as a result of drugs

The Virginia traffic law requires drivers to submit to tests when requested by officers. While declining to take alcohol tests within the first three hours can make it difficult to prove intoxication, VA Code §18.2-268.3 terms refusal as a civil offense and, therefore, illegal. Refusal to take a test can lead to license suspension for up to a year, and even worse, if you eventually get convicted for DUI, your license can be suspended for three years.

Under VA Code §18.2-11, the court can serve a one-year jail sentence to the offender or a fine between $250-$2,500 depending on the charges places.

Here`s why you want to avoid prior convictions. VA Code §18.2-270 (2) holds that a second conviction within a span of 5-10 years after the first conviction warrants a fine of not less than $500 as well as a 30-day jail term. While you can appeal and have the days reduced, it is mandatory to spend ten days of the month jail term behind bars.

Do you need a DUI Attorney?

Yes, you do. An expert Virginia DUI lawyer not only provides legal counsel by letting you in on the do`s and don’ts of your traffic offense, he or she also helps you to understand the legal terms stated in the traffic-related statutes.

Ideally, you will need a responsive lawyer like the highly revered David Deane, who is renowned for his quick responses to client calls as well as experience in tackling DUI cases in Virginia.

So, in the event of an arrest or a situation regarding DUI in Virginia, be sure to act fast and get the most experienced as well as a responsive DUI attorney to handle your case. Contact us today.