Front Royal, VA DUI Defense Attorneys

Skilled DUI Defense Lawyers for Clients in Front Royal, Virginia

When a police officer believes that a person's ability to drive has been impaired by the use of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of substances, they can perform an arrest. In these cases, a person may face charges of driving under the influence (DUI), and a conviction can lead to multiple types of legal consequences. Like most states in the United States, Virginia prosecutes violations of drunk driving laws very seriously. Even for first offenses, DUI convictions can result in years of prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, suspension or revocation of driving privileges, and more.

After being arrested for DUI in Front Royal, consulting with a trusted lawyer right away can make the difference between having a criminal record and developing a successful defense strategy. The DUI defense attorneys at Arrested for a DUI, LLC are fluent in both English and Spanish, and we are available to address your needs 24/7. One conviction can permanently impact your future. Do not gamble with your livelihood. Get legal help from us today.

How Does Virginia Categorize DUI Charges?

The Commonwealth has two main ways of prosecuting DUI allegations:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): If a blood or breath test shows that a person had a BAC of at least 0.08 percent, they may be charged with DUI. This type of charge is known as "per se" DUI.
• Observation: Police officers have the authority to make DUI arrests based on physical signs and observations that a driver is impaired. Slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, and poor balance can all be observable signs of intoxication.

Other circumstances may also affect the charges that a driver may face. If a person is operating a commercial vehicle like a tractor-trailer truck, they may be charged with DUI if they have a BAC above 0.04. Alcohol consumption is prohibited for people under 21 years of age. A young person can face charges of underage DUI if they drive after drinking and any alcohol is detected in their system.

What Are the Consequences for DUI in Virginia?

As with most criminal cases, the severity of the charges may depend on a person's prior criminal record and the circumstances behind their arrest. Generally, a first DUI offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a conviction can lead to jail time for up to one year, fines as high as $2,500, and license suspension for up to one year. The court may also mandate alcohol education courses, as well as the requirement to use an ignition interlock device.

Unsurprisingly, repeat DUI convictions increase the severity of a potential sentence. A second DUI offense within 10 years of the first will result in a mandatory jail sentence of at least 10 days. A third conviction on DUI charges within the same 10 years is typically charged as a felony and can be punishable by a minimum sentence of 90 days.

Notably, aggravating factors can also increase the severity of the penalties for DUI. Even if it is a first offense, state law mandates jail time of five days when a driver's BAC is above 0.15 percent. The minimum prison sentence increases to 10 days with a BAC of 0.20 percent or higher.

Other aggravating factors in DUI include injuring or harming another person in an accident or driving with a minor who was a passenger in the car. In Virginia, drivers can also face penalties for refusing a breath or blood test after an arrest.

Contact Our Front Royal DUI Defense Lawyers

The decisions you make after a DUI arrest matter, and contacting a trusted lawyer at Arrested for a DUI, LLC as soon as possible can help you determine what steps you can take to resolve your case successfully. To set up your free consultation and develop a comprehensive defense strategy, contact our Front Royal, Virginia DUI attorneys at 301-479-5466.