Getting charged with drunk driving in Fairfax County can have significant repercussions on your immediate and long-term future, especially if that charge turns into a conviction. The Virginia Legislature enacted an array of laws that punish convicted drunk drivers quite harshly, even if it was a first offense. This is why it is imperative to try and retain the services of a top-notch DUI/DWI lawyer in Fairfax County VA to represent you and protect your rights.
You Should Never Take DUI/DWI/DWI Charges Lightly in Fairfax County
DUI/DWI cases are taken very seriously within the Fairfax County Court System. For example, many Commonwealth’s Attorneys in Fairfax County carry a set of folders with them in to the court that include police reports and dash cam video footage so they are ready to go to trial, if need be. This is why retaining the services of an experienced and skilled DUI/DWI attorney in Fairfax County, VA should be a priority in dealing with your DUI/DWI or DWI charges. If you attempt to represent yourself, the chances are quite high that you could wind up getting convicted and having to endure a set of serious punishments.
DUI/DWI Laws in Virginia
The act of driving under the influence is made illegal in accordance with Virginia Code § 18.2-266. Specifically, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more. According to Virginia Code §18.2-269, there is a rebuttable presumption that the amount of alcohol in your blood or breath (obtained through a Breathalyzer or other chemical analysis) was the same as of the time of driving. As a result, if you were driving and arrested for a DUI/DWI or DWI in Fairfax County, and you provided a breath or blood sample two hours later, that alcohol level can be imputed back to the time you were behind the wheel of your vehicle.
Virginia DUI/DWI laws are harsh, even for first-time offenders. For example, a DUI/DWI conviction for someone with a clean driving record may still result in the defendant having to install an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle, along with paying a substantial fine. If you have prior drunk driving convictions on your record, there are Virginia laws on the books that include a mandatory jail term, higher fines and a complete revocation of your driver’s license.
How a Fairfax County DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you are on the fence about hiring a lawyer, it is important to understand the myriad ways a DUI/DWI defense attorney can assist you. For example, a skilled defense attorney will immediately go to work examining every stage of your arrest and look for areas in which a Fairfax County police officer may have behaved illegally or outside protocol to the point where evidence would need to be excluded from the case. For example, if a police officer failed to provide Miranda Rights at the time of arrest and tried to use any statements you made post-arrest against you.
In addition to improper procedures, there are other situations that can lead to your being found innocent of a drunk driving charge. For example, the officer may have improperly administered the sobriety test. In other instances, certain medical conditions may mimic the signs of intoxication. There are other situations where you may have been given alcohol or drugs without your knowledge or consent. Even a bad reaction to a prescription medication might result in impaired driving.
As you can see, there are ways to fight the DUI/DWI charges. The best way to assess your legal options is by hiring a skilled and experienced DUI/DWI lawyer in Fairfax County VA to discuss your case.
Charged with Driving Under the Influence in Fairfax County? Contact the DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys with the Dua Law Firm
Getting charged with a DUI/DWI/DWI in Fairfax County is serious and a convicted can negatively affect your life. You deserve the best representation available in order to protect your rights. This is why it makes sense to contact the skilled and aggressive DUI/DWI defense attorneys with the Dua Law Firm. We know how to negotiate, advocate, and argue on behalf of our clients. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, contact our office today at (703) 382-7300. Our legal team looks forward to working together with you.
If you are looking for additional information about drunk driving laws in Virginia, check out these resources:
- Info on DUI/DWI Laws in Virginia
- I Have Been Charged With a DUI/DWI, What Can I Expect?
- What To Look For in a Defense Attorney