A DUI/DWI conviction can haunt a young driver for decades, seriously jeopardizing their future. If you, or a loved one, was charged with a DUI/DWI and is under the legal drinking age of 21, contact the experienced and aggressive Fairfax County DUI/DWI defense lawyers at Dua Law Firm today.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It is against the law for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol and drive with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.02 or higher in Virginia. This offense is categorized as a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious type of misdemeanor under the Virginia Code.
What is a Field Sobriety Test?
If you were stopped by a police officer in Fairfax County on suspicion of drunk driving, there is a good chance you will be subjected to a field sobriety test. A police officer conducts a field sobriety test to gather evidence that the driver was intoxicated and that the condition was caused by alcohol or drug consumption.
BAC Ramifications
If your BAC was over 0.02, but below 0.08, the potential penalties associated with a DUI/DWI conviction include:
- Monetary fine of up to $500
- Having to serve up to 50 hours of community service
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Having to pay for and attend a Virginia Alcohol Safety Action program
This list is generally for first-time underage DUI/DWI offenders. The penalties may escalate if you have a prior DUI/DWI conviction on your record.
If your BAC level was found to be over 0.08, the penalties will be the same as those for an adult.
Building a Strong Defense with a Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer
The potential penalties associated with a DUI/DWI conviction are quite serious, so it’s essential to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.
You may be able to contest the DUI/DWI charge. For example, if the Fairfax County police officer did not have a legitimate reason to pull over your vehicle, you could challenge the legality of the stop.. This means if you were stopped simply because it was late at night or the officer was just curious, the subsequent sobriety test and arrest could be deemed invalid, and that evidence could be thrown out of court.
Another potential defense is challenging the outcome of the officer’s field sobriety test. These sobriety tests, even when conducted precisely, are subjective and possess a fairly large margin of error.
If the Commonwealth Attorney cannot prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt, or evidence from the traffic stop is thrown out, it could lead to a dismissal of all charges.
Professional Fairfax County Underage DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys
An underage DUI or DWI conviction is a serious charge that will remain on your record and impact your future. If you or someone you know in Fairfax County is charged with an underage DUI/DWI, contact the experienced DUI/DWI defense lawyers at Dua Law Firm. We understand the stress and concern that result from facing criminal charges, and we will fight aggressively to win your case.
Fight your underage DUI/DWI charge today. Contact Dua Law Firm at (703) 382-7300 or schedule a free consultation online.