If you have found yourself charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you need the skills of a Prince William County DUI lawyer. A professional legal advocate can provide you with an effective defense strategy to help you avoid conviction or minimize the penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
The attorneys at our law firm have a great deal of experience practicing law in the Prince William County courts. The intimate local knowledge of the roads, police practices, and criminal justice personnel in the area can make a big difference in your lawyer’s ability to craft a solid defense in response to your charges.
Working with a Prince William County DUI lawyer often opens up defense options that would not normally be apparent to those individuals who opt to represent themselves. Our seasoned legal team members act as guides, advocates, and defenders for their clients while maintaining open lines of communication and providing case updates as they occur.
If you’re interested in learning more about your legal options following a DUI charge, be sure to call a Prince William County DUI attorney at our firm and complete your free initial consultation.
In Virginia, the basic threshold for a DUI charge is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08. This threshold varies, however, among certain classes of drivers. With a much lower BAC, those under the age of 21 and commercial drivers may face criminal charges for DUI.
Virginia has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, so when someone under the age of 21 is caught driving with alcohol in his or her bloodstream, a BAC as low as 0.02 is enough to have them facing DUI charges.
Commercial drivers, such as those who drive tractor trailers, buses, 10-passenger or greater vans, or those who transport hazardous materials, can be charged with DUI for a BAC of only 0.04.
An experienced Prince William County DUI lawyer will understand how to effectively challenge certain pieces of evidence in a DUI case. For example, it is possible that your DUI stop was conducted improperly, or the device that produced your BAC reading was inaccurate, or your blood or urine samples were handled incorrectly in the lab, producing inaccurate results. Speak with a DUI attorney in Prince William County today learn about possible defenses for your case.
Penalties for DUI are based on a number of factors including the range of BAC and the number of prior offenses. A BAC in the range of 0.08 and 0.14 incurs the lowest penalties associated with DUI, but as the BAC is elevated to the range of 0.15 to 0.20 and even greater than 0.20, the penalties increase in severity.
Even upon a first offense, DUI conviction can lead not only to fines and fees, but also jail time, license suspension, mandatory enrollment in a drivers’ alcohol safety program, and other mandates. With subsequent offenses, the penalties become harsher and restrictions, suspensions, and jail terms are longer in duration.
The state of Virginia also institutes an Implied Consent Law. According to this law, upon acceptance of a state-issued driver’s license, the driver implicitly agrees to submit to alcohol testing if suspected of driving while intoxicated. Refusal to submit for a breath test or chemical blood test could incur additional penalties, separate and apart from those resulting from DUI conviction.
The penalties that accompany a DUI conviction are many and the consequences are long-lasting and can be far-reaching. It is important that you contact a Prince William County DUI lawyer if you are facing DUI charges. A professional who understands Virginia’s strict DUI laws and associated penalties is paramount to fighting your charges and helping you to minimize the impacts to your record, your personal life, and your professional life.
The penalties and long-term consequences are severe and a DUI conviction will remain permanently on your record. That’s why it is imperative that you obtain skilled legal counsel to fight your charges and help you avoid a conviction that can tarnish your reputation and negatively impact so many aspects of your personal and professional life. The lawyers at our firm are ready to help you fight your charge. Call to schedule a free consultation with a Prince William County DUI lawyer.