Find a DWI DUI Drunk Driving Lawyer in your state.

Sponsor Attorneys

Kevin Wilson-Manassas
Patrick Cummings-Newport News

The Real Truth About DUI Arrests.

And Why Many People Arrested Unnecessarily Lose Their License, Their Freedom, and Pay Big Fines

Even though you've been arrested for DUI, you don't have to let it ruin your life. You may not realize it yet, but if you are thinking about simply going to court and pleading guilty to your DUI charge you may be cheating yourself.

You see, a qualified attorney can review the case for defects, suppress evidence, compel discovery of such things as calibration and maintenance records for the breath machine, have blood samples independently analyzed, obtain expert witnesses — all of which may help you to win your case at trial.

To find out what you need to know about your DUI arrest I've developed a website to give you a wealth of useful information . . . information which will show you how you may be able to save your license and your freedom . . . and possibly avoid fines, fees, and sharply increased car insurance costs of as much as $6,800.

For the most part, my easy-to-navigate site has information on it which you can't get anywhere else unless you are willing to do a great deal of legal research.

When you're on my site, you'll also learn how you can get a free, no-obligation consultation where I'll review your case and show you how I may be able to save your license and your freedom.

Virginia DUI Drunk Driving Defense Information

Search for Virginia DUI Attorneys by county.

Attorney Offices by Municipality

• Alexandria
  • Brian Moran: A defendant in a criminal prosecution has the right to an impartial jury under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In order to determine whether potential jurors are impartial, the defendant has a right to question the jurors about their qualifications and background. Such questioning of the jurors is called voir dire. Voir dire is also conducted in order to determine whether the jurors should be accepted or should be challenged by the prosecution or by the defense.
  • Frank Salvato: If a driver's BAC is at or above a set limit in a state, he will be deemed "per se intoxicated" and no additional proof of impairment is needed to convict him of DUI. "Per se" BAC levels range from .08% in most states to .10% in others. However, a driver can still be arrested and convicted for DUI without a determination of "per se intoxication," if the driver shows other evidence of impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published 20 signs to assist officers in detecting drunk drivers, including wide turning radius, weaving, speed more than 10 miles below the legal limit, following too closely and braking erratically.
• Altavista
  • Berger & Thornhill: No lawyer can validly promise you a certain result in your case. Success depends on numerous factors that can be unpredictable. However, a lawyer can promise you his hard work, provide you with the benefit of his years of experience, diligently use all of his abilities, and give your case his personal care. These things often make the difference. In selecting your lawyer, find someone who cares about both you and your case.
• Annandale
• Arlington
• Ashland
  • Campbell & Campbell: Any traffic infraction that is deemed a moving violation may result in the assignment of points by the division of motor vehicles in the state where you are licensed. These points directly impact your insurance premiums. Some offenses can also result in the suspension of your drivers license or jail time. If you are from out of state, you can lose your right to drive through Virginia and possibly also lose your driving privileges at home through reciprocity agreements between states.
• Chesapeake
• Chesterfield
• Danville
  • Angela Hamlet: The consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating for you and your family.
• Dublin
  • Angie Morris: The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that criminal defendants have a right to the assistance of counsel. Courts have interpreted this to mean that criminal defendants have a right to an attorney during all critical stages throughout the criminal process. In addition, before a defendant is permitted to proceed to trial without a lawyer, the challenges and dangers of doing so must be "rigorously conveyed" to the defendant.
• Falls Church
• Fairfax
• Fredericksburg
• Glen Allen
  • Eddy Rice: A DUI/DWI, having your drivers license suspended or revoked, or another major traffic conviction can have a major impact on your life. A license suspension or revocation can happen when a driver receives several minor tickets or, in some cases, one serious ticket or convictionsuch as a DWI / DUI or a reckless driving conviction.
• Hampton
  • Richard Johnson: Do you have a DUI charge? Drunk driving (DUI / DWI) and reckless driving laws in the State of Virginia are some of the strictest in the nation. If you get in trouble on the roads, especially with a DUI charge, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the Virginia court system. A drunk driving (DUI / DWI) conviction can lead to a suspended license for one year, jail, fines, and drug and alcohol education. And if your BAC is .15 or above, even as a first time offender, there is mandatory jail time. In addition, an interlock device will be placed in your car. Your car will not start until you blow into a tube and it is determined that there is no alcohol on your breath. If you have a DUI charge, protect your rights and hire a criminal defense lawyer. Having an attorney can affect the outcome of your case.
  • J. B. Thomas "Mouth alcohol" refers to the existence of any alcohol in the mouth or esophagus. If this is present during a breath test, then the results will be falsely high. This is because the breath machine assumes that the breath is from the lungs; for complex physiological reasons, its internal computer multiplies the amount of alcohol by 2100. Thus, even a tiny amount of alcohol breathed directly into the machine from the mouth or throat rather than from the lungs can have a significant impact.
  • David Tichanski: Being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs has significant impact on the accused. Immediate loss of license, potential impounding of your vehicle, substantial increase in insurance rates, jail and court fines. David Tichanski has handled hundreds of these cases and can assist you in reducing or eliminating the consequences of this arrest. Time is of the essence.
• Harrisonburg
• Herndon
  • Stephen Conte: Maryland has a subsequent offender law which acts to enhance penalties on subsequent offences, that is, after notice by the State to seek such enhancment of penalties.
  • John Partridge: While first time DUI offenders may be eligible to receive a restricted driver's license, a restricted driver's license will limit you to very specific types of travel. You will not be able to drive to church, your children to school or even for family emergencies. Those caught driving on a suspended driver's license are regularly sent to jail.
• King George
  • Richmond Low: If you are facing drunk driving or drug charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer making sure your constitutional rights are protected. I have extensive experience representing people arrested or charged with all types of driving offenses such as drunk driving (DUI / DWI).
• Leesburg
  • Kazem, Kazem, and Robl: Are you facing criminal charges? If the authorities have brought, or are planning to bring, charges against you in any criminal matter, it is in your best interest to contact a local attorney who will zealously defend you.
  • Patricia Tichenor: When charged with DUI or DWI, you run the risk of losing your privilege to drive, impacting your ability to earn a living.
  • Biberaj & Snow: Most traffic offenses in Virginia are punishable by a fine and/or loss of driving privileges. However certain offenses such as DUI, Driving on Suspended License (DOS), Hit & Run and Reckless Driving can result in a jail sentence. In addition certain violations are felony offenses and are punishable upon conviction by time in prison. A few examples of felony traffic offenses include: DUI 3rd, Hit & Run (of an occupied vehicle), Driving after being Declared a Habitual Offender and Involuntary Manslaughter. In Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles will assess demerit points based upon traffic convictions. These demerit points affect your insurance premiums and can impact the status of your driver's license. Unlike Maryland, Virginia Judges have NO authority to change the number of demerit points associated with a violation. Rather, demerit points are assessed administratively by DMV and are based solely on the charge at conviction.
  • Frank Salvato: An alibi means that a defendant was at a place at the time of an offense where he or she could not have participated in the offense. Although an alibi defense is not an affirmative defense, it does involve the negation of an element of the prosecution's case against a defendant. The defendant does not have the burden of proving his or her alibi. The prosecution has the burden of proving that the defendant committed the offense. The alibi defense contradicts the allegations of an indictment or an information against the defendant and casts doubt about whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof.
  • Robert Anderson: In numerous circumstances, law enforcement officers are not required to obtain arrest warrants prior to placing others under arrest. In general, police may arrest without a warrant if there is a sufficient risk that the individual to be arrested may flee or escape apprehension prior to the granting of an arrest warrant. Arrests may also be permissible without a warrant if there is a risk or likelihood that someone's life is in danger or that evidence will be destroyed. It should also be noted that the law further varies depending on where the individual is arrested, e.g., in public, the individual's home or the home of another.
  • Dunlap & Grubb: DUI/DWI in Virginia - What is involved in a DWI/DUI case? - Is there mandatory jail time? - What if I am under 21? - What if I wasn't driving? - Do I have to submit to field sobriety tests? - Do I have to submit to a breath test? And, what is a "resfusal"? - Did they have to tow my car? - Why did they arrest my friends? - Can they search my car? - Why did the cop take my license? - Can I get a restricted license? - What happens to my insurance? - Do I need a lawyer?
• Lovingston
  • Berry & Maddox: A person commits the offense of speeding when he or she operates a motor vehicle at a speed that is in excess of the speed that is permitted under state statutes, local ordinances, or highway or traffic regulations.
• Lynchburg
  • Sidney Kirstein: It is important to have an attorney on your side that will fight to protect your constitutional rights in any criminal proceeding. Do not wait until you are convicted to hire an experienced attorney to defend your rights.
• Manassas
• Newport News
  • John Rice: Driving while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs often leads to arrest, license revocation, and drunk driving charges.
  • Stephen Dunnigan: ... being confronted with any sort of legal dilemma can be quite perplexing, causing great anxiety and fear of the possible legal consequences.
  • Frank & Frank: Facing a criminal charge, no matter how minor it may seem, can be a complicated and confusing process. You should not answer a criminal charge without the advice and guidance of an experienced criminal attorney.
  • Daniel Morrissette: Dealing with a criminal charge is often frightening.  You may have questions about the law, or about the procedure involved in a criminal case.
• Norfolk
• Oakton
  • Mark Nicewicz: Traffic offenses can threaten one of the liberties you hold dear – the ability to drive your car from point A to point B whenever you feel like it. The alternative is waiting for a train, bus, or subway. If you have too many speeding tickets, reckless driving, DWI, and other serious traffic offenses on your record, the alternative may soon become your reality. Law enforcement officers have a duty to comply with a set of procedures in order for a ticket or arrest to be legal. Far too many people are not aware of the technicalities in the law that may lead to a ticket being thrown out or kept off your permanent driving record.
  • Stephen Gold: A ticket for driving under the influence of alcohol can result in loss of driving privileges and even a jail sentence.
• Portsmouth
  • Von Piersall: D.U.I., Criminal Defense   The Virginia General Assembly has recently enacted very strict D.U.I. laws.  If you have been charged with a D.U.I., or any traffic offense, there are a number of possible remedies.
• Reston
  • Jay Myerson: If you have been charged with DWI, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
• Richmond
• Roanoke
• Salem
  • Ray Byrd: Either the prosecution or the defense may present evidence at a defendant's sentencing hearing. If the prosecution presents evidence, it is generally in the form of the defendant's prior criminal record or the defendant's bad reputation and bad character.
  • David Walker
  • Thomas Bowers: In criminal cases, time is important. You have a limited number of appearances before your case will be scheduled for trial. You have the right to have your attorney present at each of those appearances.
• Silver Spring, MD
  • Marks & Katz: Surprise is a common response my clients have to their first arrest for driving while intoxicated. Sometimes the surprise is because the person is simply not guilty. Often, however, the person did drink over the legal limit, but just did not realize that it does not take much alcohol to make a person culpable of driving while intoxicated.
• Spotsylvania
  • Leigh Gettier: Death as a punishment for a crime is not itself unconstitutional. Death is not automatically regarded as cruel and unusual, but the way it is applied must meet very specific requirements. For example, a state may not impose the death penalty if society generally agrees that the death penalty is inappropriate for that particular crime. But if the state provides rational guidelines to help juries decide if the death penalty is appropriate, and if the jury is allowed to take in mitigating factors, then application of the death penalty will probably be upheld.
• Springfield
  • Albo & Oblon LLP: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (DUI and DWI are the same offense in Virginia, unlike in many other states). This area of law is surprisingly complicated. The law occupies 42 pages of the Virginia Code.
• Stafford
  • Robert Hyman: Traffic tickets can result in serious consequences, including the establishment of a criminal record. There are options available, especially for first-time offenders, to help you keep a clean record. It is important for you to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, even on misdemeanor charges.
  • George Marzloff: For those convicted of a first offense Driving Under the Influence, Virginia law mandates a one-year loss of driving privileges. In most cases, we can assist you, if convicted, in obtaining a restricted permit to drive to and from work and during work, if necessary.
  • Ives & Associates: ...if you are facing a driving while intoxicated ("DWI") charge, reckless driving charge, or if you have already had your license suspended or revoked, you should seriously consider retaining an attorney to represent you in court. DWI and reckless driving charges can result in your loss of license for a year or more. Since we have become a mobile society, it is very difficult to retain employment if you cannot drive to and from, and during, work hours.
• Tidewater
  • Paul Sutton II: A person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle in Virginia will be suspended administratively for ten days upon their arrest for DUI.
• Vinton
  • Jesse Shelor: In addition to the right to counsel during interrogation under the self-incrimination privilege of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, a person has a right to the assistance of counsel under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution when the person is being interrogated after he or she is formally charged with an offense.
• Virginia Beach
• Winchester
  • Fowler, Griffin, Coyne, Coyne & Patton: Come July 1, 1999, there is good news and bad news for drivers with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions on their driving records. The good news is that effective July 1, there will be no more habitual offender declarations in Virginia. The bad news is that a third offense DUI will now be a felony.
• Woodbridge