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Arlington Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer

Criminal charges are broad in scope. While felony convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, even misdemeanors carry consequences that can seriously impact your future. If you are questioned regarding your involvement in a criminal matter, you may politely assert your right to remain silent until you seek qualified counsel. Any statements you make–even proclaiming your innocence–can be used to incriminate you. An attorney keeps your best interests in mind when helping you cooperate with the investigation while maintaining your rights.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Arlington, Virginia, you may be confused and frightened. Facing criminal charges can lead to overwhelming anxiety about the consequences of a conviction. An Arlington criminal defense and DUI lawyer could fight vigorously in your defense and work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your trial. En Español.

Finding a Knowledgeable DUI Attorney in Arlington County

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you are probably feeling lost, scared, confused, and frustrated. You may also think that you have no other alternative but to plead guilty and accept whatever punishment the judge deems proper. But this is simply not true – you have rights and options. A knowledgeable attorney can help you assert them. A well-practiced Arlington DUI lawyer will strive to defend those rights.

Our attorneys know the ins and outs of DUI law in Virginia and know how to help you put on a case that maximizes your chances of success. This knowledge comes from experience in the courtroom, from local relationships forged with judges and prosecutors, and it comes through years of studying case law and statutes. All of this knowledge and experience will be used in order to help you and your case. They will inform you of potential penalties for a driving under the influence conviction and work to build a sound defense against those charges.

DUI First-Offense Penalties

A person facing charges of intoxicated driving for the first time can expect one or more of the following penalties. While Virginia’s DUI penalties may seem steep—and they are—the assistance of a qualified Arlington criminal defense attorney can work to make sure your punishment is as lenient as possible given the circumstances of your first offense and the details of your arrest.

  • Fines: A minimum fine of $250, plus court costs. A person can also be charged for the costs of police and emergency personnel (ambulance, fire truck), if they are necessary, totaling up to $2,500
  • Jail Time: Up to 12 months in jail. For a DUI with a BAC of between 0.08% and 0.15%, sentencing will be up to the judge. A BAC between 0.15% and 0.20% requires a mandatory five days in jail. A BAC level of 0.20% or higher will result in ten days in jail
  • License: A first offender will have his or her drivers’ license suspended for at least 12 months, but a judge may grant a restricted license during that period
  • Ignition Interlock: If you get arrested for a DUI with a BAC level of .15% or higher, you will have to get an ignition interlock device installed on your car for as long as is decided by the court. An ignition interlock may also be required as a condition of a restricted license
  • Chemical Test Refusal: If you refuse a chemical drug test in the wake of your DUI arrest, your license will be automatically revoked for a year. In these cases, a restricted license cannot be granted

Facing a DUI Charge

Nobody intends to get a DUI. But the fact of the matter is that every year, thousands of people are charged with the crime of driving after having had too much to drink. If you are facing a first, second, your third DUI offense, or even a felony DUI charge, the potential consequences can be overwhelming. But you do not have to face these charges on your own. An Arlington DUI lawyer can assist you as you address these criminal charges.

They will walk you through the process and inform you on what you should expect from the prosecution of a DUI case. Contact us today to schedule a free case analysis.

The Benefits of Legal Counsel

One of the most confusing things about going to court is the paperwork and the bureaucracy. For someone facing criminal charges for the first time, they may not know what to expect and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. As a result, they can easily become overwhelmed by the large and intimidating legal system—the piles of paperwork and the confusing terminology.

At the offices of Karin Riley Porter Attorney at Law, our criminal defense and DUI lawyers know which papers to file and with whom, thus eliminating the chances of your case being delayed on account of improper filings and common mistakes. In doing this, our legal professionals might be able to save you money in court fees, as well as massive amounts of time.

Besides possessing knowledge of the law and experience practicing it, our attorneys are compassionate and understanding people who genuinely want to help you to the fullest extent possible. Our lawyers know that being charged with a legal infraction can be a source of embarrassment, shame, and stress.

That is why your attorney can go over every part of your case with you in detail and work hard to get you a lenient outcome, regardless of if you were charged with an alcohol or drug-related DUI, or another criminal offense. A charge is not always the end of the world.

Understanding the Arlington Judicial System

If you are charged with a crime, your case will most likely be heard at the Arlington General District Court, located at 1425 North Courthouse Road in Arlington, Virginia.

Arlington County is one of the most populated areas in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its proximity to the District of Columbia ensures that there are a steady stream of people coming in and out every single day.

That means that the criminal defense attorneys who represent clients in Arlington are among the busiest in the Commonwealth. They represent clients against the charges listed above, and dozens more.

If you are facing a criminal charge and you are not sure whether or not you need an attorney, or if our office even offers the services you are looking for, we recommend that you set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys to ask any questions you might have. We can help you understand how our office might be able to help you, as well as the specific charge you are facing and the penalties that it could carry.

Do not take your charge lightly. If the Commonwealth has managed to produce a charge against you, that means that they are serious about prosecuting it and could pursue a maximum allowable sentence for your offense. If you are facing a charge, and the potential impact that penalties could bring with a conviction, you owe it to yourself to pursue the best possible chance at a positive result.

Reach out to a Skilled Arlington County Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney for Assistance

An Arlington criminal defense & DUI attorney will work tirelessly on your behalf, making sure that your best interests are looked out for and your rights are protected—all while working towards a positive result. We have the experience that has proven successful, and while no two cases are alike (because they changed drastically based on unique circumstances), that experience gives our attorneys a strong foundation to handle your defense.

Arlington is unique among the counties because of the relationship it has with its towns. Technically, it is comprised of separate neighborhoods and are not allowed to incorporate any towns. While the neighborhoods are commonly referred to by name only—as if they were a unique town or city—they do not have their own government and all fall under the umbrella of Arlington. This means that if you are charged with a crime in any of its neighborhoods, you will be charged and prosecuted in the Arlington Court system.

Our attorneys have experience throughout Arlington, so if you have been accused of a crime, or if you have been formally charged in – Ballston, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Westover, Clarendon, Lyon Village, Shirlington, Wiliamsburg Circle, Courthouse, Pentagon City, Virginia Square or Palisades – contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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