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Henrico County DUI Lawyer

Driving under the influence in Henrico County can lead to serious life-changing consequences including large fines, jail time, and the loss of your driver’s license. If you have been charged with DUI, a criminal lawyer in Henrico County can help.

A Henrico County DUI lawyer will have years of experience helping clients navigate their trials and secure the most favorable outcome possible. No matter what situation you are facing, your lawyer will walk you through each step of the legal process and help you develop an effective defense.

DUI Arrests in Henrico County

If you get pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the police officer will look for behavioral indicators that suggest impairment of your physical and mental abilities. These may include your ability to follow directions, answer questions, focus on two things at one time, and complete physical tasks, such as standing on one leg or walking in a straight line. Read more about common myths regarding DUI charges to further understand them and their enforcement.

If, in the judgment of the arresting officer, there is a high likelihood that you are intoxicated, your license will be confiscated, and you will be required to take a breath test or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Refusal to take the test can result in the loss of your driver’s license for one full year. Upon being tested, if the alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or higher, then the driver is considered to be legally intoxicated and can be charged with a DUI.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence

Penalties for DUI depend on the number of prior offenses, your blood alcohol level, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. In Virginia, the state legislature and Department of Transportation have prescribed the following penalties for people convicted of DUI:

  • First offense: Upon first conviction of a DUI offense, you will face a mandatory $250 fine as well as revocation of your driver’s license for one year from the date of conviction. You may also be sentenced to five or 10 days in jail if your BAC exceeds 0.15. Although not as severe as subsequent offenses, these charges are often taken very sersiously by the justice system.
  • Second offense: If you are convicted of a second DUI offense within five years, you will face a mandatory minimum of 20 days in jail, a mandatory $500 minimum fine, as well as revocation of your driver’s license for three years and up to one year in jail.
  • Third offense: If you are convicted of a third DUI offense or DWI felony, you will receive a jail sentence with a mandatory minimum of 90 days to six months depending on when your prior offenses occurred.  In addition, a third offense carries  a minimum $1,000 fine and  mandatory indefinite suspension of your driver’s license.

When someone is convicted of a DUI, regardless of how many times they’ve previously been charged, they will be required to enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program. Additional penalties may also apply if you are involved in an accident that caused injury, loss of life, or damage to property, or if you are a commercial driver’s license holder. Individuals under the legal drinking age of 21 may also see some different penalties. The Commonwealth of Virginia takes its drivers and their safety very seriously. Any DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently.

Not only will there be criminal charges, but there will also be financial penalties other than the fines imposed by the court. Your insurance company will increase your premiums in order to insure you as one of their drivers, or they may even drop your coverage. If you are dropped by an insurance company for a DUI charge, you will have a very difficult time obtaining insurance through another company for a reasonable price.

Civil penalties may also accompany a DUI charge. You may be personally sued for any damages or injuries caused by you under Virginia’s personal injury laws. Additionally, someone who is already on probation and is then charged with a DUI will likely face very serious penalties.

There are many reasons to contact a Henrico County DUI lawyer. Upon discussing your case with you, an aggressive DUI attorney can work to develop a plan of action designed to mitigate damages to you and your future as much as possible.

In order to present a positive and proactive image to the court, your criminal defense lawyer may help you to enroll in certain alcohol- or driving-related programs that demonstrate your commitment to safety. Steps like these have been known to reduce penalties and soften the blow of a DUI conviction.

Advantages of Having Legal Representation

Choosing an experienced Henrico County DUI attorney ensures that you have the best possible representation in court and that your attorney will give his full attention to your case.

In addition, your Henrico County DUI lawyer will answer any questions you have, gather evidence in your favor, look for any improper action on the part of the arresting officer, and make sure you receive a fair and aggressively defended trial. They can advise you on what beneficial steps you can take towards damage control and keep you informed throughout the process.

A DUI conviction can impact your life significantly, long after your trial is over. That’s why you need the legal counsel of an attorney in Henrico County who will work tirelessly to make sure you receive the best possible representation. A lawyer with local experience will know trustworthy and reliable expert witnesses they can call on to testify on your behalf.

Your attorney may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dropped, and he may be able to mitigate any associated penalties. Contact a Henrico County DUI lawyer with our firm today to discuss your case

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