Fredericksburg DUI Lawyer
An individual that is allegedly under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating any motor vehicle on a public road or highway in Fredericksburg can be charged with a DUI.
In Fredericksburg, driving under the influence is a serious charge and a conviction can lead to an extensive jail sentence, loss of your driver’s license, large bonds, and loss of employment in some circumstances. As a result of these serious penalties, it is important those accused consult with a Fredericksburg DUI lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a defense. An experienced criminal defense attorney can work to investigate the charges against you and assist in guiding you through the legal process.
Elements of a DUI Charge
The Commonwealth’s legal limit is .08 or higher to be considered under the influence; however, not reaching that level does not prohibit someone from being arrested and charged with a DUI.
This is important because a DUI conviction can result in serious penalties of up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and the suspension of the person’s driver’s license. Furthermore, a DUI conviction has a negative stigma attached to it, which can insinuate that the driver is at risk and is irresponsible. These penalties make it important that a DUI attorney in Fredericksburg is contacted as soon as possible.
DUI Enforcement
DUI checkpoints are relatively common in Fredericksburg. Checkpoints are normally set up on one-way streets and highway on/off ramps. The locations are selected because they are on the roads where there is typically heavy traffic, which is where most people travel at night. Recent checkpoints have been spotted on Lafayette Boulevard and Plantation Drive.
Penalties
A first-time DUI is a class 1 misdemeanor, which has a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The person will also be required to attend the Virginia Alcohol Safety Actions Program, known as VASAP, which is a program that focuses on substance abuse or alcohol treatment. A second DUI charge will be treated more severely.
The Commonwealth also retains the right to have an interlock system placed in a person’s vehicle following a DUI conviction, and their license may be suspended for a year. An interlock system is a breathalyzer that requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece before and during the operation of a vehicle.
Learn the Benefits of a Fredericksburg DUI Attorney
A local Fredericksburg DUI lawyer knows the roads, understands the law, and is able to negotiate or argue a case favorably with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
A DUI lawyer in Fredericksburg can start by investigating a case to confirm that the police complied with the law when the person was stopped and arrested. Next, the attorney will challenge any constitutional issues in the stop, if any exist, and advocate aggressively in an effort to get the best result for the defendant in court. If the case is then not one that will likely be dismissed or the person is unlikely to be successful in a trial, the attorney will negotiate to get them the best possible outcome to protect their license, their job, and/or their reputation in the community. Reach out to us today.
