Virginia Defense Attorneys Assist Motorists Accused of DUI

Hampton Roads lawyers represent people charged with driving under the influence

At Hunter Law Firm, we recognize that a DUI charge can be a life changer. Virginia law imposes severe penalties on individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), which is also referred to in the state as driving while intoxicated (DWI). Our Hampton Roads law firm has four offices throughout the area, located in Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake and Gloucester. Wherever you need help defending against a DUI charge, we will make every effort to obtain a favorable result and work hard to see that you are treated fairly.

Attorneys in Newport News and Hampton fight to get penalties reduced

If you become our client, our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to give you the respect, compassion and understanding you deserve. But we are also prepared to act aggressively in order to protect your best interests. Even a first drunk driving offense is a serious criminal charge under Virginia law, with punishment becoming more serious with each subsequent conviction:

• First offense — Classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, convictions result in a fine ranging from $250 to $2,500 and license revocation for one year. Aggravating factors such as a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .15 or a DUI while a child is in the car could trigger mandatory time in jail.
• Second offense — Still a Class 1 misdemeanor, jail time for a repeat offender can run for as long as one year. The minimum fine is $500, license revocation extends to three years, and an ignition interlock device is required once driving privileges resume.
• Third and subsequent offenses — As a Class 6 felony, the penalties for someone with three or more DUI convictions include incarceration for a term between six months and five years, a minimum fine of $1,000 and the potential for lifetime license revocation.

Regardless of the specific count, our firm conducts a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and searches for facts to refute unwarranted allegations.

We are at your side throughout the criminal justice process

From the first moments after your arrest, law enforcement officials may exercise many techniques to coerce you into waiving your legal rights. A June 2010 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court made their job easier by determining that silence alone does not automatically invoke the Miranda right to remain silent. This is why it is so important to immediately assert your right to an attorney and to remain silent and stop all questioning until that attorney arrives. Once one of our DUI defense lawyers is present, they will protect you against police intimidation and other methods used by authorities to weaken your defense.

Defending against a charge of boating under the influence

Boat operators are subject to the same type of laws as automobile drivers when it comes to alcohol and drug use. You can face jail time and a fine if you are judged to be impaired while at the helm or if your blood-alcohol concentration exceeds .08 percent. Multiple offenders face tough punishment and suspension of your license to operate watercraft is also a potential penalty. However, unlike vehicles on the road, boats don’t have assigned lanes, and many innocent factors might mislead an observer into thinking that the watercraft is being operated erratically.

Contact an accomplished Virginia DUI defense attorney

At Hunter Law Firm, we have four offices to serve Hampton Roads clients who are accused of driving or boating under the influence. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or call to speak with an experienced lawyer at our Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake or Gloucester location.