Virginia Beach DUI Defense Attorney
Being convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence) can have harsh repercussions. In addition to criminal penalties, you could also face other long-term consequences. With a DUI on your record, you might have a difficult time securing employment, applying for housing, and obtaining loans for higher education purposes. You could also have your license suspended or revoked, and your car insurance premiums might go up.
DUI charges are often accompanied by reckless driving charges. Reckless driving is a serious offense that can lead to more fines and jail time, among other penalties. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Virginia, there’s no time to waste. Contact an experienced Virginia Beach DUI attorney from Pincus Goodman, P.C., to begin building your defense. We have the skills and experience to help you seek a reduction of the charges against you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we might even be able to get your case dismissed. Call us at (757) 301-9634 so we can get started today.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Virginia
In Virginia, anyone operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher can be charged with a DUI, although you can still be charged with a DUI even if your BAC is lower but you are clearly impaired. You can also be charged with a DUI if you are found driving under the influence of any drug, including some prescription drugs with sedative properties like benzodiazepines.
A first-time DUI is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. If convicted, the DUI will go on your permanent criminal record. The penalties for a misdemeanor DUI include a minimum fine of $250 and license revocation for a maximum of one year. If your BAC was .15 percent or above at the time of your arrest, you could also be looking at a minimum of five days of jail time. Individuals who have been convicted of a DUI in Virginia might also have to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles, which are essentially alcohol monitoring devices.
Common Defenses Used in DUI Cases
At Pincus Goodman, P.C., we will consider a wide variety of possible defenses that could be used to get your charges reduced or dismissed. After thoroughly reviewing the facts of your case and collecting evidence to support your side of the story, we will begin to craft a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Some possible defenses we may use include:
- There was no reasonable suspicion for a police officer to pull you over
- Police officers had no probable cause to make an arrest
- Witness testimony that refutes police officers’ claims
- Defective breath testing device
- Improper BAC testing procedure
- Inaccurate BAC test results
- You were impaired due to fatigue or another valid reason that did not involve alcohol or drugs
- Prosecutorial misconduct
This is not an exhaustive list of possible defenses, but they are some of the most common arguments we have used to successfully defend clients in past DUI cases. If the police or prosecutors violated your rights or engaged in misconduct of any kind, there could be legitimate grounds for your case to be dismissed. If you have been charged with a DUI, you should reach out to a seasoned DUI lawyer right away so that any proof of unethical behavior can be quickly gathered and preserved.
Contact a Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer Today
If you were arrested for a DUI in Virginia Beach, contact the Virginia Beach DUI attorneys of Pincus Goodman, P.C., to discuss your legal rights and options. Given the serious nature of a DUI charge and the long-lasting effects of a DUI conviction, it is imperative to hire a knowledgeable attorney to help you fight the charges brought against you. Call Pincus Goodman, P.C., at (757) 301-9634 today to schedule a consultation.