DUI/DWI
Virginia DUI and DWI Defense Attorneys (804) 355-8037
Charges of drunk driving are often legally vulnerable to a surprising number of defenses. At the Virginia DUI defense law firm of The Weiland Firm, PLC, we are familiar and experienced with a broad range of possible legal defenses in each drunk driving case we accept because, in many instances, we developed a new or creative approach to these charges.
For instance:
- A second or third drunk driving conviction means mandatory jail time and pricey fines. We have successfully argued to have prior convictions eliminated, disqualified or suppressed, effectively minimizing the consequences of multiple convictions.
- This firm argued to have the Virginia abusive drivers’ fees ruled unconstitutional and they have been eliminated, saving our clients thousands of dollars.
For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at (804) 355-8037 or throughout Virginia at 866.676.3154. The DUI and DWI lawyers of The Weiland Firm, PLC will help you understand the charges and provide experienced representation.
Our Reputation and Legal Relationships Lead to Results
At The Weiland Firm, PLC, our familiarity with the courts we practice in, our positive reputation and our working relationship with law enforcement officers and prosecutors helps us effectively manage each DUI or DWI case. Our prior handling of hundreds of DUI/DWI cases helps us identify legal defenses that other DUI attorneys could miss. We have been established criminal defense firm for over two decades and are published in the area of traffic law.
Legal Representation Past Your Court Date
Our established legal practice allows us to put your results before our revenue concerns. In the event of a conviction, our DUI lawyers spend the time to advise you through your post-conviction process. Required to blow into a car-attached breath test device each time you drive? We can advise you about issues related to the ignition interlock device. Facing driving restrictions or a suspended license? We can advise you about alcohol or driving classes that could minimize the consequences of your conviction.
Why Do I Need a DUI Lawyer?
If you’ve ever received a ticket for a DUI you might think that you have no choice but to pay the fine, attend the necessary courses and live with the fact that you have a DUI on your record. You might be under the impression that there’s no sense in you hiring a DUI lawyer since it’s already been proven that you were driving under the influence of alcohol. The reason you’ll want to hire an experienced DUI lawyer is because of the fallout that comes after you receive your DUI.
You’ll Want a DUI Lawyer for Your Administrative Review
Your driving privileges will be suspended if you ever get a DUI and the ticket that you receive will more than likely be a ten-day temporary permit. What that means is that you have ten days to file a demand for a review or you run the risk of being unable to file for a hardship license.
If you have a DUI lawyer on your side you’ll more than likely be able to get a temporary permit for anywhere from 30 to 45 days. A good DUI lawyer will also be able to sidestep the administrative suspension, which will allow you to get your regular driver’s license back. Something else to think about with a reputable DUI lawyer is that you’ll have more time to make arrangements for transportation in case the administrative suspension goes through.
An Experienced DUI Lawyer Can Help You Go Over Your Case
If you’ve received a DUI for the first time, you don’t have to automatically plead guilty. DUI lawyers are familiar with reading police reports and breathalyzer records and know what evidence can and can’t be suppressed for your benefit. There’s also a chance that your case can be dismissed, which a DUI lawyer can help you determine.
DUI Lawyers Can Help You Successfully Prepare for a Case
Once a DUI lawyer has had a chance to take a look at your case, they can advise you on the absolute best way to take care of your case in court. Your options might be receiving a reduced charge by pleading guilty, fighting against the case or going before a jury or judge. Even though a majority of people plead guilty to their very first DUI ticket, you can do more than you realize to prepare for your case so that you can either reduce or completely eliminate the mandatory probationary period.
Any chances that you might have of avoiding major legal consequences after your DUI case are greatly improved if you have an experienced DUI lawyer on your side. You’ll want to make sure that you find a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases and one that is up-to-date on the latest DUI laws.
DUI Lawyers Can Help You Make a Decision
If you aren’t sure whether or not you should plead guilty to a DUI charge, a lawyer can help you by providing you with legal advice. While you might think this is a waste of money, there’s a good chance that you can receive a reduced sentence by taking the advice of an experienced DUI lawyer. The money you spend on an experienced DUI lawyer is money that you could potentially save by not having to go to DUI school. There’s also a chance that a lawyer can help you avoid having your driver’s license suspended.
You’ll most definitely want to get an experienced and reputable DUI lawyer if this isn’t your first time getting a DUI.
You’ll Have Someone You Can Trust
If you’re ever arrested for anything you have to be careful about what you say or do in order to avoid digging yourself into an even deeper legal hole. The police can and will use anything that you say against you. You don’t have to worry about revealing anything that can be used against you with a lawyer, all you have to do is be completely open and honest with them about the details of your case and let them help you decide which step to take next.
While your lawyer won’t act as your counselor or best friend, you don’t have to worry about watching what you say around them either. They’re there to help you and advise you. You might feel uneasy revealing the whole truth to them, but the more they know the better they’ll be able to build up an effective case for your charge.
If you’re worried about having to pay for a DUI lawyer, most of them are more than happy to work out a payment plan for their services.
What Do You Risk When Facing DUI Charges? Hire a Lawyer
The consequences for driving while under the influence (DUI) in Virginia are significant. The penalties may vary from one circumstance to another. For example, if you are over 21, then the legal BAC (blood alcohol limit) is .08 percent. However, if you are under 21, then the limit tops off at .02 percent. Another example of the circumstances which can influence the severity of your consequences has to do with the number of times you have received this conviction. The consequences will be much more severe if this has happened several times before. This may also be true if other people were harmed because of your actions.
If you are currently facing charges for driving while under the influence of alcohol, then you’ll want to contact a lawyer to help you face the charges and minimize the consequences. In order to truly understand the importance of hiring a DUI lawyer, you need to fully realize the severity of the consequences which may await you when you face a judge.
Loss of Driving Privileges
Your first DUI conviction in Virginia usually carries with it a license suspension of one year. If you have had multiple convictions, then the length of this suspension can be much longer. The loss of your driving privileges can make it difficult for you to get to work, transport the kids to school, complete daily errands, or enjoy the freedom of going where you want when you want. You may find yourself getting to work late or even unable to complete your assignments if traveling is part of your job responsibilities.
Financial Consequences
The fines are usually at least $500 dollars for a DUI conviction in Virginia, but fines aren’t the only way that you’ll be affected financially. (Repeat convictions will become more expensive.) Facing DUI charges and earning a conviction can have an expensive effect on your insurance rates. Many insurance companies will drop clients with a DUI charge and those insurance companies which are willing to keep you on will almost definitely raise your premium rates.
With these added expenses, you may also find that you are having a harder time even earning the money which you are accustomed to bringing home each month. Getting to and from work without a driver’s license can be inconvenient and expensive. If driving is part of your job, and your driving privileges have been suspended, then you won’t be able to complete your responsibilities.
Employment Opportunities
The DUI conviction in most states will remain on your record. This means that when a potential employer runs a background check on you, they will have access to your driving record. You may get passed over for job promotions and for new employment positions because the DUI conviction is on your record. In some cases, current employers will let you go when they find out about your conviction.
The Consequences for Multiple Convictions
Earning multiple DUI convictions will carry increasingly strict consequences. These include:
- Heftier fines: Over $1000 in fines
- Increased length of time during which your driving privileges are revoked
- Indefinite loss of driving privileges
- Use of ignition interlock device
- Confiscation of your vehicle
- Jail time: 90 days to over six months
- Long-term effects on medical and auto insurance
Social Consequences
If drunk driving is part of a pattern of drinking, then your relationships at home, in public, and at work might all be affected. However, even a one-time event, just one DUI conviction, can lead to serious social and emotional consequences. This might start at work when your employer’s opinion of your changes or it may start at home when your spouse is angry about your increasing financial difficulties. If you are currently single and rely on your car to meet up with others, then your opportunities to meet other people may be severely limited.
The long-term costs of a conviction can leave you lonely, struggling financially, and feeling as if you can never escape from one bad decision.
Hire a DUI Lawyer
If you are currently facing charges of driving drunk, and you are concerned about the seriousness of your consequences, then you need the help of an experienced DUI lawyer. The laws regarding DUIs are complex and the court may already be predisposed to think the worst. Without the support and representation of an experienced DUI lawyer, you may be facing a battle which you cannot win.
As qualified professionals, we can give you the representation you need. Contact our office for a consultation with a qualified legal representative.
Contact Us
If you face drunk driving charges, including underage drinking and driving charges, in Virginia, contact the DUI attorneys of The Weiland Firm, PLC. We offer free initial consultations, accept credit cards and are conveniently located near I-95 and I-295 in the Richmond area. Contact us online, or call us at (804) 355-8037.
Our traffic lawyers handle DUI & DWI cases in the City of Richmond and numerous local jurisdictions surrounding the City of Richmond. These jurisdictions include Brunswick, Emporia. King George, Henrico County, Hanover County, Chesterfield County, Prince George County, New Kent County, Spotsylvania County, the City of Hopewell, Sussex County, Caroline County, Amelia County, the City of Colonial Heights, the City of Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, Goochland County, Stafford County and Powhatan County.
For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at (804) 355-8037. The DUI and DWI lawyers of The Weiland Firm, PLC will help you understand the charges and provide experienced representation.