Brambleton DUI Defense Attorney
If you find yourself facing a DUI arrest in Brambleton, it’s crucial to understand that your driving privileges, insurance rates, livelihood, and personal freedom are all at stake. In Virginia, a DUI arrest initiates a criminal prosecution, granting you specific statutory and constitutional rights, including the right to counsel and the right to remain silent. That’s why it’s imperative to contact our skilled Brambleton DUI defense attorney without delay.
Successfully prosecuting a DWI or DUI arrest in Virginia requires strict adherence to specific procedures outlined in state statutes. These procedures encompass roadside sobriety tests, preliminary breath tests, collection of breath and blood samples, advising suspects of their rights, utilizing state-specified forms, operating intricate testing equipment, conducting chemical tests within designated time frames, and preserving test samples and results. However, law enforcement officers don’t always follow these procedures correctly. In such cases, your defense attorney may be able to get the case dismissed before trial or secure a favorable outcome at trial. To determine if the prosecution has adhered to the required procedures, it takes an experienced DUI attorney who can obtain the necessary records.
DUI Statistics
Similar to any other criminal law case, it’s essential for individuals under arrest to identify themselves when asked by a police officer but refrain from answering any further questions until they have consulted with a Brambleton DUI defense lawyer. In Virginia, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal, with a maximum BAC of 0.02 percent for individuals under 21. A skilled Brambleton drunk driving attorney can provide legal guidance on the associated penalties for these BAC levels in the Northern Virginia area.
Drunk driving statistics in Virginia reveal the seriousness of the issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 44 percent of all Virginia traffic fatalities were alcohol-related, with 36 percent involving a driver exceeding the legal BAC limit of 0.08 percent. These statistics slightly exceeded the national rates, where 37 percent of traffic fatalities were alcohol-related, and 32 percent involved a driver with a BAC above the legal limit.
For teenagers in Loudoun County, any form of drunk driving is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. If an underage individual is caught driving with a BAC between 0.02 and 0.08 percent, they may face fines of up to $500 and other sanctions, including a license suspension. Those under 21 found with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher face the same charges and penalties as those of legal drinking age.
Consequences for a DUI
If convicted of a DUI, the consequences can extend beyond penalties. While the impact on your record and life will depend on the conviction, there may be requirements to purchase a Virginia SR22 insurance policy before being allowed to drive again. These high-risk policies come with significantly higher monthly costs, so it’s crucial to obtain coverage through an authorized insurance agency specializing in SR22 policies to ensure proper coverage.
Regarding your license, a DUI conviction in Virginia leads to a 12-month suspension for a first offense. Subsequent DUIs within 10 years can result in license suspension for up to three years, with penalties escalating further for subsequent offenses, including indefinite suspension. An experienced DWI lawyer can assist you in navigating the license suspension process and may be able to help you obtain a restricted license during this period.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us
At Simms Showers LLP, our Brambleton DUI defense attorney has extensive experience both prosecuting and defending DUI cases. We are highly respected in Brambleton and throughout Northern Virginia for our expertise in DUI law. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our skilled attorneys immediately following a DUI arrest.
