McLean, VA DUI Attorneys

Aggressive DUI Defense Lawyers for Clients in McLean, Virginia

A DUI charge in Virginia can come as a shock if you have never had an encounter with law enforcement before. The penalties can be strict even for first-time offenders, and for repeat offenders, the punishments may be much more severe. The best thing you can do after a DUI arrest is to get in contact with a qualified attorney who can advise you of how to respond to the charges against you. A McLean DUI defense attorney can represent you in court, fighting to protect you from fines, jail time, and the loss of your driving privileges.

At Salvado Law Offices, we are highly familiar with the laws concerning drunk driving in Virginia. Our experienced attorneys will review your case carefully and argue to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

The Legal Definition of Driving Under the Influence in Virginia

You are legally considered intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured at .08 percent or more. This is the point at which you can be charged with DUI after you have been detained by a police officer. However, do not assume that you are in the clear simply because your BAC is below the legal limit. You can still be charged with driving under the influence if the officer observes that you are under the influence based on your speech, disposition, or movement.

At Salvado Law Offices, we may question whether you were truly under the influence at the time of your arrest. An officer's observations may be subjective, and chemical testing results for BAC levels are not always reliable. We will review the evidence against you and bring the court's attention to any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Can I Refuse to Take a Breath or Blood Test in Virginia?

The results of a breath or blood test taken at a police station can be used as evidence against you in court. However, you cannot simply refuse to take a test, at least, not without legal consequences. This is in accordance with Virginia's implied consent law, which holds that all motorists in the commonwealth give consent to blood or breath testing after a DUI arrest. Refusing a test at a police station is a civil offense, and your driver's license will be automatically suspended for a year.

If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI in Virginia, you should get in contact with an attorney as soon as you can. At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys can provide you with legal advice and inform you of your options early on in your case.

Possible Penalties for DUI in Virginia

A first DUI offense in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail, as well as a mandatory fine of $250, up to a maximum of $2,500. You may also face a mandatory minimum jail sentence if your BAC was over .15 percent at the time of testing. A second DUI conviction in five years will result in 20 days of mandatory confinement and a minimum fine of $500. For a third offense in a 10-year period, you will face felony charges.

Additionally, if you are merely arrested for DUI, not convicted, you will face administrative penalties. A first DUI arrest will result in a 7-day license suspension. For each arrest after your first, the length of your suspension will increase.

Meet With a McLean DUI Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of driving under the influence, Salvado Law Offices can defend you in court. Our McLean, Virginia DUI attorneys are here to protect your rights. Call us at 703-379-9446 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.