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Virginia DWI Lawyer
Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense. The courts in Virginia and across the nation take a tough stance against drunk driving. If you have been arrested for a DUI you need to be certain that you are represented by an experienced lawyer who knows how to effectively challenge the charges you are facing.
Far too often attorneys look for the easy plea bargain in DUI cases. At Stevens Caruso we take a different approach: Casey R. Stevens and Lisa K. Caruso are skilled criminal defense lawyers who focus on winning DUI cases. They understand that a DUI conviction can have very serious consequences and they are committed to taking all steps necessary to secure the best outcome possible for their DUI clients.
Virginia DUI Laws
Individuals arrested and charged with a DUI/DWI in Virginia face stiff fines and penalties. In Virginia it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 (grams per 210 liters of breath). Even if your BAC measures less than 0.08 you may still be considered “under the influence” if your ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired.
Additionally, if you are under the influence of any drug, including a drug which you have been prescribed, which impairs your ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle safely, you will be subject to the same fines and penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia when you are arrested for a DUI, a chemical test will typically be used to test your blood alcohol level. It is important to understand that when you drive a vehicle in Virginia you are deemed to have consented to have your blood and/or breath chemically tested if you are lawfully arrested by an officer for operating a motor vehicle on a highway while under the influence – this is known as the Virginia implied consent law.
If you unreasonably refuse to take the test your driver’s license will be suspended and your refusal to take the test can be used in court, during the trial of the DUI offense, as evidence against you. While a first unreasonable refusal of a breath or blood test carries with it a civil penalty and is not a crime under Virginia law, a second or any subsequent unreasonable refusal is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense.
In most situations, a DUI conviction is classified as a misdemeanor offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, if this is your third (or greater) DUI offense, it will be treated as a felony which carries stiff fines and penalties, including the possibility of significant jail or prison time. Additionally, if you are driving under the influence and are involved in an accident which causes the death of another person you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter which is a Class 5 felony in Virginia carrying with it the possibility of up to 10 years in prison.
Building a Strong DUI Defense
At Stevens Caruso we concentrate on developing the strongest defenses for individuals who have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Casey R. Stevens and Lisa K. Caruso are experienced DUI attorneys who know how to build winning defense strategies in even the most difficult cases. They will investigate and analyze your case from every angle to uncover all potential defenses that may be available to you, including:
- Illegality of the initial traffic stop
- Lack of probable cause for the DUI arrest
- Inaccurate BAC tests
- Failure to properly maintain and/or calibrate testing equipment
- Improper or invalid field sobriety tests
- Failure to follow proper arrest procedures
Contact a Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Woodbridge, Fairfax County, Prince William County or anywhere else in the Northern Virginia area, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced DUI lawyer immediately. Casey R. Stevens and Lisa K. Caruso are highly skilled criminal defense lawyers who know how to confront the DUI charges you are facing. Call Stevens Caruso today at 703-897-1777 or complete our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation with Casey or Lisa. You can also learn more about DUI charges and penalties in Virginia by visiting the following pages on our site: