DUI/DWI Repeat Offense

FAIRFAX, VA ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING REPEAT DUI OFFENDERS

With proper legal representation from a competent DUI attorney, most individuals who are charged with a first-time DUI in the Commonwealth of Virginia can avoid jail time unless the BAC is .15 or higher where there is a mandatory jail sentence. First-time DUI consequences may still seem severe for the individual, but once the ordeal is over, he or she can return to a normal, productive life. In Virginia, second and third DUI offenses can be more complicated. In addition to a mandatory jail sentence, the periods of driver’s license suspensions and fines also increase.

For instance, a second-time DUI/DWI in Virginia carries a fine of $500-$2500, one to twelve months in jail with a 20 day mandatory minimum sentence, and a three-year license revocation. A third DUI offense is punishable as a Class Six Felony with a fine available of $1000-$2,500, twelve months in jail with a 90 day or six month mandatory minimum jail sentence or one to five years in prison, and an indefinite license revocation not less than ten years. What’s more, if you have two DUI convictions in ten years, you will be required to have an ignition interlock system on any vehicle that you own—even if you don’t drive it.

Prepare Your Legal Defense Immediately

Regardless of your guilt or innocence in the matter, one thing is certain: you must begin to prepare your legal defense as quickly as possible. The DUI defense attorneys at Hale Carlson Baumgartner, PLC represent clients in the Northern Virginia area. Whether this is your first, second, third, or fourth DUI, it is still up to law enforcement and the prosecution to prove their case. A past conviction is not evidence that the current charges against you are valid. A competent, reputable Virginia DUI lawyer can review the evidence that the police have gathered and provide the best strategy for obtaining a dismissal.

Fairfax Virginia DUI Defense Attorneys

At the law firm of Hale Carlson Baumgartner, PLC, our attorneys examine a number of factors in establishing DUI defense strategies. Did the police have probably cause to stop the vehicle? Was our client known to the police from his or her previous drunk driving arrests? If so, did that factor into their reason for the stop? Did the police follow the established legal protocols in conducting a DUI checkpoint? Were roadside exercises properly explained to the client? Was it made clear that the field sobriety exercises or blood alcohol tests were voluntary?

Experienced and Reputable DUI Attorneys

Just because you have a prior DUI conviction, doesn’t mean that the second or third arrest will also result in a successful conviction for the prosecution. Every case is different, and prior convictions have no bearing on the current situation. When you are facing fines, jail, a suspended license, and other onerous penalties, you need to know that the DUI lawyer that you’ve retained is competent and knowledgeable. Hale Carlson Baumgartner, PLC has that caliber of attorneys.

The law office of Hale Carlson Baumgartner, PLC represents first-time and multiple DUI defendants in Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Arlington County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Clarke County Frederick County, Vienna, Tyson’s Corner, Alexandria, Leesburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Winchester and other parts of Northern Virginia.

To schedule an appointment, contact us at our Fairfax office at (703) 591-4900.