DUI Attorney VA Trusts
Finding a DUI attorney VA residents trust can seem very overwhelming, especially for anyone who is currently dealing with a charge for driving under the influence. Everyone makes mistakes; there’s no reason why you have to keep paying for one mistake for years and years to come.
What is DUI per se?
Any DUI attorney VA residents trust may discuss a term with you called DUI “per se.” This is a charge you may face if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is over .08. If you are facing a DUI per se charge, you may also be charged with driving under the influence. The charges are separate, and you may have to go to court to defend both, which is why it may be helpful for you to hire a Virginia DUI attorney.
MADD and DUI Per Se
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) started a campaign in the 1980s to reform DUI laws. This resulted in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that anyone with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or more would be considered under the influence without needing to prove poor driving or lack of capacity.
Because of this action, any DUI attorney VA residents turn to for information may tell you that almost all states prohibit individuals from operating a vehicle on a public road if you have a BAC of .08 or more. You may be charged with DUI per se even if the alcohol didn’t have any noticeable effect on your driving.
DUI per se is a standalone charge, but since it occurs if you have a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or greater, being charged with this usually leads to being charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Your DUI attorney in VA may be able to help you examine the charges against you.
Driving Under the Influence
Since DUI per se may likely lead to a driving under the influence charge, it may be important to know what both charges are. Almost all states prohibit driving while under the influence of alcohol or some other drug.
In order to be convicted of a DUI, the opposing counsel must prove that you operated a vehicle and that while you were driving, your abilities were impaired to some degree. Your DUI attorney VA residents turn to may be able to tell you how both of these requirements may play out.
In most cases, a police officer or another witness seeing you drive is enough to prove you were operating the vehicle. In some states, you can even be charged if you are in the car with the engine off and the car keys in your pocket. That’s why it may be helpful for you to consult a DUI attorney VA residents trust to defend them.
Depending on the state where you live, the prosecution may have to prove that you were impaired and couldn’t drive as well as a sober driver in the same situation. Each state has their own requirements and degrees of impairment that are necessary to be charged with a DUI.
If you are facing a DUI per se and/or a DUI, you may want to seek legal representation to lessen the punishment you may face for your crime. The law firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. may be able to help defend you if you have to go to court for a DUI charge. Contact the DUI attorney VA residents trust by calling (571) 364-6727 today.
At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., clients never have to wonder if they’re getting reliable legal counsel. Our experienced legal team knows what to expect from typical court proceedings for DUI charges, and we know how stressful it is for clients to go through it all. One of the most important things you can do is hire a DUI attorney VA can turn to, to make sure that you don’t have to go through it alone.
With an experienced VA DUI attorney at your side, you have a better chance at getting the minimum sentencing for a DUI charge. Without an attorney helping you, it’s more likely that you’ll face stiffer fines and punishments, possibly including jail time.
No attorney can call themselves the “best” DUI attorney VA has to offer, but having an attorney helping you through the legal hurdles can be invaluable. Here’s a quick look at what individuals charged with DUI may encounter if they receive a conviction:
- Fines: A fine is something that most individuals should expect — at the very least — following a DUI conviction. States like Virginia typically impose fines around $200 or $250 dollars for a first-time conviction, although this can be raised if the court deems it reasonable.
- Jail time: All 50 states consider a first-time DUI charge to be a misdemeanor, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the penalties will be easy to handle. Most states have a maximum jail time of six months for a first-time DUI conviction, but this may be extended if the circumstances call for it.
- Driver’s license suspension: In Virginia, as in many other states, a DUI conviction could lead to a license suspension. States often require that a first-time offender have his or her driver’s license suspended for at least 90 days, although this is often extended to one full year under extenuating circumstances.
- Other administrative penalties: Along with a license suspension, a DUI conviction could also lead to a mandatory ignition interlock for drivers who have received a DUI conviction in the past or receive a conviction for a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC level) over a certain percentage. Many states consider .15% or .20% to be a valid BAC level for stricter penalties, considering that the legal limit is .08%. This type of situation is where a DUI attorney VA drivers rely on can be very helpful.
- Other penalties and consequences: It’s important to keep in mind that the penalties outlined on any legal forum or website are not set in stone. Every individual’s situation and case is different, so it only makes sense that courts would have the ability to adjust DUI penalties as necessary. Young drivers under the age of 21 are more likely to receive stiffer sentencing, as are drivers who are repeat offenders.
If you’ve charged in a drunk driving related incident, a DUI attorney VA residents are proud to have on their side can be critically important to defending your rights. At The Law Offices of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., our team of experienced and knowledgeable lawyers want to help you through the legal process. We’re not only adept negotiators — able to devise and execute plea bargains that are in your best interest, but also aggressive trial attorneys who will defend your due process against any infringement on your rights. With a DUI attorney VA residents turn to on our team, you can feel confident that your case is in capable hands.
Providing Professional Legal Guidance
When you hire a DUI attorney VA drivers respect, you should receive professional guidance about every step of the legal process. Part of an attorney’s job is to help you maneuver through the legal process, to to help you understand various factors and processes in your case. A top DUI attorney in VA on our team will want to keep you informed of your case’s status, and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Thoroughly Investigating the Case
In some cases, DUI attorneys visit the location or scene where the arrest was made. Surveillance video, breathalyzer or blood tests and any other relevant evidence may be examined with a fine tooth comb. This is done to verify claims or statements made by officials or bystanders. At The Law Office of Frederick J. Brynn, a DUI attorney VA drivers trust on our team will work diligently to uncover the facts of your case.
Reaching a Plea Agreement
A DUI attorney VA residents can count on understands when negotiating a plea deal is in your best interest. After discussing your options with your, he or she may be able to talk with the prosecutor to get your sentenced reduced, have your criminal record expunged, your license returned, or any number of other options that can help reduce the lasting effects of a DUI conviction.
Managing the Legal Process
When you are required to go to court for a DUI, there is typically be a number of legal documents which must be filed in a specific manner and on time. By not doing so, further penalties or confusion could potentially arise. It may be in your best interest to leave these important tasks to a top DUI attorney VA has to offer to ensure they’re done right.
Frederick J. Brynn: Your Compassionate and Dependable DUI Attorney in VA
Dealing with a DUI charge is stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. No attorney can guarantee that you will get “off the hook” after a DUI charge, but a good attorney can make sure that you don’t go through it alone. With proper legal counsel, you have a better chance at getting a lighter sentencing and a chance to put your mistake in the past. When you need a DUI attorney VA respects and relies upon for even the most difficult legal situations, Frederick J. Brynn should be your first call.