Virginia Felony DUI Attorney
About Felony DUI in Fairfax, Fauquier & Prince William County
If a person has been arrested and charged with DUI in Virginia the question of whether the charge will be a misdemeanor or a felony becomes important. Under ordinary circumstances the first and second DUI offense will be filed as a misdemeanor. If a person has two prior DUI convictions and is now facing a new DUI charge all within ten years he or she will be charged with felony DUI. Under these circumstances it is crucial that you speak with a highly skilled
Virginia DUI attorney regarding your defense.
Felony DUI Lawyer for Virginia Charges
Although the charge for a first or second DUI is ordinarily a misdemeanor, if an accident with a serious injury resulted the charge will be a felony. Conviction of a felony DUI carries far more severe penalties including:
- Suspension of driver's license for years
- Installation of an ignition interlock device when allowed restricted driving
- If possible seizure of the vehicle
- Fines up to $2,500
- Mandatory incarceration for a minimum of three months
Additional serious consequences include the inability to get car insurance, increased cost of insurance if it is possible (if you can get your driver's license reinstated at a future time) and a criminal record as a convicted felon which will negatively impact your future opportunities. Should a fatality have taken place in an accident, the penalties can be far more serious. With so much at stake it is critical that you are defended by a felony Virginia DUI lawyer with the experience and know-how which only comes from representing clients in thousands of DUI defenses.
Most felony DUI charges are related to either a prior criminal record, within the past 5 or 10 years, based upon the individual case, or in a case in which an accident and injury or death has taken place. If one of the drivers involved in an accident is alleged to have been operating their vehicle while drunk or under the influence of a controlled substance (even legally prescribed) that led to the accident, it is likely that it will be assumed that this is the responsible party. There are many factors involved in an accident, and it may be important that full independent accident investigation is initiated to determine if these allegations are supported by the evidence. We are heavily committed to helping clients fight back in court. The firm is prepared to help you now.
The prosecution's case must be attacked from all angles to establish your complete innocence or get the charges reduced which can include proving your driving abilities were not impaired, you were not drunk, your BAC was not over.08, you did not cause the accident, or other court challenges. DUI law is constantly evolving. It takes a great deal of skill and an aggressive approach to obtain successful results on a consistent basis. Talk to a Virginia DUI lawyer with the resources and knowledge you need by calling Attorney Michael Pignone for a consultation.
Contact a Virginia felony DUI attorney
with the firm who fully understands your situation and will fight tirelessly for your defense.