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Virginia DWI / DUI Lawyer

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Virginia Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases have serious punishments, ranging from suspension or confiscation of a driver's license to worse penalties, such as heavy fines and jail time. Subsequent arrests could lead to more serious effects, including serving long jail sentences. From rising insurance premiums to job loss because of your new criminal record, a DUI or DWI conviction may have more, and more serious, consequences than many people realize.

If you have been arrested on charges of DWI or DUI, t is absolutely necessary to hire a lawyer who specializes in DWI or DUI cases as soon as you possibly can. Your lawyer or attorney will collaboratively discuss your case with you, and will outline the possible defense options to be considered. Specifically, your defense will be designed in accordance to the rules and regulations that are stipulated by the state of Virginia in DWI or DUI cases. Aside from your personal testimony, your DUI lawyer will probably check the evidence and testimony against you that was gathered by on-site witnesses and police officers. Having a lawyer who specializes in these cases will not only make this process much faster, but more effective as well.

In most Virginia DWI and DUI cases, the testimony of the arresting personnel is given more weight by the prosecuting attorney than any other evidence. The police officer who initiated the arrest will be asked questions about the speed, the manner, the direction, and the consistency of your driving. He or she will probably also be asked about your adherence to traffic regulations and if you complied with directions. In Virginia, refusing to take a breathalyzer test could land you in jail; this is because of Virginia's Implied Consent Law. When you apply for a driver's license in Virginia, you automatically agree to implied consent; you are essentially telling the state that if you are ever pulled over by a police officer during a traffic stop, you will comply with his or her requests, including any tests for DUI or DWI.

You may not be aware that in Virginia, a DUI charge involves two separate cases; one is a criminal court case, while the other takes place in civil court. Conviction in the criminal case may result in your being sentenced to jail time, probation, community service, fines, and more. Your civil case will take place within the Virginia department of motor vehicles. Immediately upon arrest for DUI or DWI, your driver's license will be suspended for seven days, and this suspension may even be extended for up to one year. This penalty is completely separate from your criminal case.

Unlike most states, Virginia allows drivers two warnings before a full conviction for DUI or DWI. A first DUI offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while a third DUI offense is a felony. While this may be great news if you have been charged with your first offense, if this is your second or third, it is all the more reason to hire a specialized DUI or DWI attorney.

Choosing the right Virginia DUI or DWI lawyer or attorney is not difficult. First, find one you can afford. Ask about retainer fees and payment plans. Second, find one you trust. You want someone you can talk to and someone you can trust. Finally, choose a lawyer who wins his or her cases on a regular basis and has a solid performance history in the courtroom. You want someone who has a great record of acquittal, dismissal, or lessened charges. If you are facing Virginia DUI or DWI charges, your best line of defense is to hire a specialized DUI lawyer as soon as possible.