DUI Defense Attorneys
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The outcomes of a DWI/DUI case can be anxiety-inducing because the risk is high – no one is positive about the outcome of the case. Hiring Parks Zeigler is the first step to feeling more secure in your case. The dedicated Virginia DWI lawyers and North Carolina DUI Lawyers at Parks Zeigler are here to help you through your troubling time and will support you and offer the legal assistance that you need as you work through your DUI case.
Our Firm Handles the Following Types of DUI/DWI Cases
DUIs and DWIs in Virginia
Though they are different names, DUIs and DWIs are interchangeable in Virginia. They both entail that a driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite the similarity between the two charges, there is one noteworthy factor that separates them. A DWI means you were driving when your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over the legal limit of 0.08. A DUI means you were under the influence of alcohol, and your consumption amount has led to obvious effects on your behavior, speech, movement, and appearance. In Virginia, it’s possible to get a DUI with a BAC of even 0.06 or 0.07.
Common DWI Penalties
As stated above, the legal BAC limit for those 21 and older is 0.08%; this limit is even lower for those 21. The consequences you face in your drunk driving case can depend on your BAC at the time of your offense. These penalties may include (but are not limited to):
- Fees and fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 or more if charged with a felony DWI
- Suspension of your driver’s license up to 12 months or even longer in more serious cases
- Restriction of your driving privileges
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock
- Completion of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
- Community service
- Mandatory jail time
There are certain situations where your penalties can be increased. These include committing property damage, driving with a minor, having an elevated BAC, or refusing to cooperate with law enforcement when asked to complete a breathalyzer test. A lawyer in Virginia can build a defense to avoid these DWI penalties.
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What to Expect in Your DUI/DWI Case
The process of working through a drunk driving case is a long, arduous one. Seasoned legal counsel is strongly advised to help you work through the twists and turns of your case. The disposition of DUI and DWI cases can vary between counties and cities in Virginia, so it is important to work with an attorney who is well-versed in your area’s drunk driving laws.
After you are charged, the prosecutor will likely consider negotiations with your attorney. In this step, the prosecutor meets with your lawyer, discusses the specifics of your case, and considers the weight of the evidence.
Possible Reduction of Your Charges
There’s a chance your case could be reduced to a reckless driving charge. Despite a reckless driving charge still being a criminal misdemeanor conviction in Virginia, because reckless driving is a criminal charge that does not involve alcohol, the ignition interlock penalty is not required, and your license could only be suspended for up to six months instead of a year. The likelihood that your charges could be reduced to reckless driving depends on your BAC at the time of your offense, your likelihood of re-offending, legal issues, etc.
License Suspensions
If you receive a DUI or DWI charge in Virginia, there is no way to work around the license suspension or restriction penalty. A judge’s decision to suspend a license is mandatory, but a judge does have discretion in deciding someone’s license restrictions.
Suspended Jail Time
If you are penalized with suspended jail time, you essentially are serving jail time with either supervised or unsupervised probation. Should you violate any terms of your probation or not complete the required programs assigned to you, you will most likely have to return to court. The average period of probation is 12 months, but it could be 36 months in some jurisdictions.
Suspended Fines
A suspended fine is conceptually similar to suspended jail time; you will not be required to pay a portion of your fines if you successfully follow the terms of your probation during your probation period. Any violation of your terms could lead to court-ordered suspended fine payments.
Experienced Virginia DWI Attorneys You Can Trust
Your need for legal representation does not end after your case has closed. DUI charges (especially serious charges) can leave a trail of complications for life after serving your penalties. The DUI/DWI defense team at Parks Zeigler is here to answer your questions and help you cut through the legal jargon as you move on with life after your charges.
DUIs and DWIs are serious, and such serious cases require serious, seasoned attorneys to protect your rights and defend you in court. Get in contact with our DUI attorneys today to get the legal counsel you deserve for your case.
If you or someone you love is facing a drunk driving charge, you need an experienced Virginia DWI lawyer to help you successfully fight your violation. Call today to discuss your legal options.
Written By Jason A. Barlow
Jason is a seasoned attorney specializing in criminal and traffic defense. He handles a wide variety of these cases, including drug and gun charges, firearm rights restoration, DUI, and reckless driving offenses. Jason began his legal career at the Virginia Legal Aid Society before serving eight years as a prosecutor in the Chesapeake Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Jason transitioned to private practice, becoming a partner with Andy Shilling, eventually joining Parks Zeigler in 2021 as a partner in its Chesapeake office, leading its Virginia criminal and traffic defense practice. With years of courtroom experience, Jason remains dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights and navigating complex legal challenges.
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