Fredericksburg Felony DUI Defense Attorney
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People from all walks of life can find themselves charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol – even if you do not feel intoxicated – is considered to be a serious criminal offense. For this reason, prosecutors and law enforcement officers will often push for the harshest criminal consequences under the law.
Even first-time offenders with no prior criminal history can be faced with the harsh scrutiny of the law. If you have been arrested or if a loved one has been charged with DUI, speak with my firm as soon as possible. These types of cases are incredibly complex, but creating an effective defense strategy can help reduce or eliminate the penalties. As a Fredericksburg DUI attorney, I fight hard to protect your driver’s license, your rights, and freedoms.
I consider every avenue of defense, including:
- Were your rights violated during the traffic stop or the field sobriety tests?
- Was there good reason to pull you over?
- Was there probable cause to arrest you for DUI?
- Can the prosecution prove your guilt without a reasonable doubt?
- Were the blood tests or breath tests conducted correctly?
Understanding DUI Penalties in Virginia
For a person under the legal drinking age (21), with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or higher, normal DUI penalties will apply. For an underage driver with a BAC ranging from 0.02-0.07, Zero Tolerance penalties will apply.
Penalties for DUI may vary based on the specific situations, but the following may apply:
- A permanent DUI conviction on your criminal record
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Up to a 1-year license suspension
- Possible jail time
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
What You Need to Know About Field Sobriety Tests
The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is made of up 3 individual tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test
- Walk-and-turn test
- One-leg stand test
The purpose of these tests is to help the officer determine if the individual is intoxicated while operating their vehicle. During the tests, the officer is looking for signs of intoxication such as loss of balance and/or swaying, slurred speech, and not following the instructions.
Why Choose a Former Prosecutor for Your DUI Defense?
When I was a prosecutor, I handled these types of legal issues on the other side of the court. I have seen drunk driving cases of all degrees of complexity, from first-time misdemeanors to subsequent DUI offenses and felony DUI charges. Now, I use the knowledge I gained from the other side to tirelessly defend people charged with DUI or DWI in Fredericksburg and elsewhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, even out-of-state drivers.
To consult a DUI lawyer in Fredericksburg, VA, please call (540) 386-0204.
Explore Our Recommended Reading on DUI Charges:
For more than 17 years, Attorney Andy Cornick has devoted his career to the practice of criminal law. He has defended clients accused of DUI/DWI, first-degree murder, and many other crimes. As a former prosecutor with experience on the other side of the courtroom, he pursues each case with an unmatched upper hand.
"MY GOAL IS TO EMPOWER MY CLIENTS. I take great pride working within the system to prevent miscarriages of justice whenever I can." - Andrew J. Cornick
