Fredericksburg Felony DUI Defense Attorney
Counsel from a Proven Fredericksburg DUI Defense Attorney
In most instances, a DUI charge in Virginia is considered a misdemeanor offense. However, there are some cases in which the Commonwealth punishes drunk driving as a much more serious threat to the community. Under these circumstances, a DUI can be charged as a felony offense—which can yield significant criminal penalties for the accused.
If you have been charged with a felony DUI offense, then I invite you to contact me, Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, today. Clients that come to me and my firm benefit from the insight of a former prosecutor who knows how the Commonwealth of Virginia pursues and secures serious DUI convictions. I'm ready to assess your case and provide you actionable legal options that make your interests and future a priority.
It is possible to challenge the allegations against you. Call me at (540) 386-0204 to speak with a knowledgeable Fredericksburg DUI defense lawyer today.
When Is a DUI a Felony?
There are only certain circumstances when a DUI becomes a felony in Virginia. In these instances, the courts assume the accused poses a greater threat to others than a first-time DUI offender and levies more serious penalties against them.
A DUI is a felony in Virginia when:
- The accused is charged with their third or subsequent DUI offense in ten years
- The accused is charged with DUI resulting in injury or death to another person
- The accused has previously been convicted of a felony DUI and is charged with another DUI
What Are the Penalties for a Felony DUI?
Penalties for these convictions vary, but many of them come with serious prison sentences. Involuntary manslaughter as a result of DUI, for example, can come with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. This is why retaining effective and proven defense counsel is so necessary in these cases. These felony charges need to be thoroughly examined for possible weaknesses and the accused must have an advocate in and outside to the courtroom.
The time to start reviewing your legal options is now. Use the online form on this site to request a free case evaluation.
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
