Fredericksburg First-Time DUI Attorneys

Advocacy From a Skilled Fredericksburg DUI Defense Lawyer

Are you facing your first DUI charge? Otherwise law-abiding citizens who have never been in trouble before routinely find themselves facing these types of charges. People often do not know what their options are or the fact that, until the judge makes a ruling, they are only suspected of drunk driving, not guilty of it.

I am Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, and I have assisted numerous clients who are facing their very first DUI charge. As a former prosecutor with more than a decade of legal experience, I'm well-versed in the shortcomings in many of the DUI cases the Commonwealth presents. I know what to look for in these circumstances to best secure a dismissal or reduction on behalf of my clients and, above all, ensure that they receive every consideration they deserve before our court system.

It is possible to face your DUI charges with confidence. Call me today at (540) 386-0204 or reach out online to start exploring your options.

What Constitutes a DUI in Virginia?

In Virginia, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. If you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you are considered legally intoxicated and can be charged with DUI. It’s also important to note that you don’t have to be visibly drunk to be charged. Even if you appear sober but are under the influence of prescription drugs, marijuana, or other substances that impair your ability to drive, you could still face DUI charges.

If this is your first DUI offense, you may be eligible for certain legal defenses or alternatives to the standard penalties, but you need a Fredericksburg first DUI offense lawyer to identify and argue these points in court.

What Are the Penalties for Your First DUI in Virginia?

Unfortunately, even a first-time DUI conviction—which is considered a Class I misdemeanor—can come with significant penalties. Not only can these consequences greatly interrupt your life, but also follow you around on your criminal record.

A first-time DUI conviction can result in:

• A maximum fine of $2,500 (minimum: $250)
• One-year license suspension
• Mandatory substance abuse classes and/or treatment
• Ignition interlock requirements to drive again
• Minimum five-day active jail sentence or more (if BAC was 0.15% or higher, or certain other factors are proven)

Any aggravating factors present in your case can mean tougher penalties, as well. Remember: even if your BAC was found to be over the limit, you still have defense options. My team and I are ready to investigate your case, assess your options, and ensure that your rights and interests are protected as you confront your charges.

Potential Defenses Against a First DUI Offense

The good news is that there are many potential defenses against a first DUI charge. While the law in Virginia is clear on what constitutes DUI, each case is unique. A Fredericksburg first DUI offense lawyer can help examine the details of your case to identify any viable defense strategies.

Some common defenses to DUI charges include:

• Improper Stop – The police must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle. If the stop was made without probable cause or a reasonable suspicion that you were committing a traffic violation, the evidence obtained during the stop might be inadmissible in court.
• Mistakes in the Field Sobriety Test – Field sobriety tests are often used to determine impairment, but they are not foolproof. Factors like weather conditions, health problems, or anxiety can impact the results. A Fredericksburg first-time DUI offense attorney can challenge the results of these tests if they were improperly administered.
• Faulty Breathalyzer Test – Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to measure BAC, but they can sometimes give inaccurate results due to improper calibration, malfunctioning equipment, or failure to follow the correct procedure. A skilled DUI lawyer can challenge the validity of the breathalyzer results in court.
• Rising BAC Defense – In some cases, a defendant’s BAC may be rising at the time of arrest, but was under the legal limit when they were driving. Your attorney can argue this defense if your BAC at the time of the arrest was higher than when you were driving.
• Lack of Evidence – If there is insufficient evidence to prove that you were impaired at the time of driving, your case could be dismissed. This could include a lack of witness testimony, faulty police reports, or unclear video footage.

What to Expect After Hiring a Fredericksburg First-Time DUI Offense Lawyer

After hiring a DUI attorney, you can expect them to guide you through the next steps in the process. This includes preparing you for court, helping you understand your rights, and answering any questions you have about your case. They will be your advocate, working diligently to protect your interests and reduce the impact of the DUI charge on your life.

Your attorney will help you explore options such as plea bargaining, challenging the evidence, or pursuing alternative sentencing options. They will explain the potential consequences of each decision and guide you through the complexities of Virginia’s DUI laws.

Call Today

Facing a first DUI offense is serious, but with the help of an experienced Fredericksburg first DUI offense attorney, you don’t have to face it alone. The team at Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, is committed to providing you with the skilled legal defense you need to protect your rights and future.

Face your DUI charge with a proven Fredericksburg first-time DUI defense attorney capable of providing results. Request a free consultation today by calling (540) 386-0204.