Fairfax DUI Lawyer

While driving under the influence (DUI) in Fairfax is not a felony, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries harsh penalties. If this is even your first offense, you
may be looking at jail time.

Our experienced lawyers will be there for you from your initial arrest, through your arraignment and trial. If you are interested in discussing your case, fill out our online contact form.

What is a DUI?

When operating a vehicle, boat or watercraft in Virginia, you are legally considered driving or operating under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher. You may even be considered to be impaired with a lower BAC if it is obvious that your ability to operate a motor vehicle or boat is affected.

If you are involved in a traffic accident and a law enforcement agent has probable cause to believe that you were driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be arrested within three hours of the crash, even without a warrant.

What are the penalties for a DUI?

If this is your first offense, you may be subject to:

A maximum of one year in jail
A maximum of $2,500 in fines
A license suspension of up to one year

If there are special circumstances in your case, such as driving with a BAC over .15 or transporting a minor while impaired, you will face mandatory jail time as well as additional fines.

You may also have to have an ignition interlock device installed if you were convicted with an extremely high BAC or have been convicted of a prior DUI in the last ten years. This device measures your breath to determine your BAC. If there is any alcohol detected, the vehicle will not start.