DUI & Traffic Defense Lawyers for Fairfax, Woodbridge, Manassas, Stafford, Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia

The criminal defense attorneys at Livesay & Myers represent clients in Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg and Richmond charged with DUI, DWI drunk driving, reckless driving, driving on a revoked or suspended license and other traffic law offenses.

The terms DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are used interchangeably in Virginia state courts. First offense DUI, DWI, Reckless Driving, and Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License are Class 1 Misdemeanors, carrying the possibility of up to one year in jail, under Virginia law.

Maximum Punishments

The maximum punishments for DUI, DWI, Reckless Driving, and Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License, under Virginia state law are as follows:

• DUI, DWI:
  • First Offense:
    • Class 1 Misdemeanor:
      • up to one year in jail (mandatory jail periods if BAC 0.15 or above), and/or
      • up to $2,500 fine imposed by the Court, and/or
      • up to one year loss of license (Virginia license holders) or up to one year loss of right to drive in Virginia (non-Virginia license holders), and
      • mandatory Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP).
  • Second or Subsequent Offenses: consult with an attorney.
• Reckless Driving:
  • First Offense:
    • Class 1 Misdemeanor,
      • up to one year in jail,
      • up to $2,500 fine imposed by the Court, and/or
      • up to six month loss of license (Virginia license holders) or up to six month loss of right to drive in Virginia (non-Virginia license holders).
  • Second or Subsequent Offenses: consult with an attorney.
• Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License:
  • First or Second Offense:
    • Class 1 Misdemeanor
      • up to one year in jail, and/or
      • up to $2,500 fine imposed by the Court, and/or
      • license suspension for the same period for which it had been previously suspended or revoked (or up to 90 days if the suspension or revokation was indefinite)
  • Third or Subsequent Offenses:
    • Class 1 Misdemeanor with minimum, mandatory jail time of 10 days (cannot be suspended by the Judge).

In addition to these punishments, conviction on DUI, DWI, Reckless Driving, or Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License charges could impact one's career, security clearance and insurance costs. The stakes are too high in these cases for you not to be represented by experienced and knowledgeable Virginia attorneys.