Avoiding or Reducing Drunk Driving Penalties
Getting charged with a first offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be an intimidating situation, especially if you've never been in trouble with the law before. An experienced, confident criminal defense lawyer can play a major role in helping you through the process.
I'm attorney Lance D. Gardner. Based in Fairfax, I have helped clients throughout Northern Virginia fight first-offense DWI charges since 1983. If you've been charged with DWI — also known as driving under the influence (DUI) — contact me to schedule a free consultation.
What Are the Consequences of a First DWI Offense?
Most people who are charged with DWI in Virginia do not have any previous drunk driving convictions on their criminal records. Although the penalties for first-offense DWI are not necessarily as harsh as for subsequent offenses, they are still very serious.
If you are convicted of DWI, your license will be suspended, and you may or may not be able to get a restricted license so you can get to work. You will also have a criminal record.
Blood alcohol content (BAC) can have a major impact on first-offense DWI charges. If you are convicted of driving with a BAC of .15 or higher, you will receive a mandatory jail sentence and will have to drive with an ignition interlock device when you regain your driver's license.
Contact an Attorney to Discuss Your Options
Which DWI defense strategy is right for you will depend on the facts of your case. If the prosecutors have enough evidence to convict you, entering the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) may help you get the prosecutors to reduce your charges.
On the other hand, in many cases, it is possible to fight DWI charges by showing that the search or breath test was not conducted properly. To discuss your specific circumstances, contact my office to schedule a consultation. Let me help you today.
