If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated, you could be facing serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. At Ashwell & Ashwell, a Culpeper DUI lawyer could provide knowledgeable representation to protect your rights when you are criminally charged. We understand the complexities of the state’s drunk driving laws and work to challenge the evidence, negotiate a favorable outcome, and minimize the impact on your life.
Whether it is a first offense or a repeat charge, our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process and fighting for the best possible resolution to help you move forward.
DUI charges carry serious legal and personal consequences. Under state law, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense, and penalties increase with each subsequent offense. A first offense is typically a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, a jail sentence of up to 12 months, and a license suspension of up to 12 months.
Blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 percent can trigger enhanced penalties, including mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs. Repeat offenses carry harsher consequences, such as longer jail sentences, higher fines, extended license suspensions, and the potential installation of an ignition interlock device. Aggravating factors, such as accidents causing injury, extremely high BAC, or drunk driving with a minor in the vehicle, can lead to felony charges.
These consequences can affect your employment, insurance rates, and personal freedom. An attorney experienced in handling driving while intoxicated cases in Culpeper could review your case, explain your options, and help protect your rights.
You might assume you have to plead guilty when you are charged with driving under the influence simply because plea bargains are a common outcome. But that is not always the case. You are not required to plead guilty, and you may have viable defenses. For example, the traffic stop may have been unlawful, or the evidence being used against you may be unreliable.
If you do choose to plead guilty, you may not necessarily face the maximum possible sentence. After being charged with driving under the influence, our Culpeper lawyer could help you negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor, potentially avoiding a jail sentence.
If you are facing a charges relating to drinking and driving, having experienced legal representation is essential. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, higher insurance rates, and a potential jail sentence. Our skilled attorneys could analyze the circumstances of your arrest for driving while impaired, such as determining whether Culpeper law enforcement followed proper procedures, the breathalyzer or field sobriety tests were conducted correctly, and your constitutional rights were protected.
They could also negotiate plea agreements or alternative sentencing options, potentially reducing your penalties or helping you avoid a conviction entirely.
Additionally, our firm could represent you in court, gather evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case, so that your side of the story is fully presented. State DUI laws are complex, and even minor mistakes can have a major impact on your case. With our experience and support, you could greatly increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
It is crucial that you have legal representation as soon as you have been arrested for drunk driving. The first steps you take could be critical to the outcome of your case. An experienced Culpeper DUI lawyer at Ashwell & Ashwell could help you navigate the process and understand your legal rights. We could review the evidence, address any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and represent your interests throughout.
Avoid costly mistakes and do not leave anything to chance—call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
