Yes, a DUI Is Worth Fighting
Catching charges for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a complicated and often overwhelming prospect. If convicted, you could face time in jail, expensive fines, and other consequences to your freedoms and future. Without proper representation from an attorney, a conviction could devastate your reputation, employment, and standing in your community. That is, a DUI is worth fighting.
E. Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law is here to help you fight your charges and build a strong defense in your favor. He proudly serves clients in the communities of Lynchburg and Blackstone, Virginia, when they face DUI charges. Gordon also goes the extra mile for those located throughout Amherst, Campbell, Bedford, Nottoway, Prince Edward, and Charlotte counties. Turn to him the moment you know you could be facing DUI charges.
Possible Penalties for a DUI in Virginia
In Virginia, the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe and may include the following:
Driver’s license suspension or revocation. A DUI conviction can result in your driver’s license suspension or revocation. The length of the suspension or revocation can vary depending on the number of prior DUI convictions and the circumstances of your situation.
Fines and court costs. A DUI conviction can result in significant fines and court costs, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Mandatory alcohol education and treatment. A DUI conviction may require the completion of mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Ignition interlock device. A court may require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle, which requires you to blow into a device that measures your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) before starting the car and while driving.
Probation. A DUI conviction can result in probation, including regular meetings with a probation officer, drug and alcohol testing, and community service.
Jail time. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, especially if it is a repeat offense or aggravating circumstances, such as a high BAC or an accident causing injury or death.
Other Consequences of a DUI Conviction
In addition to the legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have several other consequences that can significantly impact a person’s life, including:
Difficulty finding a job. A DUI conviction can make it more difficult to find a job, especially if it requires driving or involves working with children or vulnerable populations. Employers may view a DUI conviction as a sign of irresponsibility or poor judgment, which can affect a person’s ability to secure employment.
Higher insurance premiums. A DUI conviction can result in higher car insurance premiums, which can be expensive and difficult to afford. Insurance companies may view a DUI conviction as an indication that the driver is a higher risk and may charge higher premiums.
Strain on relationships. A DUI conviction can also strain personal relationships, especially if the conviction causes embarrassment or shame. Family members, friends, or romantic partners may view the DUI conviction as a sign of poor decision-making or irresponsible behavior, damaging trust and relationships.
Considering these unfortunate effects, fighting a DUI is certainly worth it. That is why consulting with a professional and experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial to get guidance and support for your specific circumstances.
DUI Defense Strategy
If you are facing DUI charges, there may be several possible defense strategies that you can use to fight the charges. Some of these strategies include:
Challenging probable cause. The police must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop your vehicle. If the police did not have a valid reason to stop you, any evidence obtained after the stop may be inadmissible in court.
Challenging the legality of the stop or procedures. Even if the police had probable cause to stop you, they must follow certain procedures during the stop, such as reading you your rights if arrested. If the police did not follow the correct procedures, the evidence obtained might be inadmissible in court.
Arguing that you were not intoxicated. If you can show that you were not intoxicated at the time of the arrest, you may be able to have the charges dismissed. This situation could involve presenting evidence such as witness statements or expert testimony.
Challenging the accuracy of the tests. Breathalyzer and blood tests can be inaccurate for various reasons, such as improper calibration or maintenance of the testing equipment or contamination of the blood sample. If you can show that the tests were not conducted properly or that the results were inaccurate, you may be able to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
Arguing that the BAC result was falsely high. In some cases, a high BAC result may be due to other factors, such as medical conditions or exposure to certain chemicals. If you can show that the high BAC result was due to an external factor rather than alcohol consumption, you may be able to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
It’s important to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney to determine which defense strategies may be most effective in your case. Your attorney can review the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to build a strong defense on your behalf.
It’s Worth It to Fight a DUI Charge
It can be very tempting to plead guilty to a DUI charge and accept the penalties, especially if the evidence against you seems strong. However, it is important to remember that the penalties for a DUI conviction can be costly and significantly impact your life.
By fighting a DUI charge, you may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed entirely. This situation can help you avoid the penalties associated with a DUI conviction, such as fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Additionally, many factors can contribute to a DUI arrest that may not be immediately clear, such as faulty equipment or tests or a logical explanation for symptoms that may have been mistaken for intoxication. An experienced DUI defense attorney can review the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Get the DUI Advocacy You Deserve
Call E. Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law to retain a skilled and knowledgeable defense attorney on your side. Don’t face DUI charges alone. Gordon is here to help you determine the best course of action for the charges you face. If you’re looking for results, the time has come to call Gordon. Don’t delay. Time may be running out.