Manassas, VA DUI Lawyer

Providing Virginians With Strong Legal Defenses for Over 25 Years

Being charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Manassas, Virginia, is a serious offense. A DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying substantial penalties, so hiring an experienced Manassas DUI lawyer is vital as you fight for your freedom and driving privileges. For over 30 years, the attorneys at Portner & Shure have provided aggressive defenses for Virginians charged with a DUI. Because DUI charges can lead to serious, life-altering consequences if convicted, it’s important to work with an attorney to prevent losing your driving privileges or facing jail time. A DUI conviction can be jail time and a loss of job and educational opportunities. An attorney can help you reduce the changes of a DUI charge negatively impacting your reputation and future choices. With so much on the line, it’s essential that drivers facing DUI charges hire an experienced Manassas VA DUI attorney. At Portner & Shure, our experienced attorneys have the decades of experience needed to help our clients face DUI charges with confidence.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Manassas, Virginia, contact our attorneys at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online right now.

What is Considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?

In Virginia, according to Code §18.2-266, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. For clarification, motor vehicles also include mopeds when they’re operated on public highways. A driver with a blood-alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or greater is considered legally intoxicated. However, you do not have to have a BAC of .08 or greater to be charged with a DUI. An officer may charge a driver with a DUI if they are driving dangerously due to alcohol and/or drugs, even when their BAC is under the legal limit. In addition, individuals under 21 may be charged with a DUI when pulled over after consuming alcohol. There is no legal difference between a DUI and a DWI (driving while intoxicated) in Virginia. As a driver in Virginia, when you are issued a driver’s license, you automatically give “implied consent” to submit to alcohol testing when an officer has probable cause to believe that you are driving under the influence. Prior to conducting an arrest, an officer may perform a field sobriety test and a roadside preliminary breath test. After an individual is arrested for a DUI, an officer may request a blood, urine, or breath test. Although you can refuse these formal tests, your refusal will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. The length of the suspension increases depending on whether it’s a first, second, or third DUI.

Why You Need a Manassas DUI Lawyer

During your intake conversation, we work with our clients to discuss all the circumstances surrounding of your DUI charge. At Portner & Shure, we review the basis for the initial stop and any field sobriety tests administered. If applicable, a refusal to take a sobriety test. Further, we will discuss whether the officer provided advice on the consequences of failing or refusing the sobriety tests. Our attorneys will uncover if the officer(s) made any mistakes during your arrest. Any errors found may be challenged in court and can lead to an outright dismissal. If no mistakes are found, our attorneys will diligently work to minimize any potential penalties. We will also collect a complete copy of your prior driving record and important personal information like your current family situation, work status, education, and military status.

Our Attorneys Work on Your Behalf to Build a Strong Legal Defense

After gathering the relevant documents through discovery for your case, our team will build your defense. One essential aspect of your defense is seeking alcohol treatment and demonstrating to the Court that you have improved and will not endanger others on the road. Typically, judges hearing a DUI case will recommend that the individual charged completes alcohol treatment. Therefore, by completing alcohol treatment before appearing in court, you will appear proactive and demonstrate remorse for your actions. Additionally, through your alcohol treatment, we will secure an alcohol counselor who will come to court and potentially speak to your growth and progress. Lastly, we will gather character statements to demonstrate your individual character and convince the court that you are unlikely to commit crimes in the future. When dealing with a criminal offense, it is essential to remember that the judge’s job is to protect citizens of the state from dangers like drunk drivers. Therefore, our overarching goal is to convince the judge that the citizens of Virginia are at no risk of you driving under the influence again.

DUI Penalties in Manassas, Virginia

The statutory penalties for a DUI will vary depending on an individual’s record. If a client has prior DUI convictions, it can complicate your defense strategy and put your freedom and rights in even greater jeopardy. The more prior DUI offenses an individual has, the more stringent the penalties become, so working with an experienced attorney is even more crucial to a successful defense. Clients can face increased penalties if their case led to a DUI-related accident, 3^rd party injuries, or underaged passengers. When you choose Portner and Shure as your DUI lawyers, you can feel confident knowing we have successfully fought to prevent our clients from facing mandatory penalties. It's important to know the penalties you could face if convicted of a DUI in Manassas, Virginia.

Penalties for a first offense DUI in Manassas, Virginia may include:

• Up to one year in jail
• Suspended driver’s license for up to 1 year
• Maximum fine of $2,500 with a $500 mandatory minimum
• Diversion Programs: Alcohol education

Penalties for a second DUI offense in Manassas, Virginia may include:

• Maximum of one year in jail
• Driver’s license revocation for three years
• Minimum $500 fine
• An ignition interlock device
• (There is a minimum ten-day jail term if you were convicted for the first DUI within the last ten years) Penalties increase if your BAC was equal to or greater than 0.15%.

Why Clients Choose Portner & Shure to Fight Manassas, VA DUI Charges

For over 30 years, the Manassas DUI lawyers at Portner & Shure have successfully handled many DUI cases. Our attorneys understand what is at stake when an individual is charged with a DUI, and we will work tirelessly to ensure clients are given best possible defense in court. Being charged with a DUI can change your entire life. Portner & Shure has countless 5-star reviews, great ratings, superb past results, and national recognition. Our staff members speak Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Korean, and Spanish. We are confident that our bi-lingual paralegals and legal assistants can meet your unique needs and advocate effectively on your behalf. Our Firm has a history of success, and we are available to help you today. Portner & Shure, P.A. does not receive a fee unless the victim obtains a settlement or judgment in court.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your DUI charge in Manassas, Virginia, contact us at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.