Newport News DUI attorney
Virginia Drunk Driving Defense lawyer
Defending Clients Facing DWI/DUI Charges in Virginia
If you are facing drunk driving charges in Newport News, Hampton Roads, or surrounding areas of Virginia, you need an experienced drunk driving defense attorney.
At the law office of John J. Rice, I have made it my life's work to help people in trouble find fair treatment in the courts. For more than 39 years, I have represented habitual offenders and first-time offenders accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, public drunkenness, and underage possession of alcohol.
I am a Newport News DWI/DUI lawyer offering common sense, compassion, and a concern for your welfare. Contact my law office today to schedule a free initial consultation.
DUI Charges in Virginia
If your blood alcohol level (BAC) is .08 or more, you will be charged with driving under the influence. First-time offenders arrested for drunk driving with a BAC of .15 to .19, will get a mandatory jail sentence of five days. The stakes become even higher for individuals with a BAC of .2 or higher, resulting in 10 days of jail time.
Virginia DWI/DUI laws are harsh. If you have too many drinks, you should not drive. Further, you may be charged with a DWI/DUI if you drink excessively but only put your keys in the ignition.
If you are convicted of drunk driving in Virginia, you will likely be sentenced to a Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) and will face significant fines, jail time and short-term suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
Offering an Aggressive Defense Strategy
Before you subject yourself to costly penalties, be sure the state has a real case. As your drunk driving defense attorney, I will investigate the evidence against you.
Part of my focus includes determining if law enforcement had a probable reason to pull you over. I have the skills and determination to uncover any errors in your field sobriety or Breathalyzer test. I will fight for your charges to be dismissed or greatly reduced if your rights were violated. My work will not end there. I will also vigorously defend you in your administrative hearing with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Handling Underage Drinking Charges
Anyone under 21 accused of consuming or purchasing alcohol will be charged with a misdemeanor underage DWI/DUI in Virginia. If you obtain alcohol for an underage person, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. This carries stiff penalties, including possible jail time, a $500 fine, community service, and a driver's license suspended for six months. I am an experienced criminal defense attorney prepared to challenge the evidence obtained against you, while seeking a favorable resolution.
Defending Visitors, Tourists, and Military Personnel
I am committed to defending visitors and tourists who came to town for a campus tour, job interview, or another reason and left with a drunk driving ticket or other traffic violations.
About a third of my clients are active duty or retired military personnel facing drunk driving charges. I understand the detrimental effects that a DWI/DUI conviction has for individuals' military careers.
I have lived in many places around the world; I know what it's like to be far from home with a problem and needing help. You can count on me to be there for you.
Contact My Law Office Today
If you are facing DWI/DUI charges in Virginia, contact my law office today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Newport News DWI/DUI lawyer. I will aggressively defend your rights in administrative hearings and in court.