First Time DWI/DUI Defense Lawyer in Newport News and Hampton, Virginia

Handling DWI/DUI First Offenses in Virginia

If you are facing DWI/DUI charges for the first time, you likely feel overwhelmed. The threat of jail time, a suspended license, and hefty fines may cause you to question when your life will stop spiraling out of control.

For more than 39 years, I have represented thousands of individuals just like you facing first-time DWI/DUI charges. Understandably, you may be trapped, unclear how your DWI/DUI charges will affect your ability to work and continue your normal routine. But, remember, a DWI/DUI arrest does not make you guilty.

I am a Newport News and Hampton DWI/DUI lawyer committed to preserving your constitutional rights. At the law office of John J. Rice, I will conduct a thorough investigation to mount an aggressive defense strategy. Contact my law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.

First-Time DUI Convictions Carry Stiff Penalties

The drunk driving laws in Virginia are harsh. For example, individuals who are intoxicated could be arrested for simply sitting in their car with the key in the ignition.

A first-time DWI/DUI charge carries stiff penalties including a minimum $250 fine and maximum penalties of a year in jail with additional fines. A conviction could also result in a one-year suspension of your driver's license with an expectation you will complete an alcohol awareness program.

Offering an Aggressive Defense Strategy

I am an experienced defense attorney who believes the criminal justice system is strongly biased in favor of the prosecution. I will seek to level the playing field. As your criminal defense attorney, I will evaluate the evidence against you to determine if law enforcement has a real case. My investigative approach includes examining a variety of factors, including:

Validity of traffic stops — When available, I review police squad car videos to understand if law enforcement had a probable reason to pull drivers over for reckless driving, swerving between lanes, or driving unusually slow.
Accuracy of field sobriety tests — I am prepared to mount an effective defense strategy based on a lack of evidence from field sobriety tests. These tests evaluate individuals' coordination, memory, and cognitive skills instead of intoxication levels.
Legitimacy of Breathalyzer tests — While advancements have been made in forensic science, police officers, investigators, and lab technicians are still prone to make mistakes. I will evaluate the Breathalyzer test results to determine if law enforcement made any errors, which result from lack of training or faulty machines.

I am prepared to develop a strong defense strategy. If law enforcement made any mistakes when administering the Breathalyzer test or failed to have a probable reason to pull you over, I will fight for the charges to be dismissed. I will seek to mitigate the penalties if your charges cannot be dropped.

Contact My Law Office Today

If you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol in Virginia, contact my law office today to schedule a free initial consultation. I will aggressively defend your rights in trial and in administrative hearings before the DMV.