You should not have to face a DUI charge alone. The laws have been crafted to give the prosecution every advantage in its prosecution for DUI, and Virginia tries to make sure is laws remain some of the toughest in the nation. With the attorneys of Pikrallidas & Probasco, you will have a knowledgeable, passionate and skilled attorney by your side to help you maneuver through the legal process. The attorneys of Pikrallidas & Probasco will work with you to help you through every step of the process, and make sure you fully understand everything that you will face.
Unlike most traffic matters, a conviction for driving under the influence can be extremely expensive and life-altering. A DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means that a conviction could be subject to a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail, and/or up to a $2500 fine. A first time conviction for DUI will, depending on the specific facts of your case, most likely lead to a suspended jail sentence, a fine of at minimum $250, plus court costs and a civil fine of an additional $100, revocation of your driving privileges for 12 months, subject to the issuance of a restricted license to permit you to drive to and from work and a few other permitted reasons, and a mandatory alcohol education class. Many of these results are statutorily imposed, meaning that the judge could not do less than this if he wanted to do so. However, the judge always maintains the discretion to sentence you up to the statutory maximums. There are specific circumstances, such as a BAC .15 or higher, a DUI after a previous conviction or driving with a minor in the car, in which there are mandatory jail sentences required upon conviction and/or an ignition interlock on your vehicle. If the specific circumstance is proven at trial, and the judge finds you guilty, he will have no choice but to impose the mandatory minimum period of incarceration.
Aside from these court-imposed sanctions, you can expect your insurance company to drop you upon a conviction for DUI. Picking up new insurance after a DUI conviction will require significant additional costs and a special insurance policy for persons with DUI. If you have a security clearance, or work in other sensitive positions which require criminal background checks, your job could be in jeopardy if you are convicted of a DUI. The expense for compliance with the requirement for an alcohol education class will be at least $400, and possibly more if it is determined that you require additional treatment. The ignition interlock, if ordered, must be paid for to be installed, and you will be required to pay a monthly monitoring fee as long as it is installed in your car. In your individual case, there may be other incidental expenses that will occur that you need to consider as well.
DUI is a highly scientific and technical offense, which has many scientific and technical defenses. Every interaction with the police officer from the time of your stop is important as the officer is gathering evidence to present to a court. Every test you performed was chosen by the officer for a reason. Everything you did will have been graded in the mind of the officer. There are procedures for the preliminary breath test in the street, and the evidentiary breath test at the police station. Our attorneys are familiar with the strategies and the scientific basis and procedures to be able to recognize potential defenses and to present them in court.
Attorneys at Pikrallidas & Probasco will never look at your DUI charge as a conviction. Our attorneys will work with you in three important ways to best protect your interests. First, we evaluate the facts and gather all of the possible information available to determine what defenses may be available you. Our attorneys will prepare for your case to be tried as zealously and aggressively as possible. Second, and at the same time, we will work with you to put your best foot forward at the ultimate trial date. Finally, we prepare you for many of the possible outcomes. You will go into trial having a good idea of the many possible outcomes and the consequences.
Each case presents different facts, different circumstances and will ultimately result in different outcomes. While we can never guarantee any particular result, you will receive a fully engaged attorney who is knowledgeable of the current DUI laws, engaged in the facts of your case and dedicated to protecting your interests to the fullest extent possible. Your attorney will be fully prepared to try the case, and will advocate zealously for a favorable plea agreement, because in most cases, the best way to get a favorable plea offer from the Commonwealth is to show it that you are fully prepared for trial. Additionally, as we cannot promise what the Commonwealth will be willing to offer, we will always be prepared for trial just in case.
If you have been charged with a DUI, do not wait to talk to an attorney. Talk to an attorney right away while the information is fresh in your mind. You need an attorney to assist you in facing a DUI, but your attorney cannot succeed without your assistance. The closer to the arrest you speak to an attorney, the more the attorney may be able to do. There are a number of defenses that your attorney will want to consider. Do not give any of these up because you or an important witness can no longer recall important facts because “it was just so long ago.” Speak to an attorney TODAY.
