McLean, VA Misdemeanor DUI Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney Protecting Clients Charged First-Time or Second-Time DUI in McLean, Virginia

A DUI conviction in Virginia can be serious. The penalties for even a single, isolated impaired driving incident are steep. Even though a misdemeanor charge may be less serious than a felony DUI offense, a conviction can lead to multiple types of serious consequences that could affect you for years to come.

Because impaired driving poses a risk to the public, judges and other government officials are often willing to take fairly drastic measures to keep a DUI offender off the road. This might include a driver's license suspension, significant fines, and even the requirement to serve time in jail. You will need to understand the issues that may be addressed in a misdemeanor DUI case and the potential options for defense. Legal representation from an experienced attorney can be crucial as you address the charges against you and defend against a conviction.

If you are facing a DUI charge, you need an experienced and aggressive McLean, VA misdemeanor DUI defense attorney on your side. Noorishad Law, P.C. takes on complicated DUI cases, working to help clients avoid convictions whenever possible. Kaveh Noorishad has a proven record of winning seemingly unwinnable cases. The American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys has recognized Attorney Noorishad as one of the top lawyers in Virginia for customer satisfaction. He fights for outstanding results in every case.

Penalties for First-Time DUI in Virginia

If you are arrested for DUI for the first time, you may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. The minimum fine is $250, but the court could choose to fine you as much as $2,500. The maximum sentence for a Class 1 misdemeanor is one year in jail. Upon conviction, your driver's license will be suspended for one year. While you may qualify for a restricted driver's license, an ignition interlock device will be required, and you will need to pay the costs of installation and maintenance.

With effective legal representation, you can address first-time DUI charges and minimize the potential penalties you may face. Our attorney can advocate for you, seeking to minimize the fines you will be required to pay, avoid jail time if possible, and ensure that you can regain your driving privileges.

What Happens if I Am Charged With a Second DUI?

A second DUI offense is also a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it is more serious than a first DUI. There is a mandatory minimum jail sentence you will be required to serve if convicted. If your last DUI charge was between five and 10 years ago, a second conviction will result in a sentence of at least 10 days in jail. If your last DUI charge was within the past five years, the mandatory minimum sentence for a second conviction is 20 days. Even a short jail sentence can disrupt your life.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, the court could sentence you to up to one year in jail. To avoid this possibility and defend against a misdemeanor conviction, you need an experienced attorney on your side.

You will also face a three-year driver's license suspension if you are convicted of a second DUI offense. You will not qualify for a restricted license for at least four months if your last DUI charge was within 10 years, and you will have to wait a full year if your last DUI charge was within five years. This means that you will not be able to drive even to get to work, to participate in court-ordered substance abuse treatment, or to pick up your children from school during that time. Our attorney will work to defend against these penalties and minimize the ways your life may be affected following a DUI arrest.

Contact Our McLean Misdemeanor DUI Defense Attorney

Noorishad Law, P.C. strives to help clients avoid serious penalties in DUI cases. We will advocate aggressively on your behalf to prevent a conviction and make sure you can move forward with your life. Contact our McLean, VA misdemeanor DUI lawyer and set up a free consultation by calling 703-542-4500.