Leesburg, VA DUI Attorney
PRACTICE AREAS
Experienced DUI / DWI Defense Law Firm Serving Leesburg, Loudoun County, & All of Northern Virginia
Driving under the influence is a serious criminal charge that can affect your freedom, finances, and future. If you are facing DUI charges, hiring an experienced Leesburg, VA DUI attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. The Manassas Law Group has decades of experience defending clients in Loudoun County and throughout Northern Virginia, giving you trusted representation close to home.
A DUI arrest does not always lead to a conviction, but the outcome of your case will depend heavily on the defense you build early on. Our Virginia DUI defense lawyers understand both the legal system and the local courts in Leesburg. We are prepared to challenge evidence, address procedural issues, and fight for the best possible result in your case.
If you have been charged with DUI in Leesburg or the surrounding areas, do not wait to seek legal help. Call Manassas Law Group at (703) 361-8246 to schedule your free and confidential consultation with an experienced Leesburg DUI lawyer on our team today.
Understanding DUI and DWI Charges in Virginia
Although some states differentiate between DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated), when it comes to DUI vs DWI in Virginia, these terms are used interchangeably. DUI and DWI are both prohibited under Virginia Code Section § 18.2-266.
Virginia drivers can be charged with DUI/DWI for driving or operating motor vehicles while impaired by alcohol, drugs/intoxicants, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. This charge is often determined based on the driver’s blood alcohol content, or BAC. A blood alcohol content at or above the 0.08% legal limit is grounds for a DUI/DWI charge. Virginia also has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drunk driving and punishes drunk drivers under the age of 21 if they have a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
In addition to blood tests, police officers may issue breath tests or other field sobriety tests to determine if a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol. Implied consent laws in Virginia require drivers to submit breath or blood tests after arrest for DUI/DWI. Although drivers can refuse, refusal comes with legal penalties.
Depending on the circumstances, you may face either a misdemeanor or a felony charge for DUI. Courts will consider the number of offenses and other aggravating factors to determine the level of the charge.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Leesburg, VA?
Facing a DUI/DWI charge can be a confusing and stressful experience. At Manassas Law Group, our Leesburg, VA DUI lawyers aim to make the process more manageable by telling you what you need to know about a Virginia DUI and guiding you through the process.
After your arrest, your driver’s license will immediately be suspended if either your blood alcohol concentration is found to be above the legal limit or if you refuse to submit breath or blood samples. Under certain circumstances, you may qualify to apply for a restricted license that allows you to drive under limited conditions while your license is suspended.
At your arraignment, the court will formally explain the DUI charges against you, outline your right to legal representation, and set a trial date. During this stage, the judge also decides whether you are eligible for bond. Bond may be denied if the court believes you are a flight risk or that your release could pose a danger to yourself or others.
If bail is granted, the court establishes specific conditions you must follow. These can include posting cash bail, restrictions on driving, curfews, mandatory alcohol testing, or regular check-ins with a probation officer. Violating these conditions can lead to bond revocation and additional penalties, making it critical to fully understand and comply with the court’s requirements.
Virginia Penalties for a DUI Conviction
Under Virginia Code Section § 18.2-270, a DUI conviction can bring severe penalties that extend well beyond a traffic ticket. Under Virginia DUI law, potential consequences may include mandatory jail time, significant fines, a driver’s license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). These penalties are designed to discourage repeat offenses and protect public safety on Virginia roads.
The consequences become more serious when the defendant has prior convictions or when the DUI charge involves aggravating factors. Examples of aggravating circumstances include a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), driving under the influence with a minor passenger, or DUI cases connected to accidents that cause serious personal injury or even loss of life.
Because DUI is considered one of the most serious traffic violations in Virginia, courts treat these cases aggressively, and penalties often escalate quickly.
First-Time DUI vs. Repeat DUI Charges
DUI First Offense (Class 1 misdemeanor):
- Minimum fine of $250
- 1-year driver’s license suspension
- BAC 0.15%–0.19%: Minimum 5 days in jail
- BAC 0.20% or higher: Minimum 10 days in jail
Second DUI Offense:
- Minimum fine of $500
- 3-year driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory jail time up to 1 year
Third DUI Offense:
- Minimum fine of $1,000
- Indefinite license suspension
- Within 10 years: Minimum 90 days in jail
- Within 5 years: Minimum 6 months in jail
Having legal counsel with experience in DUI/DWI cases is crucial, regardless of the level of charge. The local criminal defense lawyers at Manassas Law Group use their familiarity with Virginia state law to apply appropriate defense strategies depending on the charges.
Drug-Related DUI Charges: More Than Just Alcohol
Although DUI offenses are commonly associated with alcohol, Virginia Code § 18.2-266 also prohibits driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. Courts handle cases of alcohol-based DUIs and drug-related DUIs similarly because they are covered by the same statute.
Key differences for drug-related charges are that they can involve both legal and illegal substances and that there is no universal legal limit for drugs. Legal limits for drug content depend on the drug in question. For example, drivers may be charged with a DUI if they test positive for 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood or 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood.
How a Virginia DUI Conviction Can Affect Your Life
If the court successfully convicts you of a DUI/DWI, you will face more than legal penalties. The long-term consequences of a DUI conviction can impact several areas of your life, including:
- Current Employment – Long jail sentences and other court-assigned penalties, such as community service, may make it difficult to maintain your current employment.
- Future Employment – Employers can run background checks on potential hires, allowing them to discover past criminal convictions. A DUI may prevent you from being hired.
- Professional Licenses – Commercial drivers can lose their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which prevents them from performing their jobs.
- Insurance Costs – Auto insurance companies often increase costs for drivers convicted of DUI/DWI.
- Immigration Status – Conviction can cause issues with immigration applications as well as green card renewals. In some cases, a DUI may lead to separation proceedings.
Fighting Drunk Driving Charges in VA: Your Defense Starts Here
When you are charged with DUI in Virginia, having quality representation is essential to protecting your rights and minimizing the impact of the case. An experienced Leesburg DUI defense lawyer can build a strong defense by examining every detail of your arrest and the evidence against you.
Some of the most common defense strategies in DUI law include:
- Challenging unlawful traffic stops
- Discovering procedural mistakes
- Medical conditions that mimic intoxication
- Challenging blood or breath test results
By applying these defenses (or any number of others), a skilled DUI attorney can uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight for reduced penalties or dismissal.
How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for Your DUI Case
Finding the right lawyer for your Leesburg DUI case requires careful consideration. You should look for an attorney with proven experience in DUI defense, a solid reputation in the Northern VA community, and familiarity with Loudoun County courts. Strong communication skills are equally important, as you need someone who will explain the process clearly and keep you informed at every stage.
When meeting with attorneys, do not hesitate to ask direct questions. Inquire about their specific experience with DUI cases, whether they have handled situations similar to yours, and if they focus on certain practice areas within criminal defense. You may also want to ask how many DUI cases the firm has defended and what their success rates are. A lawyer who is open, transparent, and responsive to your concerns can give you the confidence that your case is in capable hands.
Why Hire a Leesburg DUI Attorney From Manassas Law Group?
Manassas Law Group offers professional and dependable representation for DUI cases in Leesburg and the surrounding Loudoun County area. With decades of combined experience in criminal defense, our Leesburg DUI lawyers handle both felony and misdemeanor charges with the skill needed to protect your rights.
Because we are familiar with the local courts and procedures in Leesburg and Loudoun County, we understand how DUI cases are typically prosecuted and what strategies are most effective. Our attorneys use that insight to build strong defenses and provide aggressive representation. At the same time, we remain committed to a client-focused approach, ensuring that every case receives personal attention and tailored legal guidance. Our goal is simple: to secure the best possible outcome for you.
What to Expect in Your DUI Case With Manassas Law Group
Our Virginia DUI lawyers will support you throughout the legal process, from evaluation to trial. From the moment you contact the Manassas Law Group, our team provides consistent communication to keep you informed about your case. We ensure active client involvement as we consider legal options, address potential issues, and determine the best strategies to pursue.
We start by thoroughly evaluating your case so we can advise you accordingly. After discussing your legal options, we’ll investigate the circumstances of the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong defense case. Our attorneys will negotiate with the court on your behalf to reduce or dismiss charges during the pre-trial process. If the case proceeds to trial, we will fight tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome.
Defending Against Drunk Driving Cases in Leesburg and Beyond
Because of our experience with the local courts, we understand how prosecutors typically approach these cases and can tailor our defense strategies to counter their methods. When we represent clients charged with DUI or any other criminal offense in Leesburg and the nearby communities, this insight helps improve your chances of having charges reduced or even dismissed.
Our team carefully examines every detail of your arrest to determine whether it was valid and whether your constitutional rights were upheld. If police officers failed to read your rights, statements made at the station may be inadmissible in court. Likewise, if a traffic stop was made without probable cause, any evidence gathered during that stop cannot lawfully be used against you.
We also challenge the prosecution’s evidence when appropriate. For example, we may be able to argue that officers inadequately performed field sobriety tests and that the results are therefore unreliable. Handling equipment or samples incorrectly can also lead to errors and unreliable test results. By exposing these weaknesses, we work to protect your rights and fight for the best outcome possible.
Contact Us
The state has every incentive to prosecute DUI charges aggressively and seek a conviction. Hiring our lawyers will give you an experienced legal team to fight on your behalf. Call our Manassas office at 703-361-8246 for a free case evaluation. Call 703-361-8246
Schedule a FREE Consultation With a Leesburg DUI Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing DUI charges in Leesburg, Loudoun County, or anywhere in the surrounding Northern Virginia region, do not wait to secure trusted legal help from an experienced DUI lawyer at MLG. With extensive experience in DUI defense and a wide range of legal issues, our law firm is dedicated to protecting your rights, delivering personal service, and pursuing the best possible outcome in every case we take on.
Call (703) 361-8246 or use our online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.