Our Skilled Virginia DUI Lawyers Explain the Reasons Why You Need Legal Counsel If Charged With This Crime
If you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you might wonder if you should hire an attorney or go to your court hearing and just plead guilty. However, it’s critical to note that DUI is a serious offense, and you would be making a big mistake to face these charges if you don’t have legal representation.
There are many reasons why you need a Virginia DUI lawyer. First and foremost, at The Wilson Law Firm, you'll be assured that our experienced DUI attorneys can explain your defenses—which you may have even if you believe you’re guilty—and advocate for your rights to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your criminal case. Don’t just plead guilty—even if you know you were driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
3 Ways Our Attorneys Build a Solid DUI Case
to Help You
In Virginia, the terms (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are used interchangeably and are basically the same charges, but both result in significant punishments, including jail time and fines, that compound in severity with each repeat conviction.
Retaining an attorney to represent you helps establish a better case and potentially reduces the penalties if you’re convicted of a DUI under Virginia Code § 18.2-266. Here’s how our criminal defense attorneys can assist you.
- We understand the law. Our knowledgeable DUI lawyers have a firm grasp of the Commonwealth’s specific laws and legal procedures in cases like these. We’ll assess the details of your charges and provide informed guidance on the best course of action.
- We’ll raise your defenses. Even if you believe you’re guilty, we identify potentially strong defenses to challenge the prosecution's case. This may include questioning the traffic stop’s validity, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, or the reliability of breathalyzer results.
- We may be able to negotiate a plea bargain. Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to arrange a plea bargain with the prosecution to reduce the charges or punishments associated with your DUI arrest. This may help you to avoid incarceration or allow you to pay lower fines.
Here’s another reason not to simply plead guilty: if it’s in your best interests, our skilled DUI lawyers will take your case to a jury trial. This gives us a better platform to effectively raise your defenses, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution's evidence to defend your rights.