DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
A DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $250+ fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A DUI defense attorney Chesterfield County can challenge the stop, field tests, and breath test calibration to seek a reduction or dismissal.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Penalties
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The statute also sets enhanced penalties for higher BAC levels and repeat offenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm uses a case-specific approach built on understanding police procedures and local court processes.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI laws, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information, including forms and procedures for Chesterfield County, can be found on the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Your case begins at the Chesterfield County General District Court. Prosecutors there routinely seek the mandatory minimum jail time for high-BAC cases. A drunk driving defense lawyer Chesterfield County can file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if the traffic stop lacked probable cause.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a judge to hear the formal charge and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence, such as the legality of the stop or the accuracy of testing equipment.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer discusses the case with the prosecutor, seeking a reduction to reckless driving or dismissal based on evidence weaknesses.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a General District Court judge.
- Sentencing or Appeal: After a verdict, the judge imposes sentence. You have 10 days to appeal a conviction to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a first-offense DUI carries up to 12 months in jail, a minimum $250 fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.08-0.14) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for restricted license |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for restricted license |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days to 12 months | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for 6 months minimum |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days to 5 years | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we provide full representation. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who brings that perspective to building a strong defense.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County. In past DUI cases handled by our attorneys, such as those involving Mr. Sris, we have secured outcomes including charges reduced to reckless driving or amended to lesser offenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DUI Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts. We represent individuals from Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
DUI/DWI Defense FAQs for Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A first DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP. A BAC of 0.15-0.20 adds a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; 0.20+ adds 10 days.
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a misdemeanor. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory 90-day minimum and indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no restricted license available. A second refusal within 10 years is a 3-year suspension plus a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, separate from any DUI penalties.
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies focus on challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breath test machines.
How long will a DUI stay on my record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction in Virginia remains on your criminal and driving records permanently. It cannot be expunged. This underscores the importance of seeking a reduction or dismissal with the help of a DUI lawyer Chesterfield County.
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and with related matters such as Criminal Defense in Chesterfield County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.