Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol can change the course of your entire life. In Virginia, this is a class 1 misdemeanor charge, and it carries penalties that can cost you money for years to come and threaten your freedom. The following is an overview of what a criminal defense attorney can do for you if you are facing driving under the influence charges.

What Can A Criminal Defense Attorney Do For You?

While it is possible to go to court for a DUI charge without an attorney, there are many instances in which is not wise to do so. Some things criminal defense attorneys can do to help you are:

• Plea Bargaining
• Sentence Bargaining
• Get Special Conditions Like Probation Reduced
• Use His Knowledge To Get Your Case Dismissed If Possible

Your attorney will also attend all court hearings and trials with you if necessary to protect your interests.

Visit http://dui.drivinglaws.org/virginia.php for more information on DUI in the state of Virginia

BAC Limits In Virginia

Driving with a blood alcohol content that is over the legal limit is a crime in every state and Virginia is no exception. Drivers must test at or below the following levels to avoid a DUI charge:

• .08 Percent For Drivers 21 And Over
• .02 Percent For Drivers Under 21
• .04 Percent For All Drivers Who Hold A Commercial Drivers License

BAC Testing

Most officers perform a field test to determine a driver’s blood-alcohol content at the time of the traffic stop. This is usually done with a breathalyzer test. However, police officers can also perform blood or urine tests at a hospital or the station to obtain a person’s blood alcohol measurement. Virginia drivers agree to consent to any BAC testing simply by having a drivers license. A driver can refuse the test, but the penalties for this are stiff and usually result in the automatic suspension of driving privileges ranging from 1 to 3 years.

The best way to avoid a DUI charge and conviction is never to drive if you have been drinking and could be over the legal limit. However, if you are facing driving under the influence charges in Virginia, contact a criminal defense attorney in Richmond to discuss all of the options available to you under the law. Having an attorney represent you is the best way to protect your interests, so you can obtain a favorable outcome and move on with your life.