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What does a DUI lawyer do? 

What does a DUI lawyer do

What to Know About Hiring a Virginia DUI Lawyer 

If you find yourself facing a DUI (driving under the influence) charge in Virginia, securing an experienced DUI lawyer can provide you with essential legal guidance. The role of a DUI lawyer primarily includes providing legal advice on your DUI case, representing you in court, and working to achieve the most favorable outcome possible for you.

A DUI attorney builds the strongest possible defense through their ability to properly examine the available evidence, by challenging any flawed arrest or forensic procedures, and negotiating effectively with prosecutors. Additionally, they help clients to better understand the legal processes involved in their case and the potential implications of a DUI conviction. Their expertise is crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding Virginia DUI laws, aiming to mitigate the penalties or even in some cases to get the charges dismissed.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Virginia or have questions about how to best handle a Virginia DUI arrest, contact David G. Parker Law. David is a former senior prosecutor with 15 years experience in the Virginia legal system. David is here to help you navigate through the legal maze of the DUI legal process and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. 

 

Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer?

Hiring a DUI lawyer is not required but is generally advisable if you’re facing DUI charges. For a felony DUI, judges will typically not allow a person to proceed without a lawyer. A DUI lawyer has the experience and expertise to guide you through the process, challenge the evidence when possible, and negotiate effectively with prosecutors, which can significantly affect the outcome of your case. 

Your lawyer can help you understand the potential penalties of a DUI that you’re facing and the legal options available to you, so that you have some knowledge of what to expect when you walk into the courtroom and where things stand when you walk out. A DUI lawyer can also provide you with an informed opinion of whether or not an appeal of a district court judge’s decision is advisable.

Public Defender vs. Hiring a Virginia DUI Lawyer

In Virginia, criminal and DUI defendants are entitled to legal representation, and, if they cannot afford a private attorney, one will be appointed to them by the court. These appointed attorneys may be public defenders in jurisdictions with an Office of the Public Defender.
 
Similar to private DUI lawyers, public defenders in Virginia are typically experienced in handling a wide range of criminal cases, including a substantial number of DUIs. However, there are challenges associated with being represented by a public defender, such as their large caseloads leading to less individualized attention (they often must divide their attention between multiple defendants in a single court docket) and the inability to choose your defender.
 
Moreover, public defender representation is typically confined to the criminal court proceedings, leaving defendants to handle any administrative proceedings with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VADMV) on their own following a DUI arrest. Therefore, while public defenders provide an essential service in ensuring the right to legal representation is upheld in Virginia’s criminal courts, DUI defendants who are navigating a complex legal landscape following a DUI arrest may decide to hire private counsel to represent them in their DUI case.
 

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Virginia?

Opting to face DUI charges without legal representation in Virginia can be a risky decision. The legal and financial consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe, often resulting in hefty fines, a license suspension, and even incarceration. Your insurance rates will increase after a DUI conviction. 

Lawyers experienced in defending DUI cases will be familiar with potential defenses, are best suited to find problems with the officer’s arrest or traffic stop, and are able to recognize any issues with the Breathalyzer or chemical breath test

Without a lawyer, you may find it challenging to navigate the complex legal terrain, which could adversely affect the outcome of your case through missed opportunities.

 

Can Lawyers Help You Get Out of a DUI in Virginia?

It is important to get an honest and realistic assessment of your case, and not to be too quick to expect a “legal loophole” in your case. That being said, every DUI case in Virginia has its unique set of circumstances, and a proficient DUI lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. They can scrutinize the evidence, challenge the arrest procedure, and negotiate for lesser charges or even dismissal in some cases.

Examples of successful DUI defense strategies in Virginia include challenging the admissibility of breath or blood tests, proving a lack of probable cause for the arrest, and negotiating favorable plea bargains. With a well-versed DUI lawyer, the odds of reducing the severity of the charges or getting them dismissed altogether are higher than if you do not have a lawyer.

 

How Much Does a Good DUI Lawyer Cost in Virginia?

The cost of hiring a skilled DUI lawyer in Virginia can vary widely based on several factors including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the geographic location. Other factors can include whether or not the lawyer will carry through representation on an appeal, whether the client is interested in pursuing a jury trial in the Circuit Court, and whether the DUI is a felony or a misdemeanor. 

While legal fees can be substantial, the potential savings in terms of reduced fines, lesser charges, or even avoiding a conviction can far outweigh the initial cost. There is also the benefit of a lawyer who can answer the unknowns and who can help to eliminate some of the stresses that come with uncertainty.

 

David G. Parker Law | Virginia DUI Lawyer

Facing a DUI in Virginia can be a challenging and intimidating experience. The legal terrain is intricate, with numerous procedures and deadlines to adhere to. At this crucial juncture, having a seasoned legal professional by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. David G. Parker Law is your trusted ally in these stressful times. 

With David, a former senior prosecutor boasting 15 years in the Virginia legal system, you’re not just getting a lawyer; you’re gaining an advocate dedicated to guarding your rights and guiding you through the intricacies of the Virginia DUI process. 

Reach out to us today for a free and confidential consultation. Contact us today, and take the first step towards safeguarding your rights and protecting your future.

Picture of David G. Parker

David G. Parker

David G. Parker is a former prosecutor and courtroom veteran offering Criminal Defense, Traffic, and DUI representation in Staunton, Lexington, and the Shenandoah Valley.

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