DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
In Chesterfield County, a DUI conviction results in a 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP enrollment, and fines starting at $250.
Virginia DUI Law in Chesterfield County
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 thereof (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across the state, including Chesterfield County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with direct experience in these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate charge and mandatory license suspension.
- Arraignment: You must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as summoned.
- Discovery: Your attorney obtains police reports, body cam footage, and breath test calibration records.
- Pre-trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence if the traffic stop lacked probable cause.
- Trial or Negotiation: Present your defense at trial or negotiate for a charge reduction.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes fines, jail time, license revocation, and mandates VASAP.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a General District Court conviction to Circuit Court.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a DUI carries penalties from a $250 fine and license revocation to felony charges and indefinite license loss for repeat offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC < 0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are defined by statute; case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our DUI Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline reflects our approach: "Global advocacy. Local precision."
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
DUI Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
First DUI in Chesterfield County: Class 1 misdemeanor — up to 12 months jail, $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP. BAC 0.15-0.20: mandatory 5 days jail. BAC 0.20+: mandatory 10 days. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Chesterfield County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
What is the typical timeline for a DUI case in Chesterfield County?
Arraignment: within 48 hours of arrest or summons to appear; GDC trial: 30-90 days from arraignment; VASAP enrollment required within 15 days of conviction; restricted license application can be filed immediately; appeal to Circuit Court: within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.