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 lawyer Chesterfield County can challenge the stop, tests, and evidence. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
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 specific penalties based on the number of prior offenses and the driver’s BAC level.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm provides full representation for DUI charges. We understand the immediate consequences of an arrest, including license suspension and the requirement to enroll in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, 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
DUI cases in Chesterfield County begin at the General District Court at 9500 Courthouse Road. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment: You will appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons to enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the administration of field sobriety tests.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case may proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or be resolved through a plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge like reckless driving.
- Sentencing & Requirements: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP within 15 days. You may apply for a restricted license, which requires an ignition interlock device for high-BAC offenses.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a General District Court conviction to the 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, and a 12-month license revocation, with increased penalties for high BAC or prior offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI (BAC < 0.15%) | 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 | 5-day mandatory minimum | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for restricted license |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for restricted license |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for 6 months minimum |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $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 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We have a documented presence in Chesterfield County with 15 total case results across all practice areas. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we handle the details of your DUI defense from investigation through court hearings.
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 and Defense Strategies
Our firm has secured favorable outcomes in DUI cases across Virginia. For example, we have successfully negotiated reductions from DUI to reckless driving, which avoids the mandatory license revocation and VASAP requirement. In other cases, we have challenged the calibration and administration of breath test devices, skilled to dismissals.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our defense strategies are led by Bryan Block and supported by the firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. We examine every aspect of your case, including the reason for the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the maintenance records for breathalyzer equipment.
DUI Lawyer Near Chesterfield County, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We represent individuals from Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: DUI in Chesterfield County
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?
No, a first or second DUI is a misdemeanor. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and indefinite license revocation. Felony DUI cases are heard in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no eligibility for a restricted license. A second refusal within 10 years is a separate Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension. This penalty is separate from any DUI conviction.
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. Success depends on the evidence. A drunk driving defense lawyer Chesterfield County can challenge the stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration to seek a reduction.
How long will a DUI stay on my record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction in Virginia is a permanent criminal record. It cannot be expunged. However, for driver’s license points, the DMV record lasts for 11 years. This makes a strong defense with a skilled DUI defense attorney Chesterfield County critical to avoid a lifelong conviction.
For more information on DUI defense in Virginia, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges, our firm provides criminal defense and reckless driving defense in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.