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 and a 12-month license revocation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Our DUI lawyer Chesterfield VA team, led by former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, provides a strong defense against these serious charges.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Penalties
In Virginia, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-266. The law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or while you are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building case-specific defenses against these charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures for Chesterfield County can be found on the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
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 Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate charge and mandatory license suspension. An ignition interlock device is required to obtain a restricted license, and VASAP enrollment is mandatory upon any DUI conviction.
- Receive a summons or be arrested and held for a bail hearing.
- Attend your arraignment at the Chesterfield County General District Court, where you enter a plea.
- Your DUI defense attorney will file pre-trial motions, review evidence, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- If no plea agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- If convicted, you have 10 days to file an appeal to the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Comply with all court orders, including fines, VASAP, and ignition interlock installation for a restricted license.
Potential Penalties for DUI in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a DUI carries penalties from a $250 fine and license suspension for a first offense, up to 1-5 years in prison for a third felony offense within 10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months (5-day mandatory min. if BAC 0.15-0.20; 10-day min. if BAC 0.20+) | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, possible ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days to 12 months | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, mandatory ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days to 5 years | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, mandatory ignition interlock, felony record |
| Refusal of Breath/Blood Test (1st) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available during suspension |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas. Our approach to drunk driving defense is informed by deep knowledge of local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Case Results and Client Defense
Our DUI lawyer Chesterfield VA team has handled numerous impaired driving cases in the local courts. We focus on challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration and maintenance records of breath test machines. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, collaborates with the team on defense strategy for complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Serving Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts on Courthouse Road. We provide representation for residents in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. As a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
DUI Lawyer Chesterfield VA FAQs
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.
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and indefinite license revocation. Felony charges are heard in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers a separate 12-month administrative license suspension for a first offense, with no restricted license available. A second refusal is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension. This penalty is also to any DUI penalties if convicted.
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 DWI lawyer can challenge the stop, field 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 remains on your criminal and driving records permanently. It cannot be expunged. This can affect employment, insurance rates, and professional licensing for many years, highlighting the need for a strong DUI defense attorney.
Related Pages: For a broader view, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and with related charges like Criminal Defense in Chesterfield County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.