At Hunter Law Firm, we recognize that a DUI charge can be a life changer. Virginia law imposes severe penalties on individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), which is also referred to in the state as driving while intoxicated (DWI). Our Hampton Roads law firm has four offices throughout the area, located in Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake and Gloucester. Wherever you need help defending against a DUI charge, we will make every effort to obtain a favorable result and work hard to see that you are treated fairly.
If you become our client, our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to give you the respect, compassion and understanding you deserve. But we are also prepared to act aggressively in order to protect your best interests. Even a first drunk driving offense is a serious criminal charge under Virginia law, with punishment becoming more serious with each subsequent conviction:
Regardless of the specific count, our firm conducts a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and searches for facts to refute unwarranted allegations.
From the first moments after your arrest, law enforcement officials may exercise many techniques to coerce you into waiving your legal rights. A June 2010 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court made their job easier by determining that silence alone does not automatically invoke the Miranda right to remain silent. This is why it is so important to immediately assert your right to an attorney and to remain silent and stop all questioning until that attorney arrives. Once one of our DUI defense lawyers is present, they will protect you against police intimidation and other methods used by authorities to weaken your defense.
Boat operators are subject to the same type of laws as automobile drivers when it comes to alcohol and drug use. You can face jail time and a fine if you are judged to be impaired while at the helm or if your blood-alcohol concentration exceeds .08 percent. Multiple offenders face tough punishment and suspension of your license to operate watercraft is also a potential penalty. However, unlike vehicles on the road, boats don’t have assigned lanes, and many innocent factors might mislead an observer into thinking that the watercraft is being operated erratically.
At Hunter Law Firm, we have four offices to serve Hampton Roads clients who are accused of driving or boating under the influence. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or call to speak with an experienced lawyer at our Hampton, Newport News, Chesapeake or Gloucester location.