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. Our DUI lawyer Chesterfield County team, led by former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, provides a strong defense for your case.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Chesterfield County Court
In Virginia, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-266. This statute makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination to a degree that impairs your ability to drive safely. The law applies equally to prescription and illegal substances.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built a practice focused on courtroom defense. We understand the serious consequences you face in Chesterfield County and the specific procedures of the local court.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI laws, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Information about the Chesterfield County General District Court, including location and hours, can be found on the Virginia Courts website.
Chesterfield County DUI Defense 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 or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension. An ignition interlock device is required to obtain a restricted license, and VASAP enrollment is mandatory upon any DUI conviction.
- Initial Consultation: Contact our firm immediately after arrest. We review the arrest report, BAC results, and your driving history.
- Case Investigation: We examine the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breath test equipment.
- Pre-Trial Strategy: We may file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction, such as to reckless driving.
- Court Representation: We represent you at all hearings in Chesterfield County General District Court, presenting a defense focused on the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Post-Trial Actions: If convicted, we guide you through VASAP, license restoration, and ignition interlock requirements. We can also file an appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Potential Penalties for 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 subsequent 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 |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| 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 DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have a deep understanding of Virginia DUI law. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who brings that insight to every defense strategy.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County. In other Virginia jurisdictions, we have achieved outcomes such as DUI charges reduced to reckless driving and second-offense charges being amended. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Representation
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.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts on Courthouse Road. We provide DUI defense for residents of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: DUI in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
First DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP. A BAC of 0.15-0.20% adds a mandatory 5 days in jail; 0.20%+ adds 10 days. Total costs often reach $5,000-$10,000+.
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, carrying 1-5 years in prison, a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, and indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no restricted license available. A second refusal is a 3-year suspension plus a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. These penalties are separate from any DUI conviction.
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI defense attorney Chesterfield County can often negotiate a reduction to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Success depends on challenging the stop, field tests, and breath test calibration.
How quickly should I contact a DUI lawyer after an arrest?
Immediately. Early intervention allows your lawyer to request a DMV hearing to contest a license suspension, which must be done within a short deadline, and to begin building your defense before evidence is solidified.
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. For other legal needs in Chesterfield County, visit our pages for Criminal Defense and Reckless Driving.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current advice regarding your DUI charge in Chesterfield County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.