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 minimum 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 provides a strong defense against these serious charges. Contact us for a 24/7 consultation.
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. This statute makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while having 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 brings extensive experience to every DUI case. We understand the immediate and long-term consequences a DUI conviction can have on your driving privileges, employment, and personal life.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules 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 Chesterfield County 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.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest) at the Chesterfield County General District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the administration of field sobriety tests.
- Negotiation & Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in General District Court, you will be sentenced according to statute. You have 10 days to appeal the conviction to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for DUI in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a first-offense DUI carries up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Penalties increase sharply for high BAC levels and subsequent offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC < 0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 min. | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5-day mandatory min. | $250 min. | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory min. | $250 min. | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for restricted license |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory min. | $500 min. | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for 6 months minimum |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory min. | $1,000 min. | 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. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris, our founding attorney, is a former prosecutor who brings that insider perspective to building defenses.
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, our firm has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our DUI defense team, led by Bryan Block and supported by Mr. Sris, has successfully negotiated reductions from DUI to reckless driving, avoided mandatory jail time for high-BAC offenses, and secured dismissals based on procedural defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
DUI/DWI Defense FAQs for 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, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP. A BAC of 0.15-0.20% carries a mandatory 5 days in jail; 0.20%+ carries 10 days. Total costs often exceed $5,000.
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI offense 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.
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 separate Class 1 misdemeanor charge. 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. Defense strategies include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breath test equipment.
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. This can affect employment, professional licensing, insurance rates, and background checks for years. A skilled DUI defense attorney Chesterfield County may help you avoid a conviction.
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles Criminal Defense and Reckless Driving cases in Chesterfield County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your DUI charge in Chesterfield County.