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DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Virginia DUI/DWI Law
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 thereof (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies equally in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. 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.
- Secure legal representation: Contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately after arrest. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
- Attend your arraignment: Appear at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road) within 48 hours of arrest or as directed by your summons.
- Review evidence with your attorney: Your lawyer will obtain and analyze police reports, body/dash cam footage, and breath test calibration records to identify defense strategies.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate: Based on the evidence, your attorney will either prepare a vigorous defense for trial or negotiate for a charge reduction, such as to reckless driving.
- Address license and VASAP requirements: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP within 15 days and may apply for a restricted license with an ignition interlock device.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a DUI carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory VASAP to a Class 6 felony with indefinite license revocation for a third offense within 10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC <0.15) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days, 1-5 years | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We are a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
First/second DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Chesterfield County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
What is the timeline for a DUI case in Chesterfield County?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest or summons. General District Court trial typically occurs 30-90 days from arraignment. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of conviction. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County DUI Lawyer – Defense in a neighboring county.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
- Richmond Office – Our local location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
