DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented results in Chesterfield County. A first offense with BAC 0.15-0.20 triggers mandatory 5 days jail. Our former Virginia State Trooper attorney provides case-specific defense strategies for Chesterfield County General District Court.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across Chesterfield County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this statutory framework to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia DUI statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesterfield County court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a test after arrest results in a separate charge.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest.
- Attend your arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court.
- Review evidence and file motions with your attorney.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a plea agreement.
- Address license suspension and VASAP requirements if convicted.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, DUI carries penalties from misdemeanor fines to felony incarceration, with mandatory jail for high BAC.
| 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 days mandatory min | $250 min | 12-month revocation | VASAP, IID required |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory min | $250 min | 12-month revocation | VASAP, IID required |
| Second DUI (within 5 yrs) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory min | $500 min | 3-year revocation | VASAP, IID required |
| Third DUI (within 10 yrs) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory min | $1,000 min | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, felony record |
| Refusal (first offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month admin suspension | No restricted license |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We maintain a focus on direct client representation and courtroom advocacy. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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. These results reflect our work in local courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield County for residents of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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: within 48 hours of arrest or summons to appear; GDC trial: 30-90 days from arraignment; VASAP enrollment required within 15 days of conviction; restricted license application can be filed immediately; appeal to Circuit Court: within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia DUI Lawyer | Henrico County DUI Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.