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 a BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers mandatory jail time. Our former Virginia State Trooper attorney provides a unique perspective on police procedures and evidence challenges.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies to all public highways in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the full text of Virginia’s DUI statute: Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Your case will be heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court located at 9500 Courthouse Road. First and second DUI offenses are misdemeanors handled in this court. A third DUI within 10 years becomes a Class 6 felony and moves to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons.
- Evidence Review: Your attorney obtains police reports, breath test calibration logs, and video footage.
- Motion Filing: File motions to challenge the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of test results.
- Negotiation: Pursue a plea agreement to reduce the charge to reckless driving, avoiding mandatory penalties.
- Trial or Resolution: Proceed to a bench trial if a fair plea is not offered, or accept a negotiated disposition.
- Post-Conviction Compliance: If convicted, enroll in VASAP and apply for a restricted license with an ignition interlock.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time for high-BAC or repeat offenses.
| 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, IID required |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (First Offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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. Our defense strategies focus on challenging the legality of traffic stops, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breath testing equipment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Representation
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How long does a DUI case take in Chesterfield County General District Court?
A typical timeline: arraignment within 48 hours of arrest; General District Court trial 30-90 days from arraignment; VASAP enrollment required within 15 days of conviction; appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a 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 updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.