DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Virginia DUI Law and Chesterfield County Procedures
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 or drugs (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The law applies uniformly, but local court procedures in Chesterfield County can affect your case outcome.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our attorneys use their experience to handle the details of Chesterfield County DUI cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, visit the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For information about the court handling your case, see 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 test after arrest results in a separate charge and license suspension.
- Secure legal representation: Contact a DUI defense attorney immediately after arrest. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
- Prepare for arraignment: Attend your scheduled arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest to enter a plea.
- Review evidence with your attorney: Your attorney will obtain and analyze police reports, bodycam footage, and breath test calibration records for defense strategies.
- Explore pre-trial options: Your attorney may negotiate for a reduction to reckless driving or challenge procedural errors in the stop or arrest.
- Prepare for trial or sentencing: If no pre-trial resolution is reached, prepare for a bench trial in General District Court. If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time, depending on your BAC and prior 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, 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 | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing fees and costs include: VASAP enrollment (~$300), restricted license application ($40), ignition interlock installation (~$100 plus $70-$100/month), court costs (~$62), and potential towing fees ($150-$500+).
Our Experience in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on providing full representation for DUI cases in Chesterfield County. Our approach is based on direct legal knowledge and careful case preparation.
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. We work to achieve favorable outcomes such as charge reductions or dismissals where possible.
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 Chesterfield County area and surrounding communities including 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.
Richmond Location — 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.
How long does a DUI case take in Chesterfield County?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest. A General District Court trial typically occurs 30-90 days from arraignment. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction. The timeline varies by case complexity and court schedule.
Related Legal Information
For more on Virginia DUI law, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby area, you may need a DUI lawyer in Henrico County or a DUI lawyer in Colonial Heights.
In Chesterfield County, we also handle criminal defense, family law, and reckless driving cases.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.