DUI Charges in Prince William County

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Prince William County, Virginia, the clock is already ticking. DUI charges in Virginia are not merely traffic tickets; they carry significant consequences. A DUI charge can land you in jail, cost you thousands of dollars, cause you to lose your license, and leave you with a criminal record that can impact your job, school, or security clearance.

At Stevens Caruso, we understand the seriousness of a DUI charge and how to defend against it effectively. Should you choose to use our services, your Prince William County DUI attorney will aggressively challenge the Commonwealth’s case, seek a dismissal or reduction of the charge, and guide you through the entire process, from the time of arrest to the day of sentencing should such occur.

What Are the DUI Laws in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if you:

• Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
• Are under the influence of alcohol, regardless of BAC
• Are under the influence of any narcotic or drug (including prescription or over-the-counter medication) that impairs your ability to drive safely
• Are under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol that impairs your ability to drive safely
• Are under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to drive safely

To be clear, DUI is a criminal charge in Virginia, and the charge can be a Class 1 misdemeanor or, in more serious cases, a felony.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Prince William County?

The penalties for DUI in Virginia vary based on your BAC, whether it is a first offense or a repeat offense, and whether any aggravating factors were present (such as an accident or a minor in the car). All DUI convictions carry minimum penalties, and these penalties increase with repeat offenses.

First-Offense DUI (Class 1 Misdemeanor)

• Up to 12 months in jail and/or up to a $2500.00 fine
• Minimum $250 fine
• 12-month license suspension
• Mandatory Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
• Ignition interlock device in most cases
• Mandatory Minimum 5-day jail sentence if Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) was 0.15% to 0.20%
• Mandatory Minimum 10-day if BAC was above 0.20%

Second-Offense DUI (Within 5 or 10 Years)

• Minimum 10 to 20 days in jail (based on certain circumstances)
• Fine of $500 or more
• 3-year license suspension
• Mandatory ignition interlock in most cases
• Felony risk if prior DUI involved serious injury or death

Third-Offense DUI Committed within a 10 Year Period (Class 6 Felony)

• Felony charge
• Mandatory Minimum 90 days to 6 months in jail depending on the recency of the prior offenses with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
• Indefinite license revocation
• Mandatory fine of $1,000
• Vehicle forfeiture is possible

Fourth or Subsequent Offense Committed within a 10 Year Period

• Felony charge
• Mandatory Minimum one year in jail with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
• Indefinite license revocation
• Mandatory fines of $1,000
• Vehicle forfeiture is possible

How Do I Build a Defense for a DUI in Prince William County?

Just because you have been charged with a DUI doesn’t mean you are guilty. DUI cases are heavily dependent on technical evidence, officer judgment, and procedural rules. Each Prince William County DUI attorney at Stevens Caruso understands how to identify weaknesses in the case and build a defense that challenges every aspect of the case, from the traffic stop to the breath or blood test.

Common DUI Defense Strategies:

• Challenging the traffic stop: Did the officer have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over?
• Questioning field sobriety tests: Were the tests administered properly? Were there any medical or environmental factors?
• Disputing breath or blood test results: Was the breathalyzer properly calibrated and found to be accurate? Were proper testing protocols followed?
• Challenging chain of custody or lab error
• Seeking a charge reduction based on a clean record, low BAC, or procedural issues

We also seek alternative options where available, diversion programs, or a reduction to reckless driving or lesser charge based on the particular facts of your case.

Why Do I Need a Prince William County DUI Attorney?

DUI laws in Virginia are some of the strictest in the country, and Prince William County prosecutors are aggressive. Judges in Prince William County judges strictly adhere to the letter of the law and are often unsympathetic to self-represented defendants.

At Stevens Caruso, we have over 59 years of combined experience in DUI litigation in Virginia and Prince William County Courts. We are familiar with the players in the courtroom, ranging from judges to prosecutors and law enforcement officials. We use that knowledge to your advantage. Whether it is your first offense or you are facing felony DUI, we are here to fight for your rights, protect your record, and limit the long-term impact on your life.

FAQs About DUI in Virginia

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI charge in Virginia?

Yes. DUI is a criminal charge, not a traffic ticket. It can lead to jail time, fines, loss of your license, and a permanent criminal record. A skilled lawyer can help fight the charge, get it reduced, or seek a dismissal, especially if it is your first offense or there are problems with how your case was handled.

How can a DUI be dismissed in Virginia?

A dismissal is possible under certain circumstances, including an illegal traffic stop, improperly administered field sobriety tests, incorrect BAC results, or violation of your constitutional rights. Your Prince William County DUI attorney will look for procedural errors, equipment malfunctions, or mistakes in the police conduct that can form the basis for a dismissal.

What can a DUI be reduced to in Virginia?

Depending on the facts of your case, a DUI can be reduced to reckless driving, or some other lesser traffic-related offense. These outcomes are more likely depending upon the strength of the Commonwealth’s case, if your BAC was close to the legal limit, it is a first offense, or you have mitigating factors (such as substance abuse treatment).

How likely is jail time for the first DUI in Virginia?

It depends. Jail time is possible, especially if your BAC was above 0.15% or if you were involved in an accident. However, many first-time offenders with low BACs avoid jail, especially if a strong defense attorney defends your case.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in Virginia?

A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently and on your DMV driving record for 11 years. That is why it is so important to fight the charge.

Contact a Prince William County DUI Attorney at Stevens Caruso Today

Whether you were stopped in Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries, or anywhere else in Prince William County or Northern Virginia a DUI charge can turn your life upside down. But you do not have to face it alone. At Stevens Caruso, we will fight hard to protect your record, restore your license, and keep you out of jail.

Casey and Lisa offer free in office initial consultations and can be reached through by contacting Casey on his cell phone 703-967-5750 or Lisa on her Cell 804-731-4262 or the firm’s online contact form. Let us help you take control of your defense and your future.