DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
A DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $250+ fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Our DUI lawyer Chesterfield County team, led by former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, provides a strong defense against these serious charges.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Penalties
In Virginia, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-266. This statute makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination to a degree that impairs your ability to drive safely. The law applies equally to prescription and illegal substances. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has over 120 years of combined attorney experience handling these complex cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia DUI statute, visit the official Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific information, you can review the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension. An ignition interlock device is required to obtain a restricted license, and VASAP enrollment is mandatory upon any DUI conviction.
- Arraignment: You will be summoned to appear at the Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road) within 48 hours of arrest for an arraignment to hear the formal charges.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your DUI defense attorney Chesterfield County can file motions to challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, or the calibration of breath test equipment.
- Negotiation & Trial: Your attorney will engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing & Compliance: If convicted, the court will impose penalties. You must enroll in VASAP within 15 days and may apply to the DMV for a restricted license with an ignition interlock.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a General District Court conviction to the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a first-offense DUI carries up to 12 months in jail, a minimum $250 fine, and a 12-month license revocation, with enhanced penalties for high BAC levels or prior offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI (BAC < 0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for 6+ months |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for 6+ months |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for 6+ months |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesterfield County, we have 15 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our lead DUI attorney Chesterfield County, Bryan Block, is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into traffic stops and DUI investigations. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
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
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes. In Essex County, we successfully had a DWI charge reduced to reckless driving. In Fairfax County, we have secured reductions for second-offense DWI charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DUI Lawyer Chesterfield County | Contact Our Richmond Location
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We represent individuals from Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
DUI/DWI Defense FAQs for Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A first DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Mandatory VASAP enrollment is required. If your BAC was 0.15-0.20%, there is a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; 0.20%+ triggers a mandatory 10-day sentence.
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a misdemeanor. A third DUI offense within 10 years is charged as a Class 6 felony, which carries 1-5 years in prison and a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, plus indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no possibility of a restricted license. A second refusal is a 3-year suspension plus a separate Class 1 misdemeanor charge. These penalties are also to any DUI penalties if convicted.
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. A DUI can potentially be reduced to a lesser charge like reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Success depends on the evidence, such as challenges to the traffic stop’s legality, field sobriety test administration, or breath test calibration.
How long does a DUI case take in Chesterfield County?
A typical timeline from arraignment to trial in General District Court is 30 to 90 days. If the case is appealed to Circuit Court, it can take several more months. Mandatory programs like VASAP have their own timelines for completion.
Related Legal Services in Chesterfield County
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Chesterfield County, reckless driving in Chesterfield County, and family law matters in Chesterfield County. For a broader view of our DUI defense practice, visit our Virginia DUI lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.