DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Virginia DUI Law in Chesterfield County
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, drugs, or a combination of both (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The penalties increase sharply with higher BAC levels and prior offenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Your case begins at the Chesterfield County General District Court at 9500 Courthouse Road. First and second DUI charges are misdemeanors heard here. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony transferred to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: Attend your arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest to enter a plea.
- Review Evidence: Your attorney will request and review all evidence, including police reports, breathalyzer calibration records, and dash/body cam footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence if the traffic stop, arrest, or testing procedures violated your rights.
- Negotiation or Trial: Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or proceed to a bench trial in General District Court.
- Post-Trial Steps: If convicted, decide whether to appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days and comply with VASAP and DMV requirements.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a DUI carries penalties from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time, with severity based on BAC level and prior offenses (Va. Code § 18.2-270).
| 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, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. We focus on providing full representation for clients facing DUI charges in Chesterfield County.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location is accessible from Chesterfield County courts via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We serve as a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield County for clients in 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).
How long does a DUI case take in Chesterfield County?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest. A General District Court trial is typically 30-90 days from arraignment. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of conviction.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County DUI Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Our Richmond Office
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.