Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services

Most people who face criminal charges are not hardened criminals. They are just ordinary people who made a mistake, or in some cases, people who have been falsely accused of a crime. One thing that everyone has in common, whether they have been charged with a violent crime, a drug offense, some sort of financial crime, or even just jaywalking, is fear.

When you are facing criminal charges of any kind, while you may understand how things will turn out, you don’t know anything for sure. Depending on what you are charged with, you could clear your name, walk away with a fine, face probation, or end up serving time in prison. When facing that kind of uncertainty, anyone would be afraid. That is why it is crucial that you find an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has an excellent track record and who you can trust. You do not have to face criminal charges alone, and you shouldn’t. Having an attorney on your side who is focused on protecting you and fighting for your rights gives you your best opportunity to secure a favorable outcome for your case.

DWI

In Virginia, DWI and driving under the influence (DUI) are considered the same. Both DWI and DUI are categorized as drunk driving. So, anyone who tells you that a DWI is somehow a lesser charge than a DUI is mistaken. If you are charged with DWI in Arlington, expect a tough fight. Virginia has some of the strictest DWI laws in the nation. However, recent law changes do allow DWI charges to be deferred and, in some cases, dismissed at the discretion of the prosecutor. As you can imagine, prosecutors rarely allow DWI cases to be deferred and/or dismissed. Therefore, anyone charged with DWI should be prepared to face prosecution, because their best, and often only, chance to avoid a DWI conviction is to hire a criminal defense lawyer and fight the charges.

As mentioned earlier, the laws in Virginia regarding DWI are strict. Virginia’s DWI penalties are severe and can impact people convicted of DWI for years to come. DWI penalties in Virginia can include the following:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• A fine of up to $2,500
• Suspension of driver’s license for up to a year
• Restricted driver’s license for up to three years after the end of license suspension
• Ignition interlock device installed on vehicle for up to three years following license suspension
• Required to complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP/ASAP)
• Required to attend Victim Impact Panel
• Offender’s vehicle can be seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth of Virginia

A first or second DWI (a second DWI is a DWI that occurs within 5 or 10 years of the first DWI) is usually categorized as a class one misdemeanor. A third or fourth DWI is considered a felony, which comes with much harsher penalties than a misdemeanor.

Reckless Driving

There are generally two reasons that someone is charged with reckless driving in Arlington. The first is if a driver is displaying dangerous behavior while behind the wheel. Examples of dangerous driving behavior include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Changing lanes without signaling
• Weaving in and out of traffic

The second reason a driver could be charged with reckless driving is if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Whether it is a major accident or a minor one, almost any motor vehicle crash can result in a reckless driving charge.

Whatever the reasoning, if a driver is charged with reckless driving, it is serious. Penalties for reckless driving in Virginia include:

• A fine of as much as $2,500
• Up to 12 months in prison
• Up to a 6-month license suspension

In addition, a reckless driving conviction can remain on your driving record for 11 years and on your criminal record for the rest of your life.

Experienced DWI & Reckless Driving Attorney in Arlington, VA

You should never try to handle serious traffic offenses, such as DWI and reckless driving, on your own. Depending on the circumstances that led to the charges, you could be looking at severe fines and serious prison time. Your life and your future are on the line. With stakes that high, you can’t risk facing these kinds of charges without the backing of a proven and experienced criminal defense attorney. The right lawyer can protect you and design a defense strategy that can help you secure the best possible outcome to your situation.

The criminal defense lawyers at Dischley Law, PLLC have over 30 combined years of legal experience successfully helping clients facing criminal charges. We understand what is at stake for our clients and we have the compassion, knowledge, and ability to help them successfully navigate through and get past one of the worst times in their life.

All our attorneys are former prosecutors, so they know how the other side thinks. That gives them a serious advantage and makes them the best allies that people facing criminal charges could have. Our legal team is expert at examining cases, building criminal defense strategies, and anticipating every move and tactic that the prosecution plans to use at each step of the case. That means our clients don’t have to worry about risk and surprises, because our skills and experience ensure we will see the prosecution’s moves coming a mile away.

To learn more about Dischley Law, PLLC and how we have been helping people just like you for years, check out our case results and client reviews.

If you have been charged with reckless driving or a DWI, you should speak with our Arlington and Manassas, VA criminal defense lawyers right away. Contact us online or give us a call at (703) 215-9337 to set up a confidential consultation. Initial consultations are free. Call now!