Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Norfolk, VA

If you are an out of town driver facing a DUI charge in Virginia, Curcione Law can assist you. Keep in mind that even though you were charged with driving under the influence in Virginia, this can have adverse implications on you in your home state. All states have access to other states' DMV records. A DUI charge in Virginia could result in you losing your license in your home state (not just your driving privileges in Virginia). Contact Curcione Law today to find out more about out of state DUIs, how to minimize the inconvenience of this charge (the firm would be happy to discuss with you how court appearances and other matters work in an out-of-state DUI case) and how to minimize the negative effects of an out-of-state DUI charge.

It is not uncommon for drivers to be charged with driving under the influence of drugs (which can make someone as impaired as driving under the influence of alcohol). This trend is on the rise; women are often found under the influence of narcotics and depressants and men have been frequently found under the influence of cannabinoids and stimulants. If you are convicted for driving under the influence of drugs, you will face jail time, fines and a driver's license suspension, similar to individuals charged with DUI. The only difference is that you will most likely be forced to take a blood or urine test and a drug expert may be brought in to discuss the evidence. Establishing that someone was driving under the influence of drugs can be more difficult, as there is not hard and straight ground rule (unlike DUI, which establishes that if someone is driving with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher, he/she is driving under the influence of alcohol). In Virginia, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of certain drugs in one's system.

If you have a commercial driver's license and have been charged with DUI in Virginia, you need to be aware that you will likely suffer more if you are convicted of this charge. There are additional penalties that CDL drivers face:Your license could be disqualified for one year if your BAC was 0.04% or aboveIf you were transporting hazardous materials and your BAC was 0.04% or higher, you could be barred from driving a commercial vehicle for a minimum of three yearsEven if you are convicted of a DUI in your personal vehicle, your CDL will be disqualifiedYou will also face the normal penalties that other DUI offenders face in the state of Virginia (see above)

An SR-22 insurance is required in Virginia after you are convicted of DUI. This insurance means that you are 'high risk' and insurance companies will as a result charge you more, since they are taking on a higher risk.

If you are convicted of a DUI in Virginia, you will have to pay court costs and fines, attend a driver improvement clinic and complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program before you can reinstate your driver's license. After you have done this, you will have to pay the reinstatement fees, provide the DMV with your medical and vision reports and receive a court order permitting restricted driving privileges. You will also have to provide the DMV with a completed SR-22 form. Don't allow your driving privileges to be taken without a fight. After you have been charged with DUI, it is imperative that you act quickly to protect your right to drive. You can set up a DMV hearing to present your case concerning why you should be allowed to keep your driving privileges.