The Parrish Law Firm Family of Sites Traffic Division | DWI / DUI Defense | Personal Injury Division | Motor Vehicle Accidents

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED / DWI
Northern Virginia DWI / Driving While Intoxicated Laywer - Manassas and Fairfax, VA

Driving in Virginia is a privilege granted by the state; a privilege that can be suspended or revoked for drunk driving (driving while intoxicated - DWI). In Virginia, you are presumed to be intoxicated if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher.

However, remember that the police must follow certain procedures and that you have rights you can invoke. For instance, you are entitled to consult with an attorney if you are arrested and you are not required to submit to field sobriety tests or to hand-held breathalyzers (you are required to submit to a breathalyzer at the police station).

At the Parrish Law Firm we understand that being charged with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) violation is a situation where many times a momentary lapse of judgment has presented you with potentially serious consequences. The attorneys of the Parrish Law Firm have extensive knowledge of and experience with DWI cases, which affords us the perspective and understanding required to help you get your life back in order while preserving your right to drive. By vigilantly investigating and challenging the circumstances of your DWI arrest and case, we will help you through every step of the process.

Our lawyers will vigorously and aggressively represent you in your Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) case - defending your personal rights and freedom. _________________________________________________________

Virginia DWI Terms

BAC: Short for "blood alcohol concentration." BAC refers to the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream and is measured in percentages. BAC can be measured either by breath, blood or urine testing and is often used by law enforcement to determine whether or not a motorist is "legally" drunk.

Breathalyzer: A portable machine used by law enforcement to measure the BAC of suspected drunk drivers.

Chemical Test: A test of the alcohol or drug concentration in a person's blood. A Breathalyzer, blood analysis, or urinalysis can be used as chemical tests for alcohol.

Commercial Vehicle: A vehicle driven for business purposes. In the DUI context, these are the consequences for driving a commercial vehicle while drunk.

Felony: A serious crime, such as murder, rape or burglary, for which there is a stricter sentence given than for a misdemeanor. Felonies are usually categorized by degrees. 1st degree felonies are the most serious class (with the highest fines and penalties), 2nd degree felonies are less serious, and so on.

Implied Consent Laws: Virginia has implied consent laws. If you have a driver's license, you have consented to being pulled over by a police officer to have your blood alcohol concentration measured. You may refuse to take the test, but fines and license suspensions can be the result.

License Revocation: A license revocation means your driving privileges have been cancelled. You will likely need to reapply for a license after a designated length of time.

License Suspension: A license suspension means you may not drive for the period of your suspension. If your license is suspended, the suspension will likely take effect immediately upon arrest, and not upon conviction.

Misdemeanor: A crime less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors are sometimes categorized by degrees. 1st degree misdemeanors are the most serious, and so on.

Probation: When all or part of the required jail time is suspended in exchange for good behavior, as determined by checking in with a probation officer. Jail time may be reinstated if it is found the terms of probation are being violated. _________________________________________________________

The lawyers of the Parrish Law Firm successfully represent clients throughout Northern Virginia against DWI charges, including, the cities of Manassas, Gainesville, Fairfax, Warrenton, Woodbridge, Haymarket and Front Royal. Our attorneys have defended the rights of clients in Driving While Intoxicated cases in Prince William County, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Warren County, Loudoun County and beyond.