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 defense lawyer Chesterfield County team, led by a former Virginia State Trooper, provides a strong defense for your case.
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. The law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.02% for drivers under 21), or while you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination to a degree that impairs your ability to drive safely. The Chesterfield County General District Court hears these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
First and second DUI charges are heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. 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 appear in Chesterfield County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed by your summons.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or breath test calibration.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case may proceed to trial or be resolved through negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing & Compliance: If convicted, you must comply with court-ordered penalties, including VASAP and ignition interlock installation.
- License Restoration: You must apply to the DMV for a restricted license and complete all requirements for full reinstatement.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and license revocation, with increased penalties for high BAC or repeat offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | 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 & IID* |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
*IID = Ignition Interlock Device required for restricted license.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the specific procedures and expectations at the Chesterfield County General District Court.
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 DUI defense attorney Chesterfield County team has secured favorable outcomes for clients. Documented firm results include DUI charges being reduced to reckless driving and second-offense charges being amended. Mr. Sris, our firm founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DUI Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We represent individuals in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
DUI Defense FAQs for Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A first DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment. A BAC of 0.15-0.20% triggers a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; a BAC of 0.20% or higher triggers a mandatory 10-day sentence.
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, a third DUI offense within 10 years is charged as a Class 6 felony, which carries 1-5 years in prison, a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, and indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal results in a 12-month administrative license suspension with no eligibility for 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 from a conviction.
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. A DUI defense lawyer Chesterfield County can sometimes negotiate a reduction to reckless driving, which avoids the mandatory license revocation and VASAP requirement. Success depends on the specific facts of your case, including the legality of the traffic stop and the reliability of the evidence against you.
How long does a DUI case take in Chesterfield County?
A typical timeline involves an arraignment within 48 hours of arrest, with a trial in General District Court scheduled 30-90 days later. If the case is appealed to Circuit Court, it can take several more months to resolve. Compliance with VASAP and ignition interlock requirements adds to the overall timeline.
Related Legal Services in Chesterfield County: If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense, reckless driving, and family law matters. For more information on DUI defense across Virginia, visit our state DUI defense hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.