Virginia has some of the country’s strictest drunk driving laws, leading to nearly 20,000 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions each year. When an individual is sentenced for drunk or drugged driving, the penalties are often severe (e.g., steep fines, license revocations or suspensions, jail time, alcohol classes, and other penalties), making it critical to fight charges.
Moreover, a DUI conviction can have a serious impact on a person’s job prospects. For commercial drivers, it can mean the suspension of a CDL, or the inability to become employed. For others, a felony conviction can also lead to disqualification for certain types of work (including certain law enforcement positions).
If you have been charged with a DUI, it’s important to understand that Virginia DUI trials are notoriously fast, as they typically occur within two months after an arrest. For this reason, it is crucial to reach out to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time to review a case, seek a dismissal based upon evidentiary or other matters, negotiate for reduced charges, or build a solid and compelling defense for trial (if necessary). Call our office today to schedule a free case evaluation with Wytheville DUI lawyer Mark Hurt to learn about your legal options and how he can tenaciously defend your rights.
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How Can an Experienced Wytheville DUI Lawyer Help My Case?
DUI and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges are serious and often carry significant penalties that can follow individuals for the rest of their lives (e.g., a permanent criminal record). Understanding the severity of these consequences, Duke Law graduate and firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt helps clients seek to have their drunk or drugged driving cases dismissed or, at the very least, have the infraction reduced to a less serious charge. He will also fight tenaciously to preserve your innocence at trial. Even if you failed a breathalyzer test, Mark can challenge not only the test and the testing procedures but also the legitimacy of the stop.
Get The Experienced DUI Defense that You Need
A DUI conviction can have serious consequences. The odds of getting DUI charges lessened significantly increases when an individual retains an experienced Wytheville DUI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. Not retaining legal counsel can have a serious impact.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we work tirelessly in each case to identify ways to challenge the validity of a traffic stop, suppress improperly obtained crucial evidence, and fight for the best outcomes for clients. Call us today to learn how we can help you!
How Can I Increase the Chances of Getting a DUI Dropped or Dismissed?
Getting a DUI charge reduced or dropped often is time-sensitive Therefore, it is critical to reach out to our office as soon as possible so that we fully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case.
For instance, if a traffic stop is not lawful, then in most cases all of the evidence obtained will be inadmissible (including breathalyzer results and video of the stop). Under the US Constitution, police generally must have a legally valid reason for making a traffic stop – like non-functioning taillights or seeing a vehicle weaving down the road. They cannot simply stop a person for “looking suspicious”, or fitting some stereotype (like driving a red sports car).
If there is a basis for challenging the validity of a stop, we will do so. The prosecution will also have a duty of dismissing a case if a stop is not valid; they are also prohibited from bringing a case if they do not believe that they have a reasonable basis for a jury finding guilt beyond a reasonable doubt based upon admissible evidence.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we routinely work with prosecutors in seeking dismissals or plea deals for reduced charges. The chances of mitigating liability through such options are typically much higher earlier in a case before a prosecutor becomes too invested; thus, the earlier you reach out to our firm, the higher the likelihood of receiving a favorable outcome.
What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving, DUI, or DWI in Virginia?
If convicted of DUI in Virginia, an individual can face numerous severe penalties, including:
- Fines (varies from $250 to $1,000+, depending on the total number of offenses)
- Driver’s License Suspension (for up to a year for a first offense)
- Alcohol Safety Classes
- Ignition Interlock Devices
- Job Loss
- Permanent Criminal Record
- Incarceration (for up to a year)
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have decades of experience successfully assisting clients in DUI and other serious citation cases. We work tirelessly in seeking to obtain significantly reduced charges and dismissals so that penalties can be avoided.
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Client Review
Frankie was the best. She helped me mentally, lawfully, she communicates and I appreciate her. I would never ever contact anyone else other than her if I’m ever in a situation in VA and if this law firm can cross state lines I would pay them! I felt so secure and safe! Thanks so much!
Shanelle
