DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A first offense with a BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers mandatory jail time. Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County General District Court on Courthouse Road.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across the state, including Chesterfield County. The Chesterfield County General District Court hears these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, see Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Chesterfield County General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Chesterfield County DUI Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at the Chesterfield County General District Court. The court hears first and second DUI offenses; a third within 10 years is a felony heard in Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: Appear at Chesterfield County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed by your summons.
- Review evidence: Your attorney will request discovery, including police reports, breath test calibration records, and dash/body cam footage.
- File motions: File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if the stop lacked probable cause or testing procedures were flawed.
- Negotiate or prepare for trial: Pursue a reduction to reckless driving or prepare a defense strategy for trial based on the evidence.
- Address administrative penalties: If convicted, enroll in VASAP within 15 days and apply for a restricted license with an ignition interlock device.
DUI Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, DUI carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines and license suspension to a Class 6 felony with mandatory jail time for repeat offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC <0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results. Our Richmond location serves the Chesterfield County area.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We are a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
First DUI in Chesterfield County: Class 1 misdemeanor — up to 12 months jail, $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP. BAC 0.15-0.20: mandatory 5 days jail. BAC 0.20+: mandatory 10 days. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Is a DUI a felony in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Chesterfield County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration. Cases at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
What is the timeline for a DUI case in Chesterfield County?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest. A General District Court trial typically occurs 30-90 days later. You must enroll in VASAP within 15 days of a conviction. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia DUI Lawyer | Henrico County DUI Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Our Richmond Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.