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 results in Chesterfield County. A first offense with BAC 0.15-0.20 triggers mandatory 5 days jail. Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County General District Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
In Chesterfield County, DUI charges are heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court located at 9500 Courthouse Road. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in separate penalties.
Virginia DUI Statute Definition
Virginia law defines DUI (Driving Under the Influence) under Va. Code § 18.2-266 as operating a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof. The statute applies equally to DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Virginia terminology.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia DUI statute, see 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
Chesterfield County General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. Third DUI within 10 years becomes a Class 6 felony heard in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Preliminary breath test results at roadside establish probable cause but don’t prove guilt at trial.
- Arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest.
- GDC trial scheduled 30-90 days from arraignment at 9500 Courthouse Road.
- If convicted, enroll in VASAP within 15 days of conviction.
- File restricted license application immediately with Virginia DMV.
- Install ignition interlock device if BAC was 0.15% or higher.
- Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days if contesting GDC conviction.
Chesterfield County DUI Penalties
In Chesterfield County, DUI carries penalties from misdemeanor to felony classification with mandatory jail for high BAC levels.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months; 5 days mandatory if BAC 0.15-0.20; 10 days if BAC 0.20+ | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock if BAC ≥0.15 |
| 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, 1-5 years possible | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (first offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions in DUI cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Representation
Our Richmond location is accessible from Chesterfield County courts via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We serve as a DUI lawyer near Chesterfield County for clients in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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 within 48 hours of arrest. GDC trial 30-90 days from arraignment. VASAP enrollment required within 15 days of conviction. Restricted license application can be filed immediately. Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia DUI Lawyer | Henrico County DUI Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.