Driving Under Influence Lawyer in Fairfax, VA

Driving Under Influence Lawyer in Fairfax, VA Driving Under Influence Lawyer in Fairfax, VA

 

A Driving Under the Influence Lawyer in Fairfax, VA from May Law, LLP understands that anyone who has been pulled over by a police officer has probably felt that pang of panic that often accompanies seeing flashing lights in their rearview mirror. The fact is, nobody enjoys getting stopped by an officer while driving. The entire experience can be nerve-wracking, especially if it seems like the officer is just out to make an arrest despite your innocence.

An officer may pull over a driver on suspicion of DWI (driving while intoxicated). This charge differs from a DUI in that the substance of influence can be alcohol, an illegal drug, a prescription drug, or something else that is impairing the person’s ability to drive safely.

If I get pulled over, how do I respond?

Remain calm, and try to keep your wits about you. The officer probably already knows that you will be nervous, so just do your best to breathe and pay attention to the moment. Chances are, you are being voice recorded and video taped. In some instances, an officer may try to get the driver to make incriminating statements so they have evidence against you. It is in your best interest to keep things short and polite, while avoiding saying more than you need to. Being confrontational may only make matters worse.

After providing your name and other necessary information at the station, the next thing to do is request to see a DUI lawyer in Fairfax, VA from May Law, LLP. 

Do I have to take the field sobriety tests?

As a driver, you do have the right to refuse a field sobriety test. Field sobriety tests tend to be very subjective and based on what the officer perceives, which may or may not be based in fact. However, keep in mind that in some states by declining a test, you still have your license suspended for up to year afterwards (even if you are proven innocent for a DWI). Some courts view this refusal as a sign of being guilty, and will inflict the repercussions anyway. Your VA Driving Under the Influence Lawyer in Fairfax will do everything possible to protect you during this time. 

What about a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test?

By law, you can also refuse a breathalyzer, blood, and urine test. There are many ways that these tests can result in an incorrect result. For instance, a breathalyzer may not work properly if it wasn’t calibrated beforehand or is defective. And, there is no guarantee that the blood or urine sample you provide will be carefully collected, prepared, stored, transported, or tested. It is ill-advised to voluntarily offer a blood or urine test if it isn’t recommended by your representing attorney. 

A Virginia Driving Under the Influence Lawyer can investigate whether the test you were given was faulty, or if your sample could have been ran incorrectly. 

What defense strategies may my attorney use for my DWI arrest?

A Lawyer for Driving Under the Influence in Fairfax, Virginia can evaluate your arrest and determine what the best defense strategy is in getting your charges dropped or at least minimized. Your attorney may defend you by saying the officer was not properly trained to perform a field sobriety test, the officer didn’t account for age and weight during the testing, or the officer failed to factor in physical disability when asking you to do actions like walk in a straight line or balance on one leg, among other defenses.

The best way to find out what defense strategy could benefit you the most, is to talk with an attorney shortly after the arrest. Please contact a Driving Under the Influence Lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia from May Law, LLP now. 

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