Fairfax, VA Federal DUI/DWI Charges Defense Attorneys

Skilled Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyers for Federal DUI Charges

In an overwhelming majority of cases, DUI/DWI is charged at the state level. However, there are limited circumstances in which a state charge of DUI can become federal in Virginia. While a DUI charge should always be taken seriously, federal charges of DUI deserve special consideration because they come with unique sentencing guidelines and harsh punishments.

A skilled criminal defense attorney in Fairfax can help you fight a federal DUI charge, minimizing the impact of a conviction or possibly having the charge dismissed. At Robinson Law, PLLC, our attorneys have been recognized for excellence in criminal defense, including a Client's Choice award for DUI from Avvo. When you work with our lawyers, we will take the time to build an exhaustive defense on your behalf, developing strategies to suit your specific case.

An Overview of Federal DUI Charges

In Virginia, driving under the influence becomes a federal offense when carried out on federal land, like a national park or military base. You can be formally charged with this crime if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is measured at .08% or higher, but this is not a strict requirement, as you can still be arrested and charged if a federal officer finds that you are impaired based on observable evidence.

At the federal level, DUI is a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 6 months in federal prison, a period of probation no longer than five years, and a possible $5,000 fine — double the maximum fine for a first DUI conviction in Virginia. Given how harsh these penalties can be, it is critical that you work with a criminal defense lawyer to have these charges reduced or dismissed.

Defending Against Federal DUI Charges

If you have been arrested on federal charges of driving under the influence, it is in your best interests to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. Moreover, you should avoid making any statements without your lawyer present, as anything you say could be used against you. Your attorney can work with you to figure out your best defense, which may take into account:

• Probable Cause: Did the arresting officer have a valid reason to pull you over? If not, then any evidence obtained at the traffic stop could be dismissed. Probable cause for a traffic stop must be rooted in specific observations, rather than instinct.
• Procedures: Officers are bound to strict procedures, that, if not followed, could weaken the prosecution's case against you.
• Test Results: The results of roadside field sobriety tests such as the horizontal gaze test, the walk and turn test, and the one-leg stand test rely on subjective observations, and these tests are not always administered in proper conditions. Furthermore, the results of chemical tests can be thrown off by outside contaminants, improper device calibration, or pre-existing medical conditions.

A federal judge may also recognize certain mitigating factors, such as if you have never been convicted of DUI before. Your attorney can help make a compelling case for a favorable outcome to your case, ensuring that your rights are fairly represented.

Meet With a Fairfax, Virginia Federal DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with federal DUI, you should know that it may come with higher stakes than a violation at the state level. A criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax can inform you of your rights and advocate for the best possible outcome on your behalf. At Robinson Law, PLLC, we have experience defending against allegations of federal crimes. Attorney Michael Robinson and Attorney Benjamin Griffitts are members of the National College for DUI Defense, and they are equipped with the acumen to handle any case. To schedule a free consultation with our lawyers today, call us at 703-844-3746 or reach out to us online.