DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, a DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $250+ fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at Chesapeake General District Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Chesapeake
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. The statute also covers commercial drivers (BAC 0.04%) and drivers under 21 (BAC 0.02%).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our attorneys use their experience to handle DUI cases in Chesapeake.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI laws, see Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake DUI Court Process
Chesapeake General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Chesapeake Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate charge.
- Secure legal representation: Contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately after arrest.
- Prepare for arraignment: Attend your scheduled court date at 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Review evidence: Your attorney will obtain police reports and challenge procedural errors.
- Explore defense strategies: This may include challenging the traffic stop or test accuracy.
- Attend trial or negotiate: Proceed to trial or seek a favorable plea agreement.
DUI Penalties in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, a DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time for high BAC levels or 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-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $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. The penalties listed are based on Virginia statutes; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in Chesapeake DUI Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on providing full representation for DUI cases in Chesapeake. Our approach is case-specific, built on a detailed review of police procedures and evidence.
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 Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include cases that were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
DUI Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We are a DUI lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
We serve clients in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
First DUI in Chesapeake: 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 Chesapeake General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Chesapeake, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake General District Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Chesapeake, 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.
Can a DUI be reduced in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Chesapeake 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.
What is the timeline for a DUI case in Chesapeake?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest or summons. Trial in Chesapeake General District Court is typically 30-90 days from arraignment. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of conviction. Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we handle related matters such as Criminal Defense and Reckless Driving. Learn more about Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office page.
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.