Arlington DUI Lawyer

DUI Lawyer Arlington, VA

Our Arlington, VA DUI lawyer focuses on defending individuals charged with DUI and related offenses throughout Northern Virginia. Our firm is led by a former Virginia legislator with decades of legal experience, including work on the very laws used in DUI cases. Our team approaches each case with a strong understanding of both courtroom procedure and the legal statutes that apply to our clients. Whether you’re facing your first DUI charge or dealing with a repeat offense, we know how to help protect your rights and your future. Contact Dave Albo – Attorney today to schedule a consultation and determine how we can help you with your DUI case.

What A DUI Is And The Consequences You May Face

A DUI, or driving under the influence, refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. In Virginia, this generally means a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, but drivers can still be charged with a lower BAC if their behavior suggests impairment. Drug-related DUIs are also prosecuted, even without alcohol in the system.

The consequences of a DUI conviction in Virginia can be serious. For a first offense, penalties may include a license suspension, fines, court-mandated education programs, and possibly jail time. Repeat offenses carry heavier penalties, including longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and installation of an ignition interlock device. A DUI charge can also lead to increased insurance premiums and a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, travel, and more. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to contact our experienced Arlington DUI attorney as soon as possible in order to begin working on your case and mitigating potential penalties.

Even those arrested for a first-time DUI may face unexpected challenges. A conviction in Arlington can have lasting consequences that go beyond the courtroom. Because DUI laws in Virginia are enforced strictly, it’s important to act quickly and understand all available legal options. Having the guidance of our DUI lawyer can make a meaningful difference when it comes to defending your rights and working toward the best possible outcome.

Why Experience Matters In DUI Cases

Clients choose our firm because we have handled DUI cases from both sides of the courtroom. We know what prosecutors look for and how judges view these cases. Some of Attorney Dave Albo’s many qualifications for DUI cases include:

• Experience as a teacher of the law to other lawyers and judges
• Over 30 years of legal experience
• 24 years as a member of the Virginia State Legislature and as Chairman of the Virginia House Courts of Justice (Judiciary) Committee
• Five-time recognition as a top rated lawyer by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine

Our experience with Virginia DUI law helps us build strong defenses and give honest advice from the start. If you’re looking for a Virginia DUI lawyer who will take your case seriously and work to protect your future, we’re ready to help. Call Dave Albo – Attorney today to get started with a firm that puts your best interests first.

Types Of DUI Cases We Handle

Our Arlington, VA DUI lawyer represents individuals facing a wide range of DUI charges in Northern Virginia. With decades of experience in criminal defense and firsthand knowledge of Virginia’s DUI laws, our team works to protect the rights of people charged with offenses that can impact their license, livelihood, and freedom. We take every case seriously and develop strategies based on the facts, evidence, and goals of each client. No matter the situation, we believe every person deserves clear answers and a strong defense. If you are facing a DUI charge and are in need of legal representation, contact Dave Albo – Attorney today.

DUI Cases Involving Alcohol

DUI cases can take many forms. Some involve a clear chemical test result over the legal limit, while others depend more on officer observations or roadside behavior. We often assist drivers charged with DUI involving alcohol, where blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. In many of these cases, drivers are pulled over for speeding, swerving, or other minor traffic violations before officers conduct further tests. These types of charges frequently rely on breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and video recordings.

DUI Cases Involving Drugs

We also work with clients charged with DUI involving drugs. These cases can involve illegal substances or even prescription medications that may impair someone’s ability to drive safely. Because there may not be a clear BAC threshold for drug-related impairment, these cases tend to involve different kinds of evidence, including toxicology reports or expert testimony about the effects of certain substances. Discussing the specific details of your case with our attorney can help you understand how best to move forward with your defense.

Aggravated DUI Charges

In addition to standard DUI cases, we handle aggravated DUI charges. These can include cases involving elevated BAC levels, minors in the vehicle, or accidents resulting in injuries or property damage. Aggravating factors often increase potential penalties and make it even more important to have our experienced Arlington DUI attorney on your side. We’ve helped clients address these cases with thoughtful and proactive strategies focused on long-term outcomes.

DUI Charges For Individuals Under 21

We also assist clients facing DUI charges while under 21. Virginia has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning any measurable amount of alcohol in the system may lead to a DUI charge. These cases can affect educational and employment opportunities for young drivers, which is why we give them careful attention.

DUI Charges For Commercial Charges

Another area we work with is DUI charges involving commercial drivers. Because commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are held to stricter standards and face more serious consequences, a DUI conviction may lead to license suspension and job loss. We help CDL holders understand what’s at stake and work to protect their ability to continue working.

Individuals With Multiple DUI Charges

Additionally, we represent individuals facing second or subsequent DUI charges. These cases carry increased penalties, including longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and additional requirements for reinstatement. Repeat offenses are treated more seriously by the courts, and having the support of our Virginia DUI lawyer can be key to minimizing those consequences.

What To Do Immediately After A DUI Charge

Being charged with DUI can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps after an arrest can make a real difference in how the case moves forward, and our Arlington, VA DUI lawyer is here to help you do so. Acting quickly and with a clear plan helps protect your legal rights and gives you a better chance of avoiding serious consequences. For more information on how to move forward with your defense after a DUI charge, contact Dave Albo – Attorney today.

Stay Calm And Comply During The Arrest

It’s important to remain respectful and cooperative with law enforcement. Arguing or resisting can make the situation worse and might lead to additional charges. Follow all instructions, avoid making statements about the incident, and wait to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about alcohol use or driving behavior.

Request A Copy Of The Police Report

Soon after the arrest, it is important to request a copy of the police report. This document includes key details about why you were pulled over, what field sobriety tests were used, and the officer’s observations. Reviewing this information helps identify possible issues in the case and can shape the defense strategy we use moving forward.

Write Down Everything You Remember

Take time to write down everything that happened before, during, and after the arrest while it’s still fresh in your mind. That includes the time of the stop, what was said, what tests were given, and how you responded. These notes might highlight inconsistencies or missing evidence that can be helpful in court.

Do Not Drive Without A Valid License

A DUI charge often comes with a license suspension. If you drive while your license is suspended, you could face more serious legal problems. It’s better to arrange for alternative transportation and wait until you receive approval to resume driving, even if that means applying for a restricted license.

Meet With A DUI Defense Lawyer Promptly

Time matters after a DUI arrest. Discussing your case with our experienced Arlington DUI attorney as soon as possible after the accident can help you understand what to expect and what options you have. The sooner you start working with someone who knows Virginia DUI law, the more prepared you’ll be for court dates and hearings.

Keep Track Of Court Deadlines And Hearing Dates

Missing a court date can lead to a bench warrant and additional penalties. It is very important to stay organized and make sure you attend every hearing. Your legal defense depends on showing that you take the charge seriously and are responding responsibly.

Avoid Discussing The Case On Social Media

Even seemingly harmless posts can be used as evidence. Avoid discussing your case online or in public, and let our Virginia DUI lawyer handle all communication related to the charge.

If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s important to act fast and take the right steps from the beginning. Our dedicated DUI lawyer can help you make sense of the process and build a defense based on the facts. Contact Dave Albo – Attorney today to take the first step toward protecting your record and your future.

Ask the DUI lawyer, Arlington VA: What makes DUI cases unique in Arlington?

When I first because a DUI lawyer, Arlington Va, 18 years ago, I thought that trial procedure there would be the same as it was in Fairfax, VA (Virginia’s largest county). How wrong I was! Even though Arlington is a large, urban county, it operates as a small town. There are informal rules in Arlington that simply don’t apply in Fairfax.

Information is the biggest difference between Arlington and Fairfax for DUI cases. In Fairfax, the DUI lawyer, Fairfax Va gets information about one’s case (discovery) on a special pre-trial court date. The prosecutor discloses the government’s case, and the lawyers negotiate. If the case can be resolved through a compromise, then the compromise can be presented to a judge. Otherwise, the case is set for trial for another day. In Arlington, there is no pre-trial court date. The DUI lawyer, Arlington Va instead contacts the prosecutor’s office to find out which lawyer has been assigned to the case. (In Fairfax, prosecutors are not specially assigned). An appointment is set to review the prosecutor’s file. This is called “open file” discovery. The Arlington prosecutor’s office is so confident in their cases – and so willing to dismiss cases with bona fide flaws – that they provide considerably more information to the DUI lawyer, Arlington Va than required by law.

Obviously, the second big difference is that the DUI lawyer, Fairfax Va has two court appearances while the DUI lawyer, Arlington Va has one for each client. (The discovery meeting in Arlington is done informally in the prosecutor’s office). This doesn’t mean that the person accused of DUI must be prepared to go to trial the first time he or she walks into court. In Arlington, all those charged with DUI are assigned an arraignment date on which they are advised of all the crimes they must defend and tells them that they need lawyers. However, if a person has hired a DUI lawyer, Arlington Va. in advance of the arraignment, the lawyer can waive the arraignment, saving the client from the extra court appearance.

A third big difference is the variety of judges. There are only three judges in the General District Court for Arlington; there are ten in Fairfax. Each judge adjudicates a case somewhat differently. A good DUI lawyer, Arlington Va will strive to learn the tendencies of each judge and tailor a case to the “audience.” Our current judges are Richard McCue, Thomas Kelly, and Fran O’Brien. Judge O’Brien is a former prosecutor and Judges McCue and Kelly are both former criminal defense attorneys. (However, don’t let their backgrounds mislead you!)

A fourth big difference is the prosecutor’s preparation. In Arlington, prosecutors are specially assigned to cases and they review them in advance of trial. In Fairfax, prosecutors usually walk into each case “cold.” This makes it harder for the DUI lawyer, Arlington Va. One cannot assume that clever legal argument will go unanswered in Arlington due to lack of pre-trial research and thought.

This leads to a fifth big difference – deal making. Most DUI cases do not go to trial; they are resolved by a settlement (called a “plea bargain”). Obviously, some plea bargains can be better deals that others. A DUI lawyer, Arlington Va must work harder to get a good plea bargain that his or her Fairfax colleague because, with better preparation, a prosecutor can feel more confident taking a case to trial.

A sixth big difference is timing. The DUI lawyer, Arlington Va gets to court knowing that his case might not got to trial until late in the afternoon. The DUI lawyer, Fairfax Va can plan on having a full trial complete by 1:00 p.m. most days.

On a humorous note, a seventh big difference is parking. Getting a spot in Arlington is very difficult and expensive compared to Fairfax. Yes, a good DUI lawyer, Arlington, Va will know the “secret” places to park, but that is a secret that will remain so!