Graves | Law Offices

Call 540-534-0643 Today

Graves | Law Offices
540-534-0643
Committed To My Clients Defense And Fair Treatment Under The Law
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A Small Mistake Can Lead To Serious Consequences

You may have thought that you were fine to drive home; after all, you are a safe driver and only had a little bit to drink. Unfortunately, you were not a good judge of your situation, and you ended up stopped by the police and with a court date for driving under the influence or DUI charge.

My name is Aaron W. Graves, and I have heard this story countless times over the two decades that my law firm has been open in Harrisonburg. I know how you are feeling in a time like this; you are likely scared and confused by the potential consequences. I can help you navigate the criminal justice system and provide you with a defense informed by my years as a local prosecutor.

Why A DUI Is A Serious Crime, Not Just Another Traffic Violation

Unlike many other traffic violations, DUIs carry severe penalties that are levied even on first offenders and that can escalate significantly for repeat offenders. For a first offender, if you are convicted, you will face a minimum $250 fine and a one-year suspension of your driver’s license. This goes up to a minimum $500 fine and three-year suspension for your second offense, along with up to one year in prison. The punishments get exponentially more severe for repeat offenders.

Some penalties will impact you almost as soon as you are pulled over. As soon as you fail a breath test or refuse to take one, you will automatically lose your license for your first offense before you have even been convicted. For a second offense or refusal, you will lose your license for 60 days, and for a third offense, you lose it until your trial.

If you are under the age of 21 when you are stopped for your DUI, then you will face a suspension of your license for one year and a minimum fine of $500, even if you are a first-time offender. This will go on your criminal record, and you cannot remove it without petitioning for an expungement. Fortunately, I can assist you if you need to have your DUI expunged from your record. Through expungement, you can avoid the stigma of having a DUI on your record and the personal and professional ramifications that can result.

Do Not Hesitate, Call My Office Today

If you have been charged with a DUI and are not sure how to proceed, then you can speak with me at Graves Law Offices. You can call me by dialing 540-534-0643 or you can connect with me online through my contact form to send me a brief description of your case.