Why take my Virginia DUI trial to court again?
Your first "trial" wasn't really a trial at all - there are no jury trials in the General District Court. Your first-time DUI penalties were decided on solely by the judge. The US Constitution states that you have the right to a trial by jury if convicted of a crime. Therefore, if you feel the penalties set forth against you in your first DUI conviction are unfair, you have the right to appeal to the Circuit Court, the higher trial level.
Why do I need a Virginia DUI defense attorney?
The Virginia courts do not take DUI offenses lightly, even if it is your first DUI charge, and will move very quickly through the conviction process. An experienced Virginia DUI defense attorney can make sure you are being fairly and accurately judged in court without allowing any evidence that may unfairly affect your case to go unquestioned. Your lawyer will be able to examine your options and often help negotiate a reduction in penalties for a first DUI charge.
You should never trust a DUI lawyer that guarantees any sort of outcome or deadline for your charges. There is no "timeline" for how long a Virginia DUI trial may take, nor is there any way to promise you can receive a reduction in penalties or sentencing, even if this is your first offense. Each DUI case is unique - judges, juries, and prosecutors all vary in the trial makeup, making it impossible to pre-determine a case's outcome.
While there is no way to get around the minimum penalties for a first-offense DUI, having a trusted DUI defense attorney on your side may help you reach the lowest penalty required by law and expedite the process of closing your case. Remember you have the right to an attorney in any DUI case!
If you have been arrested for DUI in Virginia, there is no time to waste! Contact Virginia DUI defense attorney Bob Battle to schedule your legal consultation today - 804-673-5600.
