DUI Attorney in DC & VA

A DUI charge in Virginia or D.C. isn’t just a traffic ticket—it’s a serious criminal offense with penalties that can impact your freedom, your job, and your future. Whether it’s your first offense or you have prior convictions, you need an experienced trial lawyer who knows the system and will fight for you.

At Palacio Law, PLLC, you don’t get passed off to a junior attorney. You work directly with Edwin Palacio, an experienced DUI defense lawyer and former public defender who speaks Spanish and knows the courtroom inside and out.

Charged With DUI in Virginia? Here’s What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’re driving home after dinner with friends. You had a couple of drinks, but you feel fine to drive. Then, flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. You pull over, and within minutes, you’re asked to take a breath test. Before you know it, you’re in handcuffs, facing charges that could result in a suspended license, heavy fines, or even jail time.

Or maybe you were stopped at a DUI checkpoint on your way home from work, and the officer claims you were slurring your words—even though you were just exhausted from a long shift.

What do you do next? Should you fight the charge or just plead guilty? What happens to your license, your job, your insurance? The good news is that DUI charges can be fought—and won. But the sooner you get an attorney involved, the better your chances of avoiding serious consequences.

Types of DUI Charges in Virginia

DUI laws in Virginia are strict, and the penalties increase with each offense. You could be facing:

• First-time DUI: Correctly identified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine between $250 and $2,500, and a 12-month license suspension. 

• Second DUI Offense: Penalties include a mandatory minimum $500 fine and driver's license revocation for three years. Jail time is also possible for up to one year, with a mandatory minimum of 10 days if the prior offense was within 10 years, or 20 days if within five years. 

• High BAC (0.15% or higher): For a first offense with a BAC between 0.15% and 0.20%, there is a mandatory minimum five-day jail term. If the BAC is above 0.20%, the mandatory minimum increases to 10 days. 

• Underage DUI: Virginia enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

• DUI Involving Accident or Injury: If a DUI results in serious injury or death, it can lead to felony charges, with penalties including significant fines and extended imprisonment.

• Refusing a Breath or Blood Test: Under Virginia's implied consent law, refusing a breath or blood test can result in a one-year license suspension for a first offense. Subsequent refusals within 10 years can lead to misdemeanor charges with increased penalties.

How We Can Fight Your Virginia DUI Charge

A DUI arrest does not mean a conviction. Police and prosecutors want you to believe your case is open and shut—but that’s not true. There are multiple ways to challenge a DUI charge, including:

• Illegal Traffic Stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible.

• Breathalyzer & Blood Test Issues: Challenges can be made if testing procedures were not properly followed, or if the equipment was not correctly calibrated.

• Field Sobriety Test Mistakes: Factors such as medical conditions, fatigue, or environmental conditions can affect performance on these tests.

• Violation of Rights: Failure to administer Miranda warnings or conducting unlawful searches can result in suppression of evidence.

The key is acting fast. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and deadlines pass quickly. That’s why it’s critical to contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

Why You Shouldn't Represent Yourself or Rely on a Public Defender

If you’re thinking about handling your DUI case alone or going with a court-appointed attorney, consider this:

• DUI laws in Virginia are complex – Prosecutors handle these cases daily, and they know how to push for the toughest penalties. Without an experienced attorney, you’re at a major disadvantage.

• Public defenders are overloaded – Edwin Palacio knows this firsthand—he was a public defender. Most court-appointed attorneys are handling dozens of cases at a time, leaving them little time to strategize or fight aggressively for each client.

• A conviction will follow you for life – In Virginia, a DUI stays on your record forever. There’s no expungement. Even a first offense can cost thousands of dollars in fines, increased insurance rates, and lost job opportunities.

At Palacio Law, PLLC, you get a personalized defense strategy from an attorney who knows the law, the courts, and how to fight back.

What’s at Stake? Your Freedom, Your License, Your Future

A DUI conviction can have serious consequences:

• License Suspension – Losing your license can make it difficult to get to work, school, or take care of your family.

• Fines & Court Costs – Even a first-time DUI can cost thousands of dollars.

• Jail Time – Virginia takes DUIs seriously. Even for a first offense, jail time is possible, and it’s mandatory for repeat offenders.

• Criminal Record – A DUI is a permanent mark on your record, impacting future job opportunities, professional licenses, and even housing.

• Insurance Rate Increases – A DUI can send your car insurance rates skyrocketing for years.

The good news? There are ways to fight back. A strong defense can mean reduced charges, minimized penalties, or even getting your case dismissed.

Don’t Wait, Get a DUI Attorney Who Knows the Courtroom

When you hire Palacio Law, PLLC, you’re getting more than just a lawyer—you’re getting an experienced fighter who knows how the system works and isn’t afraid to challenge the prosecution.

• Direct Access to Your Attorney – No Junior Lawyers, No Passing Off Your Case

• Aggressive DUI Defense – Focused on Winning or Minimizing the Impact

• Speaks Spanish – No Language Barriers,No Translators Needed

• Affordable Options – We Work With You to Make Legal Help Affordable

Don’t wait—every day that passes makes it harder to build your defense. Call now for a consultation. Start fighting back today.