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DWI/DUI First Offenses

Fairfax First Time DWI/DUI Offense Attorneys

A First-Time DUI Does Not Have To Ruin Your Life

If you have been arrested for a first-time drunk driving (DUI, DWI) offense, you face stiff penalties. We understand your initial arrest and incarceration were a traumatic event for you. You may lose your driver’s license for up to year. You may spend significant time in jail. Your wallet may take a severe hit from fines or any impact on your ability to get to work because of restricted driving privileges.

At Lawrence, Smith and Gardner, we provide intelligent criminal defense representation for people facing first offense DWI/DUI charges in Virginia. We always put our clients first and never forget that we are working for you, not the other way around.

Contact us today online or by telephone at (703) 382-5840 to speak with an experienced Fairfax, Virginia, criminal defense attorney.

First-Time DWI/DUI Defense

At Lawrence, Smith and Gardner, we help people who have been arrested for drunk driving.

The maximum penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Virginia are:

  • $2,500 fine
  • One year in jail (including mandatory jail for higher blood alcohol cases)
  • 12-month driver’s license suspension (plus requirements for an ignition interlock device in higher blood alcohol cases)

In addition to criminal penalties, there are other potential consequences to consider. A DUI conviction can hamper your employment prospects and your personal life. Many people in our area rely on secret clearance privileges to perform their job functions. A DUI conviction could put those privileges in jeopardy. This makes the need for experienced defense representation even greater.

What Is Wet Reckless?

Under certain circumstances, a first-time DUI offender may be able to seek amended charges, including what has come to be known as a “wet reckless.” This amended charge may carry reduced penalties and is not formally considered a DUI conviction. If you are eligible for this DUI “reduction,” you will have to attend counseling (ASAP), but license loss or suspension is cut in half. Also, a wet reckless conviction may be less likely to cause you to lose your job or your top-secret clearance privileges. The details of your arrest will be carefully reviewed and any available reduction or even dismissal of charges will be sought.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Lawrence, Smith & Gardner, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I am forever grateful for your help!”
    Dear Mr. Brillantine and Mr. Smith,
    Thank you so much for your time and effort in the past several weeks. I am forever grateful for your help! Thank you.
    - Previous Client
    “The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    I just wanted to drop you a note to express my thanks and appreciation for your professional and courteous help and service. The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me.
    - Previous Client
    “We appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    We just want to thank you for all your help in our son’s recent traffic case. Things were looking extremely bleak. However, thanks to your knowledge of the law, persistence, ability to talk to people, hard work and grace … What a relief it has been. We also appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff.
    - Previous Client
    “Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life.”
    Dear Ron,
    I am consumed with awe for your legal maneuvering to assist me in court yesterday. Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life.
    - Previous Client
    “I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism.”
    To Ron Smith,
    I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you for representing me earlier this month when I went back to court to obtain my restricted license. I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism from you and your staff and under no circumstances hope to ever need your services for a serious matter like that again.
    - Previous Client
    “Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    Thank you for all your help. Please extend my thanks also to Martin for his patient support of an incoherent client, as well as to Lisa for her many phone calls. Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance.
    - Previous Client
    “Thanks again Ron you ROCK!”
    Ron,
    I can’t thank you enough for everything. If it weren’t for you I would be in a world of hurt today. I owe you so many thanks. If you ever need anything!! Please pass along all my thanks to your staff and co-workers. Please let Lisa I’m so sorry you missed her lunch too. Thanks again Ron you ROCK!
    - Previous Client
    “I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help with my recent difficult situation. I was amazed at your skill and knowledge of the court system, and appreciative of your insight in these matters. I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.
    - Previous Client

Secure Your Rights And Contact An Experienced Defense Attorney Today

We are prepared to protect your future from a first-time DUI offense. You can count on us and our proactive defense. 

Contact us online or call (703) 382-5840 to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer today. We offer free initial telephone consultations at your convenience.

What Sets Us Apart

  • An Accessible Team With Direct Communication
  • Free Initial Consultations for All Clients
  • Numerous Positive Reviews from Our Clients
  • A Diligent Approach to Each Case
  • More Than 40 Years Serving Our Community
We Are Here to Protect You
With over 40 years spent serving our community, we have earned a reputation for fighting tirelessly for our clients.
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