Don’t Face DUI Alone—Get the Legal Help You Deserve.
An arrest can be one of the most disorienting and terrifying experiences of a person’s life. The sound of handcuffs, the confusion of the legal process, and the fear of what comes next—jail, a criminal record, the loss of your job or driver’s license—can be overwhelming. For more than two decades, I and the team at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. have stood as a shield and a guide for individuals facing these very fears. We are a premier DUI and criminal defense law firm, providing resolute legal counsel to clients across the complex legal landscapes of Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, and New Jersey.
Whether you are facing a first offense DUI charge in Virginia, an aggravated DWI in New York, or a serious felony drug charge in Maryland, the choice of legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. You need more than just an attorney; you need a defense counsel with a commanding knowledge of the law and a track record of challenging the prosecution’s case at every turn. Our practice is built on the principle of providing that level of sophisticated, strategic defense for every client we serve.
Understanding the full gravity of a criminal or DUI charge is essential. A conviction is not a single event; it creates a ripple effect that can permanently alter your life, impacting your freedom, finances, and future opportunities long after any sentence is served.
In jurisdictions like Virginia, a DUI is a Class 1 Misdemeanor for a first offense, as defined by statutes such as Va. Code § 18.2-266. This puts it on the same level as other serious crimes and carries penalties that can include up to a year in jail, a mandatory minimum fine, and a 12-month license suspension. A second or subsequent offense can lead to mandatory jail time and felony charges. The penalties are similarly severe across MD, DC, NY, and NJ.
The consequences of a felony conviction for charges like drug distribution or aggravated assault are even more dire. The potential ramifications include:
When you are arrested for DUI or any other crime, you are not just fighting a charge; you are fighting to protect your future. Our mission is to build the strongest possible defense to avoid these devastating outcomes.
A DUI/DWI arrest immediately triggers two separate and distinct legal battles that proceed on parallel tracks. You must fight the criminal charge in court while simultaneously fighting to save your license in an administrative hearing with the state’s motor vehicle agency.
This dual process is one of the most confusing and dangerous aspects of a DUI case for the unprepared. The deadlines are strict, and the rules are different for each venue.
Successfully managing both fronts requires a DUI defense lawyer who is deeply familiar with the procedures of both the criminal courts and the administrative bodies (like the Virginia DMV or the New York DMV) in your specific jurisdiction.
The hours immediately following a DUI arrest are critical. The actions you take—and do not take—can significantly impact your defense. Use this guide as your first line of defense.
Our firm was built on a foundation of aggressive, sophisticated DUI/DWI defense. We understand the science behind BAC testing and the procedural requirements police must follow. We leverage this knowledge to deconstruct the prosecution’s case.
Core DUI/DWI/DWAI Defense
We are a top-tier Virginia DUI defense and Maryland DUI attorney team, as well as a leading New York DWI defense and New Jersey DWI attorney practice. We handle the full spectrum of impairment charges, from alcohol-based offenses to the complex science of DUI Drugs (DUID), including marijuana and prescription drug DUI cases.
Handling All Charge Variations
A DUI is not a one-size-fits-all charge. We provide tailored defense for every scenario, including:
Breathalyzer & Chemical Test Refusal Defense: While refusing a test has its own consequences (like automatic license suspension), it doesn’t mean a conviction is automatic. We defend clients against both the DUI and the refusal charge.
Challenging the Evidence
A successful defense often hinges on fighting the evidence. Our strategies include:
While we are known as a premier DUI defense law firm, our skills in the courtroom extend to the full range of criminal charges. The same meticulous investigation and aggressive defense we apply to DUI cases are brought to bear for every client facing the power of the state.
Drug Crimes
As an experienced drug possession lawyer, we handle cases from simple marijuana possession to complex felony charges of possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking. We frequently challenge the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the substances.
Theft Crimes
Our theft defense attorneys represent clients accused of a wide array of property crimes, including petit and grand larceny, shoplifting, robbery, and burglary. We work to contest the valuation of property and the prosecution’s evidence of intent.
Violent Crimes
When you are accused of a violent crime like assault and battery, malicious wounding, or a weapons charge, your freedom and reputation are on the line. We provide a robust defense, investigating claims of self-defense and challenging the credibility of the accusers.
Serious Traffic Crimes (Beyond DUI)
Our traffic and criminal practices are deeply intertwined. We are a top reckless driving defense firm and regularly defend clients charged with driving on a suspended license, hit and run, eluding the police, and those designated as a habitual traffic offender.
Post-Conviction Relief
Our representation doesn’t end at trial. We assist clients with probation violation matters and, where possible, help them clean their slate through expungement and the process of sealing a criminal record to open doors for a better future.
In the chaotic moments during and after an arrest, it is easy to make mistakes that can severely damage your case. Avoiding these common pitfalls is paramount.
Our clients come from all walks of life, but their situations often share common legal challenges. Here are a few examples of the cases we handle.
Scenario 1: “I was arrested for a first-offense DUI in Fairfax, Virginia with a .09 BAC. What am I facing?”
A BAC of .09% is just over the legal limit. You are facing a Class 1 Misdemeanor, which carries potential jail time, a mandatory 12-month license suspension, and significant fines. A seasoned Virginia DUI lawyer would immediately scrutinize the traffic stop, the administration of the breath test, and the machine’s calibration records. The goal would be to challenge the BAC reading and negotiate for a reduction to a lesser charge like reckless driving, or fight for an acquittal at trial.
Scenario 2: “I was arrested in New Jersey and I refused the breathalyzer. My friend said I’m automatically guilty of DWI.”
This is incorrect. While New Jersey has a separate, serious violation for refusal with its own mandatory license suspension, it does not make you automatically guilty of the underlying DWI. The prosecution must still prove the DWI charge with other evidence, such as the officer’s observations, your driving pattern, and your performance on field sobriety tests. A NJ DWI attorney can fight both the refusal and the DWI charges simultaneously.
Scenario 3: “I was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Maryland after a traffic stop. Can I fight it?”
Yes. A common defense in these cases is to challenge the legality of the traffic stop and any subsequent search of your vehicle. If the police did not have a valid reason to stop you, or if they searched your car without probable cause or your valid consent, any evidence they found (the marijuana and paraphernalia) could be suppressed by the court, often leading to a dismissal of the charges.
Contact a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney immediately. You have a very short deadline (often 7-15 days) to request a hearing with the DMV/MVA to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver's license. This is the most urgent first step.
Not necessarily. Miranda rights only apply to custodial interrogations. If you were not questioned while in custody, it may not affect your case. If you were, any statements you made after that point could be suppressed, which can weaken the prosecution's case but doesn't always lead to an automatic dismissal.
That depends entirely on the strength of the evidence against you and the nature of the offer. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will evaluate all the evidence, identify the weaknesses in the prosecutor's case, and advise you on whether a plea offer is in your best interest or if you have a strong chance of winning at trial.
A number on a machine is not absolute proof. We can challenge the result by questioning the machine's maintenance and calibration records, the officer's training, the way the test was administered, and even certain medical conditions that can create falsely high readings.
While the concepts are similar, the specific laws, penalties, and court procedures are very different. For example, New York has multiple levels of impairment charges (DWI, DWAI) and a different administrative license hearing process through its DMV. This is why having a lawyer with specific knowledge of the state where you were charged is critical.
Yes. You can be charged with a DUI for being impaired by any substance, including a lawfully prescribed medication if it impairs your ability to drive safely. This is a common form of DUI Drugs (DUID).
An IID is a car breathalyzer that requires you to provide a clean breath sample before your vehicle will start. Many states mandate the installation of an IID as a condition of license reinstatement after a DUI conviction.
Prior convictions, especially for similar offenses, can significantly increase the penalties you face for a new charge, often turning a misdemeanor into a felony or triggering mandatory minimum jail sentences.
Yes, it absolutely can. Many criminal convictions, including DUI and drug offenses, are considered "crimes involving moral turpitude" or "aggravated felonies" under immigration law and can lead to deportation or prevent you from obtaining a green card or citizenship
You should hire Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. because we combine the focused knowledge of a dedicated DUI defense law firm with the broad experience of a comprehensive criminal defense practice, all across five different states. We have a deep, hands-on understanding of the local courts and laws, and a two-decade history of fighting for our clients' futures.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, the time to act is now. Every moment you wait, the prosecution is building its case against you. Take the first step to protect your freedom, your license, and your future. Contact the defense attorneys at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case assessment.
Call us today at 888-437-7747 to discuss your charges.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Criminal Defense & Family Law
Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DCOwner & CEO – Former Prosecutor