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Firm News

Manslaughter charges for three DUI related Norfolk car crash deaths?
Posted on 8/26/2010

Virginia Beach driver accused of DUI deaths in crash pleads guilty
Posted on 8/25/2010

Former Virginia Beach deputy sentenced in DUI crash case
Posted on 6/27/2010

Shore Drive speed limit lowered to 35
Posted on 6/4/2010

Child Abuse Charges for Virginia Beach DUI Driver with Kids in Car
Posted on 5/31/2010

DUI Conviction for Former Virginia Beach Police Officer
Posted on 5/28/2010

Felony charges for "sexting" Franklin teens
Posted on 5/20/2010

Are alcoholic energy drinks to blame for Virginia Beach DUI death?
Posted on 4/30/2010

Virginia Beach city employee charged with DUI after hit-and-run crash
Posted on 4/30/2010

Bond revoked for man accused in Virginia Beach DUI hit-and-run
Posted on 4/26/2010

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DUI, Traffic and Criminal Law Defense

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Do I need a lawyer for my DUI case in Virginia?

Being convicted of a DUI or DWI can have a major impact on your life, even if it is your first offense. If you are facing drunk driving charges, you may be wondering if an attorney can help you or if you’re better off defending yourself. Or, you may want to know what you should look for in a DUI / DWI attorney.

You are permitted to represent yourself, but consider the stakes. Being convicted of drunk driving carries some very stiff penalties, even for a first offense. Not only that, but Virginia’s drunk driving statues are very complicated and DUI / DWI cases are politically charged – judges don’t want to be seen as going easy on drunk drivers. There are many factors going against defendants in DUI / DWI cases, factors that an experienced, dedicated attorney can help counter.

If you are thinking of hiring an attorney to represent you, choose carefully. The right attorney can make a big difference in your DUI / DWI case, but an inexperienced lawyer can be as bad as no representation at all. Here are some things to look for in a good lawyer for your drunk driving case:

  • Experience. Find an attorney with a proven case history, somebody who has tried many DUI cases over the years.
  • Success. Ask what the attorney has been able to do for other clients accused of drunk driving. You don’t just want a lawyer with experience, you want one who can actually get charges dismissed or reduced.
  • Knowledge. As what the attorney does to keep abreast of new appellate decisions. Are they keeping up-to-date on the latest issues in drunk driving cases? A good attorney will know what the hot issues are right now, what they were 2 months ago, and what they’re likely to be in the near future.
  • Attention to detail. No detail is trivial in your drunk driving case – every little fact matters. You want a lawyer who will go through your case with a fine-tooth comb, looking for ways to get your case thrown out or your sentence reduced.

When selecting a defense attorney for your DUI / DWI case, keep in mind what is at stake: your license to drive, your insurance rates, financial penalties, your reputation – and perhaps even your freedom.

The attorneys at Weisberg & Zaleski have handled a number of DUI / DWI cases in southeast Virginia, and we have the track record to prove it. If you need help with your drunk driving case, please contact our Norfolk office today to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223


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