Top Rated Virginia Beach VA DUI / DWI Lawyers • 1500+ Reviews

Best Law Firm 2025 Riley & Wells Attorneys-at-LawRiley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are experienced Virginia Beach VA DUI/DWI defense lawyers that specialize in defending clients accused of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our top VA Beach DUI / DWI lawyers possess over 60 years of combined DUI / DWI experience and are routinely recognized for legal excellence and high ethical standards. We are a recognized “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News & World Report. We represent clients before the Virginia Beach Courts charged with DUI / DWI. Our attorneys have an established reputation for effectively representing clients accused of drunk driving. We have been positively reviewed more times than any other firm that defends VA Beach DUI / DWI cases.

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Virginia Beach Defense Services

For broader statewide guidance, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer page.

Experienced VA Beach DUI / DWI Attorney Best Defense

Experienced VA Beach DUI / DWI Attorney Best DefenseDriving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense that occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs. A VA Beach DUI / DWI arrest can be a devastating and embarrassing event. You need a non-judgmental advocate to give you straightforward legal advice about protecting your rights and interests before the Virginia Beach Courts and presenting your best defense. You need an experienced Virginia Beach DUI / DWI lawyer. Our top rated VA Beach DUI / DWI Lawyers are dedicated to representing the best interests of clients. We use every resource the law allows to best protect our client. NOTE: An arrest is NOT a conviction.

Elite Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Attorney Client Review

K “KK” V
11 months ago
Riley and Wells does great work and usually gets a favorable outcome for their clients. Don't hesitate to give them a call. Will definitely use their services again if needed.

Driving Under The Influence VA Beach Defense Specialists

Driving Under The Influence VA Beach Defense SpecialistsOur Virginia Beach DUI / DWI defense lawyers are either members of or have been recognized by various prominent national organizations such as the National College for DUI Defense and the National Advocacy for DUI Defense. It is our experience that clients with a Virginia Beach DUI / DWI case benefit when their lawyer specializes. We understand that an arrest for drunk driving in VA Beach can be embarrassing and devastating. Our role is to assist you with successfully navigating an often difficult landscape, not lecture you about decisions you made leading up to the arrest. The simple fact is you are in trouble with the law and need a non-judgmental advocate to give you straight forward legal advice and quality representation.

Free Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Consultation with Most Rated Lawyers

Free Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Consultation with Most Rated LawyersIt can be difficult to find the right VA Beach DUI / DWI lawyer. There are many things that you should consider before you retain a Virginia Beach DUI / DWI defense attorney. Does the lawyer represent clients charged with DUI / DWI before the VA Beach Courts? Engaging a Virginia Beach DUI / DWI lawyer who is not familiar with the Judge who will decide your fate is usually not a wise choice. Evaluate the lawyer’s DUI / DWI legal knowledge and expertise along with reputation and accomplishments. Now is not the time to find out if your lawyer is up to the challenge. We offer a free consultation to demonstrate that we can present your best defense.

Effective VA Beach DUI / DWI Lawyer

Effective VA Beach DUI / DWI LawyerVirginia DUI law is complex. And the penalties can be harsh. In fact, Virginia has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country according to a study by WalletHub.  If you have been arrested for DUI / DWI in the City of Virginia Beach, then you need to retain the best Virginia Beach DUI / DWI lawyer possible. Our attorneys are specially trained and possess extensive experience. We can help!

City of Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Breath Testing

City of Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Breath TestingVa. Code Section 18.2-266 criminalizes the operation of a motor vehicle in the City of Virginia Beach if a chemical test proves the driver possesses a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more at the time of driving. It is also a violation of the Virginia Beach DUI / DWI law for a motorist to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medication. Breath Test evidence is significant to the prosecution’s DUI / DWI case but it is not required. In some cases, there is no blood test or breath test evidence. Allow us to review your case!

Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Investigation Field Sobriety Testing

Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Investigation Field Sobriety TestingIf Beach Police, State Police or other local law enforcement officer stops a motorist for a traffic violation and suspects that the motorist may be intoxicated, then the police officer will transition the traffic stop into a DUI / DWI investigation. Every motorist who becomes the target of a Virginia Beach DUI / DWI investigation will typically be asked to perform field sobriety exercises. These exercises or tests are completely VOLUNTARY.  A motorist is never required to perform any field sobriety exercise. NOTE: There is almost no scenario where a motorist should perform these tests

Elite Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Attorneys by Super Lawyers

Virginia Super Lawyers 2025 Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-LawSuper Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding attorneys from over 70 practice areas including DUI / DWI who have attained the highest degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This organization recognizes the top lawyers nationwide across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our VA Beach DUI / DWI  lawyers have been recognized by this publication since 2009. No more than five percent of the lawyers are named to this list and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. This recognition is merit based. Retain a top rated Virginia Beach DUI / DWI attorney who has been recognized with this award.

Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Investigation

Virginia Beach VA DUI DWI Lawyer PBT Preliminary Breath TestA Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) is a roadside Virginia Beach DUI / DWI breath testing tool used by Beach Police to gather evidence of probable cause for a DUI / DWI violation. Virginia law permits a VA Beach police officer to offer this test for probable cause purposes before making a DUI arrest. The PBT is NOT mandatory. Any person who is suspected of DUI / DWI violation in Virginia Beach shall have the right, if such equipment is available, to have his breath analyzed to determine the probable alcoholic content of his blood. The person shall have the right to observe the process of analysis and to see the blood-alcohol reading on the equipment used to perform the breath test.

Drunk Driving is Aggressively Enforced in the City of Virginia Beach

Top Rated Defense Attorney for Virginia Beach VA Drunk Driving CasesThe drunk driving laws are aggressively enforced by Beach Police and Virginia State Troopers. The state troopers usually patrol the Interstates. Beach Police patrol the city streets. Both law enforcement agencies are on patrol for drunk driving offenders. These law enforcement agencies will frequently hold sobriety checkpoints and typically use the same protocol to investigate a Virginia Beach DUI / DWI case, which will often include attempts to gather evidence from field sobriety testing and breath testing.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Penalties

  • Possible incarceration
  • Ignition Interlock
  • Suspension or Revocation of Driving Privileges
  • Expensive fines
  • Probation
  • DUI education courses such as VASAP
  • Significant cost increases to or loss of automobile insurance
  • Loss of employment or employment opportunities

Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Lawyer Defenses to Drunk Driving Cases

Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Lawyer Defenses to Drunk Driving CasesVirginia Beach DUI / DWI cases are complex. The success of the defense will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. We will investigate your case and look for every possible defense. It is important to remember that each Virginia Beach DUI / DWI case is unique. The strength of the defense will depend on the evidence. Our experienced VA Beach DUI / DWI attorneys will assess your case, identify the best defense strategies, and help you navigate the legal process. If you are facing a Virginia Beach DUI /DWI charge, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel from a top rated lawyer to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Some defenses may include the following:

  1. Challenging the Stop: Did Beach Police or State Police have a valid reason to stop your vehicle? If the initial traffic stop was unlawful, it may be possible to challenge the entire case.
  2. Lack of Probable Cause: To make an arrest, Beach Police and State Troopers must have probable cause to believe you were driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated.
  3. Errors in Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests administered by Virginia Beach authorities, such as the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand or horizontal gaze nystagmus are often used to assess impairment. These tests can be subjective and prone to errors.
  4. Problems with Breathalyzer Tests: Breathalyzer results conducted at the Jail can be influenced by various factors, and the device must be properly calibrated and maintained.
  5. Rising BAC: If your BAC was rising at the time of your arrest in VA Beach, you may be able to argue that you were not above the legal limit while driving, even if you tested over the limit later at the police station.
  6. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect a person’s ability to perform field sobriety tests or can cause false positives on breath tests.
  7. Necessity Defense: In rare cases, a necessity defense can be employed if you can show that driving under the influence was the only reasonable option to prevent a more significant harm.

Superb Avvo Rated VA Beach DUI / DWI Lawyers

Superb Avvo Rated VA Beach DUI / DWI LawyersLegal ratings help those accused of a VA Beach DUI / DWI find the best Virginia Beach DUI / DWI lawyer. Avvo is a respected organization that can assist those individuals. From the Italian word for lawyer: “avvocato,” Avvo is a legal directory that rates attorneys using a mathematical model on a scale of 1 (Extreme  Caution) to 10 (Superb). Members of our Virginia Beach DUI / DWI practice maintain a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Avvo collects relevant information from state bar associations, other organizations that license legal professionals and thousands of consumers to calculate its rating. The same set of standards is used on all who are evaluated. The Avvo rating is merit based. You cannot pay to improve your Avvo rating.

VA Beach Underage Baby DUI / DWI Lawyer

VA Beach Underage Baby DUI / DWI • Driving After Illegally Consuming AlcoholPersons under age 21 driving in Virginia Beach after illegally consuming alcohol is a criminal misdemeanor offense. This offense is often referred to as a “Baby DUI.” Such persons may not operate a motor vehicle in VA Beach with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 or more as indicated by a chemical test. This is not a drunk driving offense. The prosecution is not required to prove intoxication. However, the penalties for this offense are almost the same as a VA Beach DUI / DWI conviction. The main distinction is that a chemical test is required. Virginia Beach DUI / DWI cases can be proved even with no chemical test if other evidence proves intoxication.

Retain The Best VA Beach DUI DWI Lawyer

Retain The Best VA Beach DUI DWI LawyerFinding the best VA Beach DUI DWI lawyer for your case is very important but it does not need to be difficult. Take your time with your DUI / DWI lawyer search. Focus your efforts on finding a Virginia Beach DUI DWI attorney that has dealt with your specific legal issue in the past and that you get along with personally. Taking the time to find the right lawyer for you will be worth it. It is usually best to retain a DUI DWI attorney who has specialized expertise with defending VA Beach DUI DWI cases. Finally, it is often a good idea to find a DUI DWI attorney familiar with the Virginia Beach courts.

VA Beach Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) If Convicted

Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) Required if Convicted of VA Beach DUIThe local VA Beach VASAP office is a court ordered program designed to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. If you are convicted of a Virginia beach DUI / DWI, then the Beach Judge will order that you enroll with the local VASAP office for assessment, education, and treatment services if necessary. Individuals with more serious alcohol or substance abuse problems may be directed to substance abuse treatment programs. VA Beach participants will likely be required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing. VASAP also monitors Ignition Interlock devices. Such orders can be transferred to another location if you are not from Virginia Beach.

Ignition Interlock for Virginia Beach DUI / DWI Cases

Ignition Interlock for Virginia Beach DUI / DWI CasesA VA Beach ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer-like device that is installed onto the ignition of a vehicle to prevent operation if alcohol is detected. The driver must pass a breath test with the ignition interlock in order to start the vehicle. If the breath sample registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above a predetermined limit, the vehicle will not start. There may also be random rolling retests during operation to ensure that no alcohol has been consumed since starting the vehicle. Virginia Beach ignition interlock violations are criminal offenses that can carry stiff penalties. In some cases, an ignition interlock device is not a required penalty if convicted of a VA Beach DUI / DWI.

Top VA Beach DUI DWI Lawyers Awarded Platinum Client Champion

Top VA Beach DUI DWI Lawyers Awarded Platinum Client ChampionOur Virginia Beach DUI DWI lawyers have been recognized with Martindale-Hubbell’s Platinum Client Champion Award. This prestigious honor recognizes superior attorneys for excellence. This award assists potential clients understand the real world experience previous clients have had with a law firm. Our Virginia Beach DUI DWI lawyers maintain the highest rating possible. This Client Champion Award is given to law firms who have received the highest number of client reviews with a score greater than 4.5/5.0. This award is a testament to the dedication our VA Beach DWI lawyers have to client service and a commitment to providing excellent legal representation. The award also recognizes our ability to navigate the legal landscape and obtain positive outcomes for clients.

Virginia Beach DUI Penalties (⇓DMV DUI Brochure⇓)

Conviction for DUI first offense  Mandatory, minimum $250 fine  Driver’s license revocation for one year Conviction for DUI second offense  Mandatory, minimum $500 fine  Driver’s license revocation for three years  Possible jail term up to one year Conviction for DUI second offense within ten years of prior offense carries the following additional penalty  Mandatory, minimum ten-day jail term Conviction for DUI second offense within five years of prior offense carries the following additional penalty  Mandatory, minimum 20-day jail term Three DUI convictions within a ten-year period  Mandatory, indefinite driver’s license revocation  If your driving privilege is revoked for a first or second DUI offense conviction and you receive another DUI, the license revocation period will run consecutively with the existing revocation period. Conviction for DUI third offense or DWI felony  Mandatory, minimum $1,000 fine  Mandatory indefinite driver’s license revocation  Prosecution as a Class 6 felony Conviction for DUI third offense within five years carries the following additional penalty  Mandatory, minimum six-month jail term Conviction for DUI third offense within ten years carries the following additional penalty  Mandatory, minimum 90-day jail term  Permanent forfeiture of your vehicle (if you are the sole owner) Conviction for DUI fourth or subsequent offense  Mandatory, minimum one-year jail term BAC of 0.15% and not higher than 0.20% at the time of arrest  First offense carries a mandatory, minimum five-day jail term in addition to all other penalties  Second offense within ten years carries a mandatory, minimum ten-day jail term in addition to all other penalties BAC of 0.20% or higher at the time of arrest  First offense carries a mandatory, minimum ten-day jail term in addition to all other penalties

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5/20/2024 | Updated 3/25/2026