Experienced DUI Lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia

About Scott Nolan’s DUI Defense Firm

A DUI arrest is a serious problem that can derail your future. If you’re arrested for drunk driving, you need to hire the best criminal defense attorney you can find. Make sure you contact our DUI defense lawyer in Virginia – Scott C. Nolan.

The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC, has represented thousands of clients facing DUI charges. Attorney Nolan is a trained and experienced DUI defense attorney with a strong reputation for legal excellence. He will bring your DUI case to the best possible resolution.

Attorney Nolan has received top-notch reviews and ratings for his DUI defense work, including a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo. He is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense. Attorney Nolan has also been named a leading trial attorney by The National Trial Lawyers.

When you’re facing a DUI conviction, always hire our highly skilled Virginia DUI defense attorney. Attorney Nolan will carefully review every detail of your case, from the traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results. We’ll identify any potential weaknesses in the case and utilize them to your maximum advantage.

DUI Defense Services

Being charged with drunk driving in Virginia is overwhelming. It’s even worse if you face the complex legal system without an experienced Virginia DUI defense attorney. Scott Nolan understands the stress you’re experiencing, and he’s ready to handle all of the legal complexities for you:

A standard DUI charge involves having a BAC of .08% or higher. You can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is under that threshold if the arresting officer believes you were impaired. Our Virginia DUI lawyer will review the details of the arrest today.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana is against the law. You need a potent Virginia marijuana DUI defense attorney to help you avoid a devastating conviction.

You can be charged with a drug DUI if you are under the influence of cocaine, methamphetamine, PCP, MDMA, and other illegal drugs. Our Virginia DUI defense attorney will review the drug test results to identify any potential weaknesses in your case.

It’s essential to hire DUI causing injury defense attorneys when someone has been hurt in the incident. DUi causing injury can lead to several years in prison if you are convicted.

A DUI involving a commercial driver’s license is a serious issue that requires the assistance of our skilled Virginia commercial driver’s license DUI attorney. You could lose your CDL for at least a year if convicted.

Virginia has a zero tolerance police for underage DUI. Hire our driving under the influence under 21 attorneys in Virginia to avoid a conviction.

You risk a driver’s license suspension if convicted for DUI. Retain our driving with a suspended license defense attorney for the best defense.

A military DUi conviction can damage your military career. Our military DUI lawyer will protect your freedom and career with a robust defense.

Understanding the DUI Process

Virginia Code 18.2-266 details several types of DUI and the process for handling such cases:

Standard DUI is when you drive with a BAC of .08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs or alcohol, regardless of BAC.
Aggravated DUI is when you have a BAC of .15% or higher, and the penalties are higher if you are convicted.
Underage DUI involves drivers under 21 who are driving with a BAC of .02% or higher. Virginia uses a zero-tolerance policy for underage drunk driving. A conviction may result in a one-year license suspension and $500 fine.

The DUI process involves the following steps, and our experienced DUI attorney will be with you each step of the way:

The traffic stop and arrest: Most DUI arrests involve a traffic stop by law enforcement. The Virginia police officer will check if you are impaired, may conduct field sobriety tests, and require you to take a breath or blood test. If they think you are drunk, you will be arrested and taken to the police station. It’s best to say as little as possible during the arrest and booking processes. Contact our DUI lawyer immediately and let him handle everything.
Arraignment and license suspension: The initial court appearance typically involves an arraignment, during which you will hear your official charges. Virginia law typically requires that a driver’s license be suspended when an individual is arrested, before they are convicted. The immediate administrative suspension may be seven days for your first offense. Our Virginia DUI attorney can contest your driver’s license suspension during an administrative hearing.
Investigation and evidence analysis: Our Virginia DUI defense lawyer will review every aspect of the case, including why you were stopped, what the police officer did, how sobriety tests were administered, breathalyzer calibration, and the chain of custody for blood tests. Many DUI charges are dismissed due to procedural errors made during and after the arrest.
Pre-trial motions: Attorney Nolan may file motions to suppress evidence if it was obtained or handled in an illegal manner. These legal actions can improve your position before trial by potentially disqualifying damaging evidence. Attorney Nolan has successfully filed thousands of pre-trial motions for DUI clients that have made a dramatic difference in their cases.
Plea negotiations or trial: Based on your case details, Attorney Nolan may negotiate with prosecutors for reduced criminal charges or get ready for trial. Our criminal defense attorney is well-versed in the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, and possesses the strategic judgment to determine the best course of action.
Sentencing and consequences: If you are convicted on your DUI charge, the penalties depend on the BAC level, your criminal history, and whether anyone was injured or killed. Virginia has mandatory minimum sentencing, so the judge may have reduced discretion in some DUI cases.

The Role of DUI Testing

Breathalyzer tests and blood tests are critical to the outcome of your DUI case. These tests are improtant scientific evidence that must be weighed to determine if you were legally intoxicated. Attorney Nolan has a thorough understanding of breath and blood tests and may challenge the results, depending on the specific circumstances of your case:

These tests establish your BAC at the time of the arrest. Was your blood alcohol concentration over .08%, or .02% if you are a minor? Was the breath or blood test done correctly? The results of breath and blood tests usually are the foundation of the prosecution’s case, so your DUI attorneys will focus on them as part of most defense strategies.
BAC testing procedures must follow strict guidelines. These tests have precise stanards for calibration, administration, and evidence handling. The police officer administering the breath test must be certified, and the device used must be properly calibrated and maintained. Blood draws must be performed by a medical professional, and the chain of custody and storage must follow established protocols.
BAC test results are often inaccurate. Breathalyzers can yield false readings due to medical conditions, the use of mouthwash, calibration issues, or officer error. Blood tests are generally more reliable, but their results can be affected by improper handling or inadequate sample storage. Attorney Nolan understands these potential flaws and will use them in your defense, if applicable.

You are usually required to provide a breath or blood test sample if asked by the police. The implied consent law governs DUI testing in Virginia. This means that you consent to chemical testing by driving on state roads. Refusing a breath or blood test may trigger an automatic license suspension.

A police officer conducts a field sobriety test with a pen in front of a woman. A patrol car with flashing lights is visible in the background.

The Benefits of Hiring a DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI case is highly stressful, and you could be tempted to plead guilty and get it over with. This is always a bad idea. Instead, hire our elite Virginia DUI defense attorney to handle everything. Attorney Nolan’s skill and experience in DUI cases will help you as follows:

1. Understanding Virginia’s Specific DUI Laws

Your Virginia DUI defense attorney possesses detailed knowledge of state-specific DUI laws, including the nuances of implied consent and chemical testing protocols. Virginia’s DUI process involves intricate steps, including traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath or blood tests, and court proceedings, each governed by strict legal standards. Attorney Nolan knows how to review these procedures for errors. For example, our Virginia DUI attorney has had cases dismissed because of improper administration of the EC/IR II breathalyzer and mishandling of blood samples.

2. Protection from Maximum Penalties

Virginia DUI convictions have severe penalties. You could face jail time, up to $2,500 in fines, a license suspension, and be required to install a mandatory ignition interlock device at your own expense. You also face a permanent criminal record and six points on your license. Your employment, security clearances, and professional licenses will be at risk. Your skilled defense attorney will work to mitigate the consequences by negotiating with state prosecutors. Attorney Nolan may be able to secure a restricted license, allowing you to work as well.

3. Efficiency and Experience

Your DUI defense attorney has an exemplary case record, successfully handling thousands of drunk driving cases like yours. He has seen it all and knows which pre-trial motions to file, the evidence to challenge, and which legal arguments are most effective for a particular judge or court. This vast experience means a more effective defense and a better case outcome.

4. Handling Scientific and Technical Challenges

Some of the most effective DUI defenses involve challenging compelling scientific evidence. The breathalyzer may have been calibrated incorrectly, or the police officer may have made mistakes during field sobriety testing. Alternatively, your blood sample may not have been appropriately handled. Your experienced Fairfaix defense attorney knows how to pinpoint these issues and use them to your advantage.

5. Protecting Your Driving Privileges

Losing your driver’s license can be one of the most significant problems with a DUI conviction. Your skilled DUI lawyer knows every avenue to preserve your driver’s license. Attorney Nolan may work to obtain a restricted driver’s license or an occupational permit for you. Another option is to overturn the administrative license suspension so you can drive pending the outcome of the case.

Why Choose Our DUI Defense Lawyers?

Choosing Attorney Scott C. Nolan as your DUI defense lawyer is a wise decision for the following reasons:

Exclusive focus on DUI and related offenses: Attorney Nolan has dedicated his practice to criminal defense for his clients since 2000. His weekly courtroom presence in Fairfax and other nearby counties ensures that he is familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, which are vital to developing the best defense strategies.
Transparent, predictable pricing: The fees you pay your attorney shouldn’t be a surprise. Attorney Nolan offers transparent pricing from day one.
Compassionate client service: Attorney Nolan understands that a DUI charge can be a frightening experience. That’s why he approaches every interaction with you with patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen. He welcomes your questions and will quickly address your concerns.
Plain language communication: Virginia criminal law is often accompanied by extensive legal jargon; however, Attorney Nolan will convey all critical legal information in clear, easy-to-understand language. You’ll always understand what’s happening in your case at the end of every phone call or meeting.
Proactive defense strategy: Virginia has strict DUI laws, including no diversion programs. Attorney Nolan’s approach emphasizes early intervention, thorough investigation, and numerous pre-trial motions to shape the case from the outset.
Strong track record: Attorney Nolan boasts a 10.0 Superb rating from AVVO and consistently receives high praise from clients for his exceptional skill, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication. Clients know him as knowledgeable, personable, and invested in the best outcome for their case. A recent client raved about his ability to negotiate an ‘amazing plea deal’ in a short time. Another praised how Attorney Nolan was able to get his DUI case dismissed entirely.

Attorney Nolan’s dedication to clients extends beyond case outcomes to mitigating long-term consequences. He ensures compliance with the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program compliance, license reinstatement, and strives to reduce DUI career or immigration effects.

Contact Us

A Virginia DUI can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but your case is in the best of hands with Attorney Scott C. Nolan. He is a top-rated DUI defense lawyer who will aggressively defend you against a misdemeanor or felony DUI charge.

The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC, offers free consultations to review your DUI case details, explain your legal options, and develop a defense plan, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process. His reputation for upholding high ethical standards, as demonstrated by Martindale-Hubbell peer reviews and client testimonials, reinforces his commitment to achieving justice in DUI cases while protecting your rights and futures. Hiring Scott Nolan provides you with not only legal expertise but also peace of mind in facing Virginia’s harsh DUI system.

Contact our proven DUI defense lawyer today at (703) 688-9236 for immediate assistance and a free consultation.

Scott C. Nolan at a table with legal files, in strategic discussion.

DUI Defense Attorney in Virginia