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What consequences can I face for causing an accident and being charged with DUI, first offense for 19 year old

Asked over 3 years ago - Fredericksburg, VA

Thursday night i was out drinking at a party underage. i later decided i needed to get outa of the situation i was in there was several guys around making me very uncomfortable ... i didnt realize how intoxicated i was until i got farther down the road. however i was on my way to meet someone to pick me up. i came to a light where i was turning left and had to cross an intersection i saw one car pass and it looked clear from there so i proceeded to go it . as i was going thru the intersection i hit another moving vehicle. pulled over immediatle still unsure of what had just happend . The police showed up and charged me with DWI . i blew a .17 . I have never been in trouble in my life ive never had a ticket or an accident. the other car is pretty messed up but the other lady seems to be fine as far as i know. my question is, whats going to happend ?What should i do? Who should i contact ?

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Attorney answers (3)

Paul Adams Lagnese

Reputation Level 9

Answered over 3 years ago. Medical Malpractice Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA.

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First you need to contact a criminal defense attorney in the Fredericksburg area. If you don't know any attorneys that specialize in criminal defense perhaps you should contact the local bar association as they often have lawyers that they can refer you to. Of course you can also do a google search and I am sure you will find some lawyers in your area who specialize in DUIs.

Second if you haven't done so already you need to contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident. Even thought the other lady seemed fine at the scene often medical issues will crop up later and a lawsuit will be filed. If you haven't notified your insurance carrier they may deny coverage if and when a lawsuit is
filed so you should do that immediately.

Good Luck

http://www.bergerlagnese.com

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Kyle G. Manikas

Reputation Level 10

Answered almost 3 years ago. DUI / DWI Attorney in Fairfax, VA.

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As a former prosecutor in Nothern VA, I can tell you that you are in some serious trouble my friend. When you blow a BAC between .15 and .20 in Virginia there are 5 mandatory minimum days of jail that must be served. That's the minimum, but given that it was an accident, the prosecutor will definitely want more. I have seen judges give several months of jail time to serve in these kinds of cases. You need to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer that knows how to challenge field sobirety tests and keep breath results out of evidence. It can't always be done, but a good lawyer will know what to look for. For example, if the machine you blew on was recently repaired, but never re-calibrated before being put back into use (which has been happening a lot lately in Northern VA) , the results should be inadmissible. The problem is that most attorneys never request the records or know to look into these kinds of issues. Choose your lawyer wisely. Good luck.

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Alan James Brinkmeier

Reputation Level 20

Answered over 2 years ago. Lawsuit / Dispute Attorney in Chicago, IL.

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Negotiating a good resolution given the circumstances of your case will take an attorney familiar with the policies and procedures of the court where the matter is pending. Use the fact that this is your first brush with the law to your advantage. Contact the clerk to find out how these are currently being handled. I agree with what Mr. Manikas wisely suggests.

It would be worth your while to consult with an attorney familiar with the judges and practices in the court where you received the ticket to explore your options.

Check with a lawyer in your locale to discuss more of the details.

Good luck to you.

God bless.

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