A Virginia DUI charge can involve alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Breath testing, blood testing, field sobriety tests, and the traffic stop itself can all become important parts of the defense.

A second DUI offense in Virginia carries increased penalties, including mandatory jail time in certain circumstances. The penalties depend in part on how recently the prior offense occurred. Virginia Code § 18.2-270.

A third DUI within 10 years is a felony in Virginia and carries significant mandatory penalties. Prior convictions and the timing of those offenses are especially important.

Virginia DUI law also covers impairment involving drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. These cases may involve toxicology, blood testing, and evidence of impairment. Virginia Code § 18.2-266

Virginia law prohibits operating a boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. BUI cases can involve chemical testing, officer observations, and questions about whether the person was actually operating the vessel.

Refusing certain chemical tests after a DUI arrest can create separate license consequences in Virginia. Whether the refusal was lawful and how the request was handled can matter.

Drivers under 21 face a much lower alcohol threshold in Virginia. An underage DUI can bring license consequences and other penalties even when the BAC is well below .08. Virginia Code § 18.2-266.1

Virginia law generally prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol, subject to limited exceptions. Virginia Code § 4.1-305.

Providing, purchasing, or helping provide alcohol to someone under 21 can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, subject to limited statutory exceptions. Virginia Code § 4.1-306.

Public intoxication is a separate Virginia offense that does not require driving. It is classified as a Class 4 misdemeanor under Virginia law. Virginia Code § 18.2-388.