FOLLOW THE PFEIFFER MORE FIGHT THAN LUCK | STEPHAN P PFEIFFER YOUR GO TO DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY | Stephen P. Pfeiffer
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757-901-0808

Your Go-To Attorney For DUI And Criminal Defense

Virginia License Suspension Defense Lawyer

Virginia treats a suspended license offense as a traffic ticket and Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious category of misdemeanor in the commonwealth. This can affect your ability to work, care for your family or maintain your military career.

Stephen P. Pfeiffer defends drivers throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. Attorney Stephen P. Pfeiffer holds multiple certifications in field sobriety testing and impaired driving enforcement. If you are facing a license suspension, call 757-901-0808 for immediate help.

How Does License Suspension Work In Virginia?

When police arrest you for DUI, two separate legal processes begin immediately. Your criminal case moves through the court system. Additionally, the DMV starts administrative action to suspend your license right away.

This Administrative License Suspension (ALS) happens whether you failed a breathalyzer or refused the test. The DMV acts independently from any criminal court proceedings. They do not wait for a conviction to suspend your driving privileges.

You must request a DMV hearing within seven days of your arrest. This hearing is your only chance to let a lawyer challenge the suspension.

Critical Deadlines That Determine Your Case

Virginia law imposes strict time frames that you cannot afford to miss. As such:

  • You have exactly seven days from arrest to request your DMV hearing
  • Missing this deadline triggers automatic suspension with zero exceptions
  • Administrative suspensions remain active even if criminal charges are dismissed later
  • Legal representation should begin immediately to meet all filing requirements.
  • Delays in contacting an attorney can cost you your driving privileges

Attorney Pfeiffer’s experience helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks during this critical window.

What Happens During Your DMV Hearing?

DMV hearings are administrative proceedings separate from criminal court. The burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases. The hearing officer reviews specific technical elements of your arrest.

The hearing officer must consider several key factors, including whether:

  • The arresting officer had reasonable grounds to stop your vehicle
  • You received proper information about test refusal consequences
  • Field sobriety tests followed standardized NHTSA protocols exactly
  • Breathalyzer equipment was properly calibrated and maintained according to state requirements

Stephen’s NHTSA certifications give him unique insight into proper testing procedures. He knows what officers should do and when they make mistakes.

Take Action Today

Stephen P. Pfeiffer is your go-to attorney for DUI offenses. Call Stephen’s Virginia Beach office via 757-901-0808 or text to start your defense journey.