Being charged with driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated can be overwhelming and frightening. The consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction can be severe, including license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. When facing such serious allegations, working with a Reston DUI lawyer like Manuel Leiva, who brings substantial trial experience to your defense, can make a critical difference. Manuel stands apart from many criminal defense attorneys because he regularly takes cases to trial and has developed the skills and courtroom presence that only come from frequent trial practice.
Virginia maintains some of the strictest driving under the influence regulations in the nation. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-270, even first-time offenders face mandatory minimum penalties if their BAC exceeds 0.15 percent. Virginia’s automatic license suspension law also immediately revokes driving privileges upon arrest – before a conviction, and if convicted, you face a license suspension of at least 12 months.
The penalties for DUI/DWI are severe, but a skilled DUI attorney in Reston can aggressively defend against the charge. With a regular schedule of jury trials and extensive experience in serious felony cases, including murders, Manuel brings a level of trial readiness that few attorneys can match. This experience means he approaches DUI/DWI cases differently – he is not afraid to take your case to trial if that is the best option for your situation. When interviewing an attorney, don’t focus on how many years the attorney has been in practice; ask how many jury trials they’ve had. Without significant trial experience, most attorneys will be reluctant to take your case to trial if a prosecutor does not make a reasonable & good offer.
Manuel is not like most Reston attorneys. He brings a holistic approach to defense, actively investigating and uncovering additional evidence rather than relying solely on discovery. This creative approach means he often identifies opportunities and strategies that other lawyers might miss.
His confidence comes from regular courtroom experience that has honed his skills in ways that cannot be learned from books or seminars. When he represents you, you get the benefit of a Reston lawyer who has fought and won against DUI/DWI prosecutors time and again.
A knowledgeable Reston DUI/DWI defense attorney may question the validity of the prosecution’s evidence, from the initial traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety tests and chemical testing procedures.
The Leiva Law Firm has the courage and experience you need to secure the best possible result. Manuel Leiva knows he might take hits when handling a complex case, but he also knows how to fight back. Mr. Leiva often wins cases that other attorneys believe are unwinnable.
This trial experience is particularly valuable in DUI/DWI cases where technical details often determine outcomes. When challenging breathalyzer results, questioning officer testimony, or disputing field sobriety test administration, Mr. Leiva applies his courtroom knowledge to identify weaknesses that less experienced attorneys miss. His creative approach to defense strategy stems from years of seeing what works—and what does not—in front of judges and juries.
If you are facing DUI/DWI charges, you need more than just any legal representative – you need a Reston DUI lawyer who has proven their ability in the courtroom. Mr. Leiva brings trial experience, creative defense strategies, and unwavering determination to every case he handles.
Do not settle for an attorney who pressures you into a plea deal because they are unwilling to go to trial. Choose an attorney who knows what it takes to fight effectively for your rights and future. Schedule a consultation with The Leiva Law Firm today for a case evaluation.