Daniel P. Leavitt is a Hopewell, Va Attorney, practicing in the areas of Traffic, Reckless Driving, DUI, and Criminal Defense. Daniel’s Hopewell office is located near the court at 208 N. 2nd Avenue. Before coming to Hopewell to practice law, Daniel attended Liberty University School of Law. During law school, Daniel earned high marks in nearly every class, graduating with high honors in the top of his class. He participated in the Liberty University Law Review, and competed in Moot Court and Negotiation tournaments. Daniel is admitted to the Virginia Bar, and is certified by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission for misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases.
Most people are aware of the severe penalties associated with driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). Even first-time convictions carry a fine ranging from $250 to $2500, a one-year license revocation and, if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is high enough, a mandatory jail sentence. For a second offense, the mandatory fine is doubled, as is the mandatory jail sentence, and the license suspension is for three years. Third offense can be charged as a felony. Of course, the penalties increase with each successive conviction, as do the negative impacts to your reputation in the community and opportunities for employment. Case Results: Dismissed DWI in Hopewell, VA Chesterfield, VA Reduced DUI Charge Dismissed Breathalyzer Charge and Reduced DUI Reduced DWI in Prince George County As an experienced Virginia DUI Attorney, I practice in: Amelia County Brunswick County Chesterfield County City of Colonial Heights Dinwiddie County City of Emporia Greensville County Hanover County Henrico County City of Hopewell King William Count Mecklenburg County New Kent County City of Petersburg Powhatan County Prince George County City of Richmond Surry County Sussex County What you can expect from my representation: Recently I represented three clients charged with DUI in Virginia. One case was completely dismissed because the Commonwealth could not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The other cases were reduced to reckless driving charges with no license suspension or jail time. Please note that case results depend on a variety of factors and case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in your case. If you are facing DUI charges, I can help you minimize the damage that these charges can have on your life. Sometimes this means getting the charge totally dismissed, and sometimes this means minimizing any possible jail time or license suspension. I represent local and out-of-state clients in criminal DUI trials and in refusal charges in the State of Virginia. I maintain a strong commitment to helping my clients with the best legal defense possible while remaining available to them throughout the challenging legal process. Experienced DUI Defense As a Virginia DUI Lawyer, I assist Virginia clients living in and around Chesterfield and the Greater Richmond area, as well as out-of-state motorists who face DUI charges. I will consult with you to determine any issues the Commonwealth may have in proving their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Remember, it is the Commonwealth’s burden to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor who is handling your case does not do this, you want an attorney who is prepared to jump on any and every defense available. Possible Defenses Some common aspects of DUI cases that I have used successfully include: Breathalyzer: Although police use breath and blood tests regularly to determine the blood alcohol levels of drivers, there are many scientific problems, inherent inaccuracies and common mistakes made in the use of these machines which can lead to inadmissible evidence. Roadside tests: The standardized field sobriety tests also bring a wide range of inherent problems and user errors that can minimize their importance to the court and help my clients’ cases. Initial traffic stop: The officer who pulled you over must be able to articulate a reasonable suspicion for pulling you over. I have had cases dismissed where this was not proven at trial.