Mr. Spencer mainly represents clients throughout Caroline, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, King George, Orange, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties in Virginia in a variety of criminal defense matters. Whatever charges you are facing, Mr. Spencer can help. Personal Background John was born and raised in a blue collar family in New York City. His father is a retired New York City firefighter. His mother is a retired social worker. John is the only member of his entire family to attend college. This upbringing firmly grounded him with a strong work ethic and moral code. He didn’t grow up wealthy and understands how hard you, the client, have to work to earn your money. Professional And Educational Background Upon graduating from high school, John enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a Security Policeman/Canine Explosives and Narcotics Detection Dog Handler until he received an honorable discharge in 1991. John then returned to New York and worked as a police officer until 1997. During his last two years as a police officer, he worked full time on midnight shifts while attending college full time during the day. In 1997, John left his employment as a police officer and moved to North Carolina to finish his undergraduate degree. John again worked full time in the evening as a police dispatcher and attended college full time during the day. John graduated from the University of North Carolina, cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in history. He then accepted and attended the University of North Carolina for law school. While there, John interned both summers for the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, North Carolina. To support himself during both internships, John worked full time as a police dispatcher in the evening and then went to work in court during the day. He earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina in 2003. Attorney Experience After law school, John worked at Steptoe & Johnson, LLP, in Washington D.C., representing corporate clients in international trade litigation. During this time, he realized his passion was criminal law. This led to him working at the Office of the Public Defender in Fredericksburg, where he was dedicated to representing clients facing criminal charges. After one year in this position, John felt comfortable and resigned from the Public Defender’s Office to open his own law firm and has never looked back. His Criminal Defense Firm Since 2005, John has successfully worked as a private attorney focusing solely on criminal defense matters. His experience as a police officer, prosecutor and public defender has helped him develop a better understanding of the criminal justice system and has given him a great passion for defending his clients’ rights. Mr. Spencer can guide you through the criminal justice system, whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony criminal charge. No charge is too small when it affects your life. He understands this and will be there every step of the way.
DUI And Alcohol-Related Offenses DUI and other alcohol-related charges can have dire consequences that include jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges and mandatory Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program completion. There are no more hard and fast rules about taking a Breathalyzer test or doing a field sobriety test when you are suspected of drunk driving. The rules have become so complicated that it is vital to have a DUI attorney involved as soon as possible. Knowledge Of DUI Laws I am John Spencer, founding attorney of the largest criminal defense law firm in the Fredericksburg area. I understand complex DWI laws in Virginia and the penalties you can face if you are convicted. You will receive legal advice from a lawyer who cares about protecting your future. Offenses involving alcohol can result in serious consequences, even for misdemeanors. I have represented individuals facing a variety of charges, including: DUI Manslaughter Underage possession of alcohol Giving alcohol to a minor (contributing to the delinquency of a minor) Drunk in public These charges can have a major impact on your life and could potentially harm your ability to find employment. I can review your case and see what options are available to find the best outcome. Penalties For DUI Convictions The penalties for DUI convictions are severe. DUI first offense: mandatory minimum fine of $250 and revocation of your driver’s license for one year DUI second offense: mandatory minimum fine of $500, driver’s license revocation for three years and possible one year in jail DUI second offense within 10 years: mandatory minimum fine of $500, driver’s license revocation for three years and mandatory 10 days in jail DUI second offense within five years: same fine and license revocation as above, plus a mandatory minimum 20 days in jail DUI third offense or DWI felony: mandatory minimum fine of $1,000, indefinite driver’s license revocation and is considered a Class 6 felony Individuals convicted of a first offense DUI in Virginia are required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. If you fail to follow the requirements by the court or Department of Motor Vehicles requirements and are convicted of a first-offense violation of the ignition interlock restriction, the DMV will revoke your driving privileges for one year.