A first DUI conviction can bring up to a $2,500 fine, a year in jail, a 12-month license suspension, and a requirement to complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. If your blood alcohol is 0.15% or higher, there is mandatory jail time. Second and later offenses carry longer suspensions and mandatory minimum sentences. A third offense within 10 years is a felony with prison time. Refusing a breath or blood test adds an automatic license suspension.
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Louis P. Gaertner
Louis P. Gaertner
“Louis, I just want you to know how much I appreciate how hard and compassionate you are working for [my husband], and by extension myself and our children.” [client letter] “Louis Gaertner of Tavss Fletcher represented us in traffic court...Mr. Gaertner took the case and our concerns seriously. He was professional, understanding, very thorough and well prepared. Tavss Fletcher and Mr. Gaertner will be the first place I turn for legal matters in the future.
~Client
I’m passionate about defending my clients’ rights and providing strong advocacy both in and out of the courtroom.
Louis P. Gaertner is an associate attorney at Tavss Fletcher. His practice areas include criminal defense, civil litigation, and business law.
Before joining Tavss Fletcher in 2024, Mr. Gaertner served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Newport News. In that role, he gained valuable courtroom and case management experience, handling a wide range of criminal cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies such as robbery, grand larceny, and gun-related offenses. Prior to his prosecutorial work, he spent a year providing legal services in business transactions, managing deals from residential real estate closings to multi-million-dollar hotel purchases.
My goal as an attorney is twofold: to empower clients with clear, honest counsel, and to fight for them with skill and determination.
Mr. Gaertner is a member of the Virginia State Bar and is licensed to practice throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2017 from James Madison University and earned his Juris Doctor from Regent University in 2021.
Outside of his legal career, Mr. Gaertner enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and is actively involved in his community through River Oak Church.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are the penalties for a DUI in Virginia?
2. What happens after I’ve received a warrant?
Once police receive a warrant, they can arrest you immediately or tell you to turn yourself in. You then come before a magistrate who makes a release or bond determination. The court then sets an initial hearing, reads the charge, and schedules future hearings. If you hire a lawyer before arrest, your lawyer can often arrange to keep you from being held longer than necessary.
3. How do I get a bond after being arrested?
In Virginia, a magistrate usually decides on bond shortly after arrest. If the bond is denied or set too high, your lawyer can request a bond hearing before a judge. The court considers the seriousness of the charge, prior record, ties to the community, and risk of flight. Options include a secured bond, an unsecured bond, or release on your promise to appear.
Testimonials
HERE'S WHAT SOME OF OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT TAVSS FLETCHER.
I thought it was going to be more like strictly business, but Tavss Fletcher went the extra mile for me.
~Dennis Midgette
You don’t know when you are going to need an attorney, and you really don’t know what is the next step. It’s scary to think of legal action, and Tavss Fletcher was so helpful from the very first person who answered the phone. Everyone is so professional and yet they made me feel so comfortable.
~Janet Greene
I was in an accident. Another car hit me on the passenger side, and I was seriously injured. I had lip lacerations, concussion, and I knew right away I needed a lawyer. So, I called Tavss Fletcher.
~Iyanna Bray
If I had a friend that needed legal advice, I would ask them to go see Bess. She’s my friend, my lawyer.
~Benjamin Huggins
Dixcy was seriously injured when an 18 wheeler forced her car off the road. It took six months to discover how serious.
~Dixcy
It was a he said, she said accident. Tavss Fletcher helped him get the last word.
~Clarence
Tavss Fletcher helped me with small legal matters before, so when my 17-year-old son was in a car accident, I knew exactly who to call. Tavss Fletcher is like my insurance policy against anything.
~Cheryl
After I was hit by a drunk driver, I was dealing with a serious knee injury. John Fletcher took care of everything, and I didn't even have to go to court.
~Kelsey Barbour
After my injury, I had to have "Tommy John" surgery. Richard Tavss made sure the insurance company would pay for it. Now you should see my curve ball.
~Keith Lawrence
My kids were OK, but I wasn't. The insurance company said I didn't need a lawyer. I'm glad I didn't take their advice.
~Targelia Belin
Tavss Fletcher was wonderful. They encouraged us to not give up hope. I have no worries now that the settlement is over. John Fletcher helped me start a new life.
~Pam
Tavss Fletcher helped me get the best settlement I could have ever hoped for. They are really commited to personal injury.
~Andrea
I went to Tavss Fletcher for legal advice and I got much more.
~Jeff
John Fletcher had answers to all my questions. He worked nights and weekends preparing me for court. His staff was very helpful with all the paperwork needed. John Fletcher is a lawyer I would refer to anyone who is being bullied by large insurance companies or in need of a great lawyer. You can’t go…
~Anonymous Client
Annamarie brings sunshine to a dark and scary divorce. Annamarie controls the horizontal and the vertical. She is the greatest!
~Elle
[Annamarie] has literally been my right hand throughout this entire process, she has ALWAYS given me great advice, she constantly reassures me that they have my back, not to worry, and I don't!! Annamarie is one of good character, she is easy to talk to, she's very empathetic, resourceful, smart, funny, and just a good…