DUI/DWI ACCIDENTS

By Herson Merino

Think a DUI is a glorified traffic offense? Think again.

Being charged with a DUI in Virginia is a pretty big deal. In Virginia, even if it is your first DUI, you could be facing up to twelve months in jail if convicted. That is because a DUI is categorized as a class 1 misdemeanor in the state. Of the misdemeanor offenses, class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious. Furthermore, because Virginia has mandatory penalties for DUI convictions; if convicted, you are facing a mandatory $250 fine plus court costs, loss of driving privileges for twelve months, and forced enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Substance Abuse Program (VASAP).

Depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the arrest, you could also be looking at mandatory jail time. In Virginia, if your BAC is above .15 at the time of the arrest, that constitutes five days of mandatory jail time. If it is above .20, then you are looking at ten days of mandatory jail time. Additionally, if it is your second DUI, then those penalties are more severe. Virginia does not take DUI convictions lightly.

If you have been charged, don’t risk going to court alone. DMVLawyer is here to help. With our wealth of experience and knowledge of the laws and regulations, we can provide defenses to these cases and better prepare you for court. For questions about DUI convictions or criminal defense cases in general, fill out the form below.