Virginia DUI Laws
Virginia has some of the toughest DUI laws throughout the country. If you have recently been charged with driving under the influence, it is crucial that you hire an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. A good attorney will closely examine your case to find the best defense for your circumstances.
You may not be aware that a DUI charge involves two separate cases. The first case takes place in criminal court. It is here that drivers may be sentenced to jail time, probation, community service, expensive fines, and much more.
In addition to your criminal case, you will also face a civil case within Virginia’s department of motor vehicles. Immediately upon arrest for drunk driving, your driver’s license will be suspended for seven days, though it may be extended to one year depending upon their ruling. It is important to note that this penalty is completely separate from your criminal case.
In Virginia, you may be charged with DUI based on your driving behavior or your BAC (blood alcohol content). If your BAC is higher than Virginia’s legal limit of 0.08 percent, you will be charged with a “per se” violation. Even if you are not truly impaired by alcohol, you will be charged with DUI based solely on your BAC level.
Virginia has enhanced penalty laws set in place for those who drive with an excessively high BAC. For example, if your BAC is 0.20 percent or higher, you will face more mandatory time in jail.
In Virginia, a first DUI offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI offense is a felony.
Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test in Virginia is a serious matter. You may face harsh punishments due to the Implied Consent Law. This law, which you agreed to when you received your driver’s license, says that you consent to take a chemical test if a police officer believes that you are driving under the influence.
Being convicted of DUI in Virginia may lead to severe consequences. It is in your best interest to hire an attorney who knows Virginia’s DUI laws inside and out. Schedule a free appointment with The Tillotson Law Office!