This article outlines the very harsh and costly effects of a first time Virginia DWI/DUI conviction. The Virginia penalties for people charged with multiple DWI/DUI offenses are also described. Finally, some tips to avoid a DWI charge in Virginia are found within the article.
The following is an all too familiar scenario in Virginia:
You are returning home after attending a warm send-off party for one of your colleagues. Many close friends and associates had gathered and you were enjoying every moment of the evening.
At the beginning of the party, you were going slowly since you knew you had to drive back home. But something changed about mid-way through-you lost control.
Before you knew it, the fun and laughter carried you away.
You overdid the drinking part and though you felt that you could safely drive back home, the authorities caught up with you at the intersection just ahead of your house.
Now, you find yourself in the back of a police cruiser, handcuffed and humiliated and wonder "what's next?"
Well, in case you did not know, the Virginia DWI/DUI laws and associated penalties are tough!
The following is a list of what persons charged with a first offense DWI/DUI face:
- Your license is suspended for 1 year from the date of conviction.
- You face up to $2500 in fines, plus Court costs.
- You have to pay for, enroll in and successfully complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (where you are subject to random drug/alcohol tests and have to pay about $300 for the course).
- If your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is greater than 0.15 but less than 0.20, it is compulsory for you to serve at least a 5-day jail sentence.
- If your BAC is more that 0.20, then the jail sentence is a minimum of 10 days.
If you this is not your first offense of DWI/DUI, then you face additional penalties such as: - Potential Class 6 Felony on your permanent record. - Minimum 20 days of mandatory minimum jail sentence. - Up to three years of license suspension. - Permanent loss of your vehicle.
If you are convicted of DWI/DUI while transporting a minor in the car, you could be sentenced with an additional $500 to $1000 in fines and a minimum of 5 days in jail.
In addition to all of these items, you have to retain a Virginia DWI lawyer (which will cost another $3,000) as well pay for assigned risk automobile insurance (which is extraordinarily expensive)!
Remember-all of these penalties, costs and inconveniences can be avoided by simply taking a cab, having your sober friend drive you home or staying the night at the home of the party host.
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