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What is the penalty for a first time DUI in Virginia?
Question:
What is the penalty for a first time DUI in Virginia?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
The penalties for first time drunk drivers are not as harsh in Virginia as they are in many other states. Still, the crime is taken very seriously and consequences are imposed both administratively and criminally.
To begin with, Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles requires that your license be suspended for seven days if you take a breath test and your results are 0.08 or higher. This happens whether or not you are convicted of the DUI.
If you are found guilty or plead guilty, then, your driver’s license can be revoked for an additional year. There will also be a mandatory fine of at least $250. First time DUI offenders are not usually incarcerated, but there is a mandatory 10-day sentence required for cases where the driver had a BAC of 0.2 or higher.
Virginia DUI laws have a special set of consequences for violators who are under 21. Individuals in this age range who have BAC of 0.02 or higher can be sentenced to jail, even for a first offense. They may also be required to pay a $500 fine and have their driver’s license suspended for six months to a year.
DUI Attorneys
In Virginia, DUI charges are best faced with legal representation whether you plan to plead guilty or innocent. Having an experienced attorney representing you can result in lesser penalties or a plea bargain, if you are willing to admit guilt. On the contrary, an attorney can also provide a powerful and effective defense if you want to fight the charge.
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