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What is the punishment for a DUI conviction in Vermont?
Question:
What is the punishment for a DUI conviction in Vermont?
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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 Vermont DUI laws are strict and carry a variety of penalties depending on whether the conviction is your first or not and if there were other significant circumstances surrounding your arrest. When you are convicted of OUI (Operating Under the Influence) in Vermont for the first time you should expect a $750 fine and up to two years in prison. Other penalties a first time DUI/OUI offender can expect includes:
If you are under 21, and you have a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher your license will be suspended for six months. (If you are convicted of a second DUI when you are under 21 your license will be suspended for a year or until you turn 21, which ever takes longer.)
Subsequent Offenses
If you are convicted of a second DUI offense, you should expect to have your license suspended for 18 months. The courts can also seize your car and sell it at auction for any conviction after your first DUI/OUI. If you are convicted of DUI/OUI in Vermont for a third time, your license can be suspended for life.
Second DUI/OUI convictions carry a $1,500 fine and third or more carry a $2,500 fine. You will also be required to complete community service as part of the penalty. For a third offense or more you can face up to 5 years in prison.
Get Legal Help
There are other penalties that you may not consider. A criminal record. Possibly losing your job (especially if you are a commercial driver). Increased car insurance rates for many years. All DUI arrests are serious, and can result in a wide variety of penalties. Contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible so that you can be prepared to aggressively defend your rights.
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