DUI Attorney in Blacksburg

Virginia DUI / DWI Laws & Penalties

Here in Virginia, the terms DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) and DWI (driving with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of .08 or higher) are used interchangeably because the laws outlined in VA Code 18.2-266 are applied in the same way.

Whether you’re facing a first or subsequent offense, the penalties for DUI in Virginia are serious. These penalties include:

First Offense DUI - Class 1 misdemeanor

• Minimum penalties: Up to 12 months of driver’s license suspension, ASAP (Alcohol Safety & Awareness Program) at your expense, and between at least 5 and 10 days in jail depending on case facts 
• Maximum penalties: Up to one year in jail, a fine of $250 to $2,500, an indefinite driver’s license suspension, completion of ASAP at your expense, ignition interlock device for your vehicle, and 6 points on your VA driver’s license 

Second Offense DUI - Class 1 misdemeanor

• Minimum penalties: 36-month driver’s license suspension (ineligible for a restricted license for at least 4 months), mandatory 10 days in jail (up to 30 days depending on case facts), mandatory ignition interlock device for your vehicle upon restoration of license, and a fine of at least $500
• Maximum penalties: 36-month driver’s license suspension (ineligible for a restricted license for at least 12 months), mandatory 20 days in jail (up to 40 days depending on case facts), mandatory ignition interlock device for your vehicle upon restoration of license, and a fine of at least $500

Third Offense DUI - Class 6 felony

• Minimum penalties: 36-month driver’s license suspension, mandatory 90 days in jail (up to 110 days depending on case facts), mandatory ignition interlock device for your vehicle upon restoration of license, a fine of at least $1,000, and your vehicle will be subject to seizure and forfeiture 
• Maximum penalties: 36-month or indefinite driver’s license suspension, mandatory 6 months in jail (up to 6 months plus 20 days depending on case facts), mandatory ignition interlock device for your vehicle if your license is ever restored, a fine of at least $1,000, and your vehicle will be subject to seizure and forfeiture 
   

Request a Case Review Today

 As a Blacksburg DUI lawyer with more than 15 years of experience handling a variety of criminal cases, I am well prepared to defend you. I am familiar with the most effective defenses in these types of cases and have the resources to properly investigate them from all angles. If you were unlawfully arrested or are being accused based on faulty or improperly obtained evidence, I will uncover the facts and bring them to light.

Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty; just because you have been charged with DUI does not mean there is no hope for you. But you do need to take your charges seriously and get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. With the right advocate on your side, you may be able to save your license, reduce your charges, or even have them dismissed entirely.

Don’t wait to get started on your defense. Contact Attorney Brad McConnell today to discuss your DUI case.