Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. In Virginia, a DUI leads to license suspension for one year and fines up to $2,500. If you have been charged with reckless driving or speeding, some penalties will be assessed against you. The amount of jail time and fines depend on how many prior offenses you have had, plus your blood-alcohol level at the time of your arrest. Those who are accused of these crimes should seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who can help defend them in court and protect their rights.
1st Time DUI offense Penalty in Virginia
If you’ve committed a DUI offense for the first time, you will be required to pay a fine of $250-$300, spend 12 months on suspension and complete an alcohol safety program. The penalties for DUI/reckless driving are similar, but they vary depending on whether or not you caused injuries or fatalities in addition to your speeding offense. If this is your first time being convicted, there’s a good chance that a judge will allow you to participate in a deferred adjudication program. This can help keep your criminal record clean and might also prevent the suspension of your driver’s license.
Repeat DUI Offense Penalty in Virginia
If you are convicted of a DUI for the second time, you will be fined $500-$750, spend 18 months on suspension and complete an alcohol safety program. Reckless driving attracts a $2000-$2500 fine, 12 months in jail, and three-year license revocation. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Third DUI Offense Penalty in Virginia
If you are convicted of a third DUI, you will be fined $1000-$1500, spend 36 months on suspension and complete an alcohol safety program. The penalties for reckless driving increase to $2500-$5000 fine, 24 months in jail, and license revocation for five years. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Fourth DUI Offense Penalty in Virginia
If you are convicted of a fourth DUI offense, you will be fined $2500-$5000 and spend 48 months on suspension. Reckless driving attracts a fine of $3000-$6000, 30 months in jail, and license revocation for ten years. You will also have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle as well.
What to Do if Arrested
After arrest following a DUI offense, the accused should hire a Virginia DUI lawyer as soon as possible. During your initial consultation, your legal counsel will advise you on how they plan to defend you and what the next steps in the process will be.
If this is not an option for you, and if no one else was injured or killed by your reckless behavior, you might participate in a deferred adjudication program. This can help keep your criminal record clean and might also prevent the suspension of your driver’s license as well as other penalties such as jail time or fines.
Finally, If you’ve been accused of DUI or reckless driving in Virginia, it is important that you seek legal counsel right away. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the criminal justice system. Contact the experts today for a free consultation.
