If you have just been pulled over for a DUI suspicion in Virginia, it is absolutely critical to learn the state DUI laws to protect your freedom as well as your driving privilege. You can be arrested for DUI in one of two theories, which include your BAC and your manner of driving. A blood alcohol content (BAC) test will be conducted upon your arrest to determine the amount of alcohol that is present in your system. If your BAC is at .08% or higher, your DUI arrest can lead to DUI conviction in Virginia. Also, a police officer can arrest you based on your manner of driving. That is, if you appear to be driving dangerously or impaired due to alcohol intake, the arresting officer can stop you and may require you to perform a series of field sobriety test.
DUI Arrests in Virginia
Upon your DUI arrest in Virginia, you will automatically face a seven-day license suspension wherein you will face an administrative hearing in the Department of Motor Vehicles. Also, you can expect to face a criminal courts case where the majority of your consequences are sentenced. The courts will define your jail time, fines, and rehabilitation classes, among several other charges as a result of your DUI arrest. Nevertheless, you can still apply for a restricted license to enable you to drive to and from work despite having a DUI on your driving record. The judge in your court case will decide whether or not you are eligible for a restricted license. Apparently, you will need the help of an experienced DUI lawyer to help you save your driving privilege.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
The penalties and punishments for subsequent DUI convictions in Virginia are severe than a first time offense. Tougher charges are also given to drivers whose BAC results are extremely beyond the legal limit. Moreover, the same penalties apply to minor drivers who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Nonetheless, the right DUI lawyer can make the big difference between imprisonment and freedom. If this is your first time DUI offense, you can expect to face the following charges:
License Suspensions for California DUI
Apart from paying hefty fines and serving jail time, a DUI conviction in Virginia is also a ground to have your license suspended. Typical times for license suspension are as follows:
Moreover, if you refuse to submit to a BAC test upon the arrest, you can expect to serve an additional one year license suspension on top of the outlined duration stated above. If you want to apply for a provisional license so as to enable you to drive while serving your suspension time, you are allowed to petition the court. However, you have to keep in mind that the court does not necessarily have to grant your request. For this reason, being represented by a DUI lawyer will increase your chance for a temporary license.
Insurance Consequences
Generally, a DUI conviction will affect your auto insurance in one of two ways. It could be that your insurance provider will drop your existing coverage, or drastically increase your insurance premiums. Since you will be required to submit a proof of auto insurance before you can get your license back, you will definitely have to abide to any of the given insurance changes. Apparently, if you are dropped, you will need to find a new carrier.