Fairfax DUI Penalties
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in Virginia. It can be a either a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Virginia, you will face numerous serious criminal and civil penalties. In serious cases, you may be ordered to spend time in jail or prison, pay substantial fines and mandatory legal fees.
In every case, regardless of breath alcohol concentration, if convicted of driving under the influence in Virginia, you will be required to have an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle and will have your driver's license suspended for a full year. Aside from legal penalties, a DUI conviction can also lead to the loss of employment, housing and educational opportunities as convictions will remain on peoples' criminal records, which are accessible to the general public. In Virginia, a DWI conviction often leads to a requirement by the insurance company to get "high-risk" (SR-22) insurance.
Penalties for First Time DUI Convictions in Virginia:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines of up to $2500 ($250 mandatory)
- Mandatory Driver's License Suspension: 1 year
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
- Mandatory minimum jail time of 5 days if BAC > 0.15
- Mandatory minimum jail time of 10 days if BAC > 0.20
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Time DUI Charges
If you have been charged with second or subsequent DUI offense, you will face enhanced legal penalties if you are convicted.
Second DUI Conviction Penalties
Second Offense Within 5 Years
- Up to 1 year in jail (minimum 20 days)
- Fines of up to $2,500 (minimum $500)
- Mandatory Driver's License Suspension: Up to 3 years
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
- Mandatory jail time increases to 30 days if BAC > 0.15
- Mandatory jail time increases to 40 days if BAC > 0.20
- Mandatory minimum fine increases to $1,000.00 if BAC > 0.15
Second Offense Within 5-10 Years
- Up to 1 year in Jail (minimum 10 days)
- Fines of up to $2,500.00 (minimum $500)
- Mandatory Drivers License Suspension up to 3 years
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
- Mandatory jail time increases to 20 days if BAC > 0.15
- Mandatory jail time increases to 30 days if BAC > 0.20
- Mandatory minimum fine increases to $1,000.00 if BAC > 0.15
Third DUI Conviction Penalties
If you are charged with driving under the influence in Virginia for the third or subsequent time within ten years, you will automatically be charged with a felony offense. If convicted, you may be sentenced with:
Third Offense Within 5 years (felony)
- Up to 5 years in jail (minimum 6 months)
- Fines of up to $2500 (minimum $1000)
- Driver's License Suspension: Indefinite
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
Third Offense Within 5-10 years (felony)
- Up to 5 years in jail (minimum 90 days)
- Fines of up to $2500 (minimum $1000)
- Driver's License Suspension: Indefinite
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
Fourth DUI Conviction Penalties
Fourth or Subsequent Offense Within 10 years (felony)
- Up to 5 years in jail (minimum 1 year)
- Fines of up to $2500 (minimum $1000)
- Driver's License Suspension: Indefinite
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock device
- Probation mandatory for period of license suspension, up to three years.
Speak With Fairfax DUI Attorney Scott Nolan Today
The only way people stand a chance of fighting DUI penalties is by working with a skilled Fairfax DWI lawyer such as attorney Scott C. Nolan who can help them get their criminal charges reduced or dismissed. For many years, Mr. Nolan has been helping clients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia fight their DUI charges so they could avoid incurring harsh DUI penalties, such as jail time. Although the charge is serious, it is possible to win a DUI case. Don't let time slip away. Get started now and let Attorney Scott Nolan help you change the odds in your favor.
Speak With Fairfax DUI Attorney Scott Nolan Today
The only way people stand a chance of fighting DUI penalties is by working with a skilled Fairfax DWI lawyer who can help them get their criminal charges reduced or dismissed, like Attorney Scott C. Nolan. For numerous years, Attorney Nolan has been helping clients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia fight their DUI charges so they could avoid incurring harsh DUI penalties, such as jail time. People that choose to work with Mr. Nolan will benefit immensely from his experience, knowledge, skill set and unyielding nature.