The evening began with everyone having a good time. It may have been dinner with friends, drinks with the guys or a night out dancing. But, when the evening ends with flashing lights and Virginia law enforcement officers charging the individual with DUI, the good time ends and the struggle to find the light at the end of the tunnel begins.
In the state of Virginia, a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater is considered to be under the influence for a driver. If convicted of a first offense DUI, the individual is facing a fine of at least $250 and a driver’s license revocation for up to one year. Subsequent DUI convictions carry even stiffer penalties.
Some individuals attempt to avoid charges by refusing to comply with law enforcement’s directive to undergo a breath or blood test to determine blood alcohol level. This may seem like a good idea at the time; however, by driving a vehicle in the state of Virginia, the individual has expressed his or her consent to such tests. This refusal will result in the individual’s license being suspended for one year based upon a first time refusal.
In addition to the traditional fines and loss of license, DUI charges are considered criminal charges. As such, they can also affect the individual’s employment and other aspects of life. When an individual finds himself or herself facing DUI charges, experienced legal counsel can work to ensure that the individual’s rights are protected and that the evidence presented is relevant and reliable.
