Drunk Driving Laws in Virginia
After only a drink or two, a person may feel like he or she is fine to drive. But even though the effects are not apparent, just that little bit of alcohol on an empty stomach can alter his or her reflexes, focus, and judgment behind the wheel.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a driver with a BAC of 0.15 is over 300 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. BAC, which stands for Blood Alcohol Content, is the amount of alcohol in the body as measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood.
When a person operates a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent, he or she is Driving Under the Influence (DUI). The term DUI, which is used interchangeably with DWI or Driving While Intoxicated, also applies to driving under the influence of prescription or street drugs, or a mixture of drugs and alcohol.
In Virginia, a drunk driving conviction carries harsh penalties and life-altering consequences, especially for repeat offenses. Virginia law enforcement officers are determined to keep the public safe from drunk drivers.
Attorneys serving Newport News, Williamsburg, and Hampton
The law firm of Thomas L. Hunter, P.C., which serves Newport News and Williamsburg, among other Virginia cities, has lawyers with extensive experience successfully defending clients, even habitual offenders, against DUI charges.
Habitual offenders are those who lose their driving privileges after receiving three major traffic-related convictions or 12 minor traffic-related convictions within a 10-year period. Repeat DUI offenses in Virginia carry severe penalties, including the following:
- Second offense: $500 fine, license revocation for three years, and possible jail term up to one year
- Third offense: $1,000 file, indefinite license revocation, and prosecution as a Class 6 felony
- Conviction for a third DUI offense within five years carries a mandatory, minimum six-month jail term
In other words, a Virginia driver convicted of a DUI could have a criminal record and spend time in jail. If you were pulled over by police and given a field sobriety test in the Newport News or Williamsburg areas, do not delay in contacting our attorneys for help. Our DUI defense lawyers will work diligently to have your charges reduced or dismissed and driving privileges restored.
Contact us for a free consultation
If you need to speak to a Newport News traffic attorney regarding a DUI or other traffic violation, the Law Firm of Thomas L. Hunter, P.C. offers professional, economical, and efficient legal representation. Please call one of our convenient offices in Hampton (757) 825-0400, Gloucester (804) 694-0560, or Williamsburg (757) 345-3900, or use our online form.
