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What influences the severity of DUI penalties?

On Behalf of | Sep 15, 2017 | Drunk Driving

As a university student in Virginia, chances are high that you’ll end up at a party or gathering with alcohol at some point. Unfortunately, DUI charges are still just as harsh for college kids as they are for anyone else. You can trust Mark B. Arthur, PC. to inform you of the penalties you may face if you’re convicted of any DUI-related charge, therefore enabling you to take these charges as seriously as you should.

First, you should know that your age can factor into your penalties, but not in the way you may think. Drinking while underage, for example, can land you with even more severe penalties than if you received a DUI sentencing when over 21. This can directly conflict with the idea some people have of getting off “easy” due to being younger. This is especially true if you’re over 18, since then you’re a legal adult and will usually be tried as such.

Second, the number of prior DUI charges you have will also factor into the penalties you may face. A second or third offense can result in jail time of no insignificant amount, or license suspension. The fines and fees associated with lesser charges will be doubled, tripled, or more as your offenses stack. If you go over three convictions, you’ll find the penalties growing even steeper accordingly.

When you’re facing the possibility of DUI related penalties, you need to have a strong grasp of your situation so you can properly fight back. Our web page on DUI convictions includes more details about handling DUI charges properly, and may be beneficial to you if you’re struggling.

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