As a resident of Virginia facing your first DUI-related charge, you can easily be overwhelmed by anxieties and confusion. During this time, the legal guidance of Mark B. Arthur can be an irreplaceable tool in helping you decide what your next move should be.
A first time DUI-related offense will generally come with the lowest of potential penalties. Each subsequent offense will end with you facing higher fees, longer jail sentences, and more severe repercussions. But that doesn’t mean you should take your first DUI charge lightly, either. Even one DUI-related charge can come with severe penalties. They can include:
- Up to one year of license suspension
- $250 in fees
- 5 days in jail for a BAC of .15 or higher, minimum
- 10 days in jail for a BAC of .20 or higher, minimum
- Ignition interlock device for up to 6 months
And that doesn’t even begin to cover the impact that a DUI conviction can have on your life outside of driving. Did you know that certain jobs won’t hire you if you have any sort of DUI on your record? Not only that, but you can lose your ability to rent at certain properties. You may be unable to apply for a commercial driving license, limiting job opportunities even further. Certain countries like Canada won’t even let you cross the border if you have just one DUI conviction on your record.
Facing any sort of DUI-related charge can immediately throw your life into turmoil, and a conviction could cause irreversible damage. For that reason, gaining knowledge about the charges you face is of utmost importance. If you would like to read more, view our web page focused on DUI-related charges here.
