Alexandria DUI Lawyer
Being charged with a DUI offense is serious and could result in a fine, suspension of your driver’s license, and jail time, especially if you have prior convictions. Fortunately, an Alexandria DUI lawyer could help you build a defense if you are facing criminal charges or prosecution for driving under the influence. A skilled defense attorney could protect your legal rights while working to minimize any potential consequences.
What Constitutes Driving Under the Influence?
Code of Virginia §18.2-266 prohibits driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Under the law, someone is considered to be legally intoxicated when blood or breath tests detect the following:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more
- 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood
- 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood
- 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine (PCP) per liter of blood
- 0.1 milligrams of MDMA (Ecstasy) per liter of blood
It is important to note that law enforcement may still arrest someone for a DUI, even if their blood concentration is below the legal threshold for intoxication. Therefore, if a motorist is driving in an unsafe or reckless manner that suggests they are operating their motor vehicle while impaired, this could result in an arrest. An Alexandria DUI attorney could assess a defendant’s situation and determine how the results of their blood or breath tests may impact their case.
Possible Penalties For Driving While Impaired
State law classifies DUI offenses as Class 1 misdemeanors and could lead to a fine of up to $2,500 fine. Individuals charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and whose BAC is between 0.15 and 0.20 percent could also face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of at least five days. Additionally, the mandatory minimum jail sentence increases to at least ten days when the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.20 percent.
Subsequent drunk driving convictions may result in more severe penalties. A second offense that occurs within five years of the first may lead to a penalty of 13 months in jail and a fine of at least $500.
The penalty for a third DUI conviction within five years has a mandatory minimum jail term of six months and a $1,000 fine. An experienced lawyer could provide additional details regarding the penalties for subsequent DUI convictions within a specific time frame.
Drunk Driving Charges for Offenders Who Are Under 21
Under the Code of Virginia §18.2-266.1, individuals under 21 years of age may face legal consequences for driving while under the influence of alcohol even if their BAC falls below the legal threshold for intoxication. Anyone under 21 who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent may face drunk driving charges.
The sanctions for under 21 DUI offenses may include suspension of the driver’s license for one year, a minimum $500 fine, and 50 hours or more of mandatory community service. An Alexandria lawyer familiar with DUI cases involving 21-year-old offenders could guide a defendant through this legal process.
Speak with an Alexandria DUI Attorney Today
There is no need to face a DUI charge alone. With an Alexandria DUI lawyer on your side, you could have someone who understands the legal process fighting on your behalf. An attorney could provide critical legal assistance and work to achieve an optimal outcome. Speak with a legal professional about your case immediately.
