Leesburg DUI Lawyer
The state laws regarding drunk and intoxicated driving are harsh. When someone is charged with driving under the influence (DUI), they could face steep penalties that have a long-lasting impact on their life.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence, it is in your best interest to contact a Leesburg DUI lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled criminal attorney could help you better understand the legal process and work to obtain a favorable outcome to your case.
Legal Blood Alcohol Limits in Leesburg
Driving under the influence, also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI), is a criminal offense. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 years of age and up is 0.07 percent, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive or that a driver with a 0.06 BAC can’t be charges with DWI. This means that if a driver is found operating their vehicle with a BAC that meets or exceeds 0.08 percent, they will be presumed to be intoxicated.
The law places even stricter BAC limits on drivers who are younger than 21 years of age. If an under-age driver is caught with a BAC that equals or surpasses 0.02 percent, they could be charged with a DUI.
State law does not require a person’s vehicle to be moving for them to be charged with a DWI. For example, a motorist who is in the driver’s seat and has started their car but is not yet moving could be found guilty of drunk driving if their BAC exceeds the legal limit. Even someone listening to music in their car can be charged with DWI in Loudoun County. Anyone who has been accused of driving under the influence could benefit from retaining a local attorney who could advocate on their behalf.
Penalties for Driving While Intoxicated in Leesburg
The penalties someone might face for drunk driving depend on their BAC at the time of the arrest and the number of DUI convictions they have.
First-Time Offenses
Penalties for someone who is convicted of drunk driving for the first time with a BAC no greater than 0.14 percent could include a maximum $2,500 fine, a period of incarceration not to surpass one year, and a one year suspension of their driving privileges. Anyone convicted of a DWI in Virginia will have to have an ignition interlock system installed on their car in order to get a restricted license. They will also be ordered to complete an alcohol safety program and a victim impact panel.
High BAC Offenses
If a person’s BAC is over 0.14 percent but no higher than 0.20 percent, a first-time offense is punishable by a period of incarceration ranging from a mandatory minimum of five days in jail to one year, a one year license suspension, and a fine of $2,500. The individual will also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle and be required to complete an alcohol rehabilitation program.
The same penalties apply for people who are convicted of a drunk driving for the first time with a BAC higher than 0.20 percent. However, the minimum jail term is 10 days.
Multiple DUI Convictions
The penalties are more severe for subsequent convictions. For example, if a motorist is convicted of drunk driving a second time within five years of the first conviction, and their BAC is 0.14 percent or under when arrested, they would have to spend at least 20 days in jail. The judge could also order the person’s license be suspended for up to three years. A skilled lawyer in the area could help someone accused of a DUI understand the legal ramifications surrounding their charge.
Speak with a Leesburg DUI Attorney
If you have been charged with a drunk driving offense, you may need to get in touch with a Leesburg DUI lawyer right away. A dedicated attorney could work to build a strong defense and protect your rights during court proceedings. Call now to speak with a legal professional about your case.
