Sometimes Connecticut residents travel to other states, like Virginia, for business or pleasure and have the unfortunate luck to be charged with a DUI. If this happens to you, you should first find a qualified DUI lawyer in Virginia, but you should also be aware of how Connecticut’s DMV will treat you upon your return.
Virginia DUI Penalties
If you have been convicted of a DUI in Virginia, you would be convicted of violating § 18.2-266 of the Virginia General Statute.
In Virginia, the penalties for DUI can range depending on the number of prior DUI offenses you have.
First offense (BAC below .15): This conviction will result in a maximum jail sentence of one year, a fine of $250-$2,500, a license suspension for one year, and the installation of an ignition interlock device for at least six months.
First offense (BAC .15-.20): The same penalties apply as for a first offense with a BAC below .15, but, in addition, there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of five days.
First offense (BAC .20 or higher): The same penalties apply as above, however, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is increased to ten days.
Second offense (BAC below .15): This conviction will result in a jail sentence of at least 30 days and as much as one year, a fine of $500-$2,500, and a suspended license for three years, the first without restricted privileges. In order to gain restricted driving privileges, you must install an ignition interlock device on your vehicles for six months to three years.
Second offense (BAC .15-.20): The same punishments will apply as for someone with a second offense with a BAC below .15, however, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is 40 days.
Second offense (BAC above .20): The same penalties as above apply, however, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is 60 days.
Third offense within five years: If convicted for a third offense, you must serve one to five years in a state penitentiary or one year in a local jail, with a mandatory minimum of six months served. In addition, there is a fine of $1,000-$2,500, as well as an indefinite license suspension. You can petition for restricted privileges after three years, and full privileges after five years.
Third offense within ten years: If convicted for a third offense, you must serve one to five years in a state penitentiary or one year in a local jail, with a mandatory minimum of three months served. In addition, there is a fine of $1,000-$2,500, as well as an indefinite license suspension. You can petition for restricted privileges after three years, and full privileges after five years.
Fourth offense: A fourth offense will result in one to five years in a state penitentiary or one year in a local jail, with a mandatory minimum of one year served. In addition, there is a fine of $1,000-$2,500, as well as an indefinite license suspension. You can petition for restricted privileges after three years, and full privileges after five years.
If you are a Connecticut resident who has been charged with or convicted of DUI in Virginia, you should be aware that there are repercussions on your Connecticut license in your home state in addition to any license impact in Virginia as set forth above.
You should hire a DUI lawyer in Connecticut and in Virginia if you are a Connecticut resident with a DUI in Virginia. Attorney Ruane recommends Attorneys Seth Price and Karin Porter for your Virginia DUI case.