DUI Sentencing and Rehabilitation in Manassas Virginia
If you face Virginia DUI charges, you are likely wondering what you face at sentencing. Will there be jail time? How much will I pay in fines? What will my probation conditions be? Answers to these questions depend on your unique case, DUI history, and more. A Virginia DUI/DWI attorney can explain what you face in your unique case. You may also be sentenced to rehabilitation, which can help you both legally and personally.
Our Manassas criminal defense lawyers at Battlefield Law Group PLLC are ready to defend you. We help you understand what you face at sentencing and the efforts Virginia makes in DUI rehabilitation.
DUI Sentencing in Virginia
What you face at sentencing will depend especially on the number of DUI convictions in your past. A first-time conviction carries less severe penalties, while additional convictions increase the penalties you face.
Penalties for 1st DUI Conviction
Even a first-time DUI can carry significant penalties. These might include the following:
- Mandatory minimum fine of $250
- Maximum possible fine of $2,500
- Up to 1 year in jail
- If blood alcohol content (BAC) is .15 or greater but .20 or less, 5 days in jail
- If BAC is greater than .20, 10 days in jail
- A 7-day administrative license suspension
- Ignition interlock device required for your vehicle
- 12 month license suspension by the court
Penalties for a 2nd DUI Conviction Within 5 Years
A second DUI within five years of your first conviction could result in:
- Mandatory minimum fine of $500
- Maximum possible fine of $2,500
- Minimum mandatory jail sentence of 20 days, or up to 1 year
- Additional 10 days in jail if BAC is .15 or greater
- Additional 20 days in jail if BAC is greater than .20
- Ignition interlock required for between 6 months and 3 years
- License suspension for 3 years by DMV
- Restricted license available after 1 year
The penalties differ slightly if your second conviction instead occurred within 5 to 10 years after your first conviction. Your DUI defense attorney can help explain these differences.
Penalties for a 3rd DUI Within 5 Years
A third DUI within five years is extremely serious. This is a Class 6 felony conviction that carries far more serious penalties. These might include:
- 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 1 year in jail plus a $2,500 fine
- Minimum of 6 months in jail
- $1,000 mandatory minimum fine
- Driver’s license is suspended indefinitely but you may apply for a restricted license after three years or restoration after five years
- Possible forfeiture of your vehicle
- License suspension by DMV for 3 years
DUI Rehabilitation in Manassas, VA
State law empowers judges to use court-ordered rehabilitation in lieu of jail time for many DUI offenders. This is especially true for low-level and non-violent offenses, which includes most DUI arrests. The focus on rehabilitation has increased over the last decade. Its important role in preventing future DUIs encourages more judges to send offenders to rehab rather than jail.
Court-ordered treatment facilities exist throughout the state. After a plea or conviction, the judge may sentence you to drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Your lawyer may even help you seek rehabilitation to show the judge you take this seriously, reducing the likelihood you could serve jail time. By admitting a substance abuse problem, you show you are ready to change and want to prevent any future intoxicated driving.
Voluntarily accepting and seeking rehabilitation benefits you personally and in your criminal case. Taking it seriously and successfully completing rehab can make a massive difference for you.
Understand Sentencing and Rehabilitation in Virginia DUI Cases
At Battlefield Law Group PLLC, our DUI/DWI attorneys work hard to reduce the penalties you face and seek appropriate rehabilitation for you. We understand the personal and legal difference that this can make.
Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.