Zealous Criminal Defense Representation

How to handle a first DUI charge in Virginia

On Behalf of | Jul 9, 2024 | Driving Under The Influence |

Suppose you’re a motorist who prides themselves on having a clean DUI record; being charged for driving under the influence for the very first time in your life can be an intimidating and frightening experience.

You may wonder what a DUI arrest may mean for your reputation, driving privileges and/or job prospects. Luckily, by strategically navigating your charges, you can help minimize the impact of a first-time DUI charge on your life.

Immediate steps to take after a DUI arrest

When you get pulled over at a DUI checkpoint for suspicions of driving under the influence, it’s important that you stay calm and respectful. This way, you can lower the risk of acting out of character and worsening the situation.

Remember, cooperating with law enforcement can make a world of difference, especially if you suspect that you might be getting arrested. Your cooperation can positively influence your case and help your legal team build a solid defense on your behalf. That said, you should not forget that you’re not obligated to answer every question the police ask. Be cautious not to make any statements that could strengthen the prosecution’s case against you.

DUI laws in Virginia

Suppose you choose to navigate this difficult experience with appropriate legal guidance; your legal team can help ensure that law enforcement officers who arrested you had a valid reason to do so. Old Dominion DUI laws prohibit you from operating your vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% and above.

If you’re 21 years and below, law enforcement officers have the liberty to arrest you if you have a BAC as low as 0.02% because the state has a zero-tolerance policy.

If your reliable legal team establishes that your BAC validated your arrest, they’ll proceed to help minimize your penalties, which may include:

  • Getting fined
  • Losing your driving privileges
  • Attending mandatory alcohol education programs
  • Serving a jail term

Since this is your first DUI charge, your legal team should make an effort to protect you from harsh penalties that do not reflect the severity of your offense.

Remember, it can make a world of difference if you seek appropriate legal guidance as you navigate the potential consequences of a first-time DUI charge. Having legal support can help ensure you have access to valuable insights and actionable steps to help you through this difficult time as successfully as possible.