Amelia County DUI Lawyer
DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence. An individual that is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle on a public road or highway in Amelia could be charged with DUI.
Most people do not realize there isn’t a minimum BAC to be charged with DUI. The state legal limit is 0.08 or higher to be considered under the influence; however not reaching that level does not preclude an individual from being arrested and charged with DUI.
Driving under the influence is a very serious criminal charge in Amelia. A conviction can lead to an extensive jail sentence, the loss of a person’s driver’s license, a large fine, and the loss of employment in certain circumstances. A good Amelia County DUI lawyer will work to protect your license, your freedom, and your employment.
DUI charges can be intimidating because there is zero tolerance for them in most counties, especially Amelia. A DUI conviction is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, suspension of the individual’s driver’s license, and the conviction will be on their record forever. Furthermore, the DUI conviction carries a very negative stigma insinuating that the driver is a risk to their community and irresponsible making it important that a knowledgeable defense attorney is contacted to help build a defense and protect your reputation.
Penalties
A conviction of DUI will lead to the loss of your driver’s license for a minimum of a year on the first offense. If one continues to receive DUI convictions, suspensions of his or her driver’s license will continue until he or she completely loses the ability to drive. First offender programs do not exist for DUI’s so there will not be deferred sentencing.
A DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The defendant will also be required to attend the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program known as VASAP. This is a program that focuses on substance abuse and alcohol treatment. While in the program, the individual will be monitored by the probationer.
The person will also have an ignition interlock system placed in their vehicle. The ignition interlock system, as an Amelia DUI attorney can explain, is a breathalyzer that requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece before and during the operation of the vehicle.
DUI Stops & Checkpoints
DUI checkpoints are not that common in Amelia County, however, individuals will see them in certain parts of the county. Checkpoints and roadblocks are normally set-up on a one-way street, highway, and on-and off-ramps at night. Certain roads are selected due to heavy traffic and having close proximity to bars and restaurants in the county.
Learn the Advantages of an Amelia DUI Attorney
First, the DUI lawyer will investigate the person’s case to confirm that they complied with the law when stopped and arrested. Secondly, your DUI attorney will challenge any constitutional issues that exist with the stop and advocate aggressively in an effort to get the best result for you in court. Finally, if your case is not one that will likely be dismissed or is unlikely to be successful in a trial, your attorney will negotiate to get you the best possible outcome, including working to protect your license, your job, and your reputation.
A Amelia County DUI lawyer will know the roads, areas, understands the law and is able to either negotiate or argue your case favorably with the county’s attorney. They also have knowledge of the judges and know what is likely to happen in court in order to assist you in making the best-informed decision about your case. Call now.
