Prince George County DUI Lawyer
Alcohol can significantly slow down your ability to react to sudden changes to your surroundings. As such, drinking and driving is not a good combination, and the police are constantly on the lookout for impaired drivers. Thankfully, just because you have been pulled over and accused of driving under the influence (DUI) does not mean all is lost.
You have the right to challenge the charges with the help of a Prince George County DUI lawyer. Retaining a criminal defense attorney could provide you with advice and guidance for building a defense against the allegations and represent your rights in court.
Know the Legal Drinking Limits in Prince George County, VA
Alcohol does not get digested in the same manner as food. Rather, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream, where it is broken down by the liver. This is why a person’s level of intoxication is measured by the percentage of alcohol in their blood, called the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher according to the Code of Virginia § 18.2-266. For commercial drivers such as truckers, the limit is much lower because they need to have more concentration and awareness to safely drive their vehicles.
BAC is an objective measurement, but alcohol can affect different people in very different ways. Two people can have the same number of drinks of the same type of alcohol, but one could appear and feel more inebriated than the other. There are several factors that could affect a person’s intoxication, including:
- Age
- Body weight
- Whether they have eaten prior to drinking
- If they are taking any medications
- Physical fitness
Unfortunately, how a person feels or behaves is irrelevant. If they are behind the wheel with a BAC over 0.08 in Prince George County, it could result in DUI charges and the need for legal representation.
What Are Some of the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?
Having a skilled attorney is vital to even the playing field because the police and prosecutors of Prince George County take DUI cases very seriously. A conviction could have wide-ranging penalties that go beyond the courtroom.
Even a first-time offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a mandatory minimum $250 fine and a loss of driving privileges for one year. If a person is convicted of a DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, there is also mandatory jail time. Additional convictions following a first conviction will include additional mandatory minimum jail time, and could eventually result in being convicted of a felony DUI.
Talk to an Attorney If You Are Facing DUI Charges in Prince George County, VA
Drunk driving is a serious offense, but you have the right to a Prince George County DUI lawyer for your defense. An attorney could represent your interests in conversations with the prosecutor and in the courtroom at trial.
A conviction could have long-term consequences, but your lawyer could work towards a sensible resolution. Call Price Benowitz to schedule a free consultation and get started building your defense.