Prince William County First-Offense DUI Lawyer
If you are facing a DUI for the first time, you might be wondering what steps you should take next. Fortunately, a seasoned DUI attorney could fight for you and help you understand your legal options. Call today and set up a consultation with a Prince William County first-offense DUI lawyer. Let a dedicated legal professional advocate for you during this difficult time.
Prosecuting First-Time DUI Charges
Prosecutors often seek a conviction for a first-time DUI charge. In prior years, someone who was charged with a DUI without any prior charges had a decent chance of having the DUI reduced to some other charge with possible probation or other requirements like an alcohol education class. However, that is not the case anymore.
Many first DUI’s do not warrant any active jail time and the prosecutors are not trying to have someone locked away for the DUI, but it is uncommon for prosecutors these days in Prince William County to offer any type of a reduced charge unless there are clear reasons for doing so.
The typical way the judges in Prince William County address the first DUI charge is to have the person on unsupervised probation with some jail time hanging over their head to elicit continuing good behavior. However, there may be mandatory minimum jail sentences for cases with elevated alcohol levels or other factors.
However, in cases where someone pleads guilty or, a DUI is proved with aggravating circumstances such a collision or enhanced blood alcohol content, the judge usually sentences the individual to an extended jail sentence.
First-Offense DUI Penalties
There are mandatory minimum penalties for anyone who is convicted of a first-time DUI, including a minimum fine, a one-year license suspension, and the completion of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). ASAP requires attendance for two hours per week and lasts for 10 or 12 weeks.
In addition to the multi-week course, some people must receive counseling or additional courses or meetings as part of their participation in the ASAP Course. The ASAP requirement can be the most time-consuming of the requirements.
Restricted Licenses
If someone convicted of a DUI in Virginia wants a restricted license, the court mandates that they install an ignition interlock device in their car. An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in the car preventing the vehicle from starting without a sober breath test. This device also requires random retests throughout their time in the car. A Prince William County first-offense DUI lawyer may be able to give more detailed information about ignition interlock devices and license restrictions.
Someone on probation with a suspended jail sentence after a DUI conviction can seek a restricted driver’s license to get to and from work, school, a place of religious worship, and a few other allowances, on condition that they install an ignition interlock device. Positive alcohol readings may require additional visits to court or with a probation officer as well as potential license suspension.
A Skilled Prince William County First-Offense DUI Lawyer Could Help
If you have received a DUI charge for the first time, you may have many questions and concerns. An experienced DUI lawyer may be able to address your issues and act as an advocate and ally during your trial process. A Prince William County first-offense DUI lawyer could help produce a strong defense and clarify the potential consequences of a conviction. Call today to schedule a consultation.