The punishment for a first DUI varies by state but often includes fines, license suspension, probation, mandatory alcohol education, and possibly community service. Jail time is rare for first offenses but may apply in cases of high blood alcohol content or accidents.
After a person submits a breath sample that is 0.08 or higher, their license is administratively suspended for seven days, and during that seven days, they are not allowed to drive for any reason.
What Time of Day Do Most DUI Arrests and Accidents Occur? While DUI arrests and accidents can occur at any time of day, there are some hours when there is a higher risk of encountering a driver under the influence. The period of time from midnight to AM is the most dangerous time to be on the road.
If a person is convicted of a first-offense DUI they will be facing a 12-month loss of license following a first-offense DUI in Virginia. The person will also be required to complete ASAP, which is the Alcohol Safety Action Program. Lastly, there is a fine of generally $300 to $500.
Drunk driving suspects can expect to spend at least two hours answering questions, being fingerprinted and photographed, and submitting to chemical testing of the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC). A driver could spend a few hours before they are released, or it may take up to a few days.
Drivers may end a case in a matter of days if they plead guilty or immediately accept a plea bargain offered by the prosecution. DUI cases that go to trial can take over a year to resolve in some cases. DUI cases are often broken up into different stages.
If you are convicted of a first DUI/DWI offense in Virginia, you could face any of the following penalties: A mandatory minimum fine of $250. A maximum possible fine of $2,500. Up to one year in jail.