We all know the dangers of drinking and driving, but there are many things about DUIs that our clients are surprised to learn:
1) Under the Influence: What does being "under the influence" in Virginia actually mean? Under the influence means if your blood alcohol content is .08 percent or higher. If your blood alcohol content is below .08 percent and your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired, this is also considered under the influence. If your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by a drug, you may face the same penalties as operating under the influence of alcohol.
2) You Could Have a Criminal Record: When you are arrested for a DUI offense, it will be reported to the Central Criminal Records Exchange by law enforcement. This means that you could find yourself with a criminal record because of a DUI arrest.
3) Being Underage Won't Protect You: If you are under the age of 21 and caught drinking and driving, you will face the same penalties as someone 21 or older. Don't think that just because you are under the legal drinking age that you will not face the same consequences as someone 21 and older.
4) Transporting Children Will Cost You: If you are convicted of a DUI while having juvenile passengers at the time of the offense, there is an additional mandatory five-day jail term with the possibility of a longer jail sentence and a possibility of fines from $500 to $1,000.
5) Restitution: You may be liable for the cost of law enforcement, emergency medical services, and rescue personnel who respond to a crash caused by your DUI.
6) Boating and Hunting: While we all know that driving while under the influence is illegal, operating a boat or hunting while under the influence is illegal as well.
