New bill could increase penalties for DUI in Virginia

A bill introduced to the state legislature could increase the DUI penalties for first offenders, emphasizing the need to hire a Virginia DUI attorney.

Last year bills were introduced to stiffen the penalties associated with first time DUI charge, but did not pass. This year will be different, the bill which would require the installation of an ignition interlock device for first time offenders looks like it will pass. Currently the interlock device is installed if a driver has been convicted of a second offense or their blood alcohol content was .15 or above at the time of arrest.

Breathalyzers and interlock devices do have a rate of failure and the results can be contested by a Virginia DUI lawyer in court.

The federal government requires that a state install the ignition interlocks on the primary vehicle of people convicted of their second DUI otherwise the state loses transportation funding.

Opponents to the bill say that the penalty is too tough on first offenders.

In addition to adding an interlock device, the bill also increases jail time for people convicted if DUI manslaughter. In Virginia, a person is typically sentenced to a year for this charge, but the bill would require a minimum of a three year sentence.

More and more states are making DUI penalties tougher to keep the roads safer. When faced with this charge a Virginia DUI attorney can help minimize the penalties and fines that go along with an intoxicated driving charge.