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DUI Penalties and Consequences

When it comes to DUI penalties and consequences, each state offers its own guidelines and sentencing. While some states allow a first offense to be charged as a misdemeanor, others impose more serious penalties for convictions and when aggravating circumstances are present. Some states have mandatory minimum services while others have penalties that vary depending on the case. This is just one of several reasons you should bring your case to a law firm with experience in traffic or criminal defense like Montagna Law

DUI Fines and Costs

Getting a DUI is expensive with fines and costs for them ranging from $500-$2,000 depending upon the state even for a first offense. 

A driver may also be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID), one of the most commonly used deterrents for repeat DUI offenses, installed on his/her dashboard. In order to start the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device that operates similarly to a Breathalyzer in that it detects the amount of alcohol in the driver’s system. If it detects a certain amount of alcohol in the driver’s system, the IID will keep the car engine from starting. 

DUI Treatment and Education

“A sentence for a DUI conviction often comes with alcohol abuse treatment and educational programs that the driver is required to take.” 

-Jon Montagna

This type of program may assess you for alcohol addiction. For a first offense, this is often coupled with probation and license suspension or it may be combined with other requirements like community service and restitution for victims. 

DUI Jail or Prison Time

In many states, you will not have a long imprisonment for a first-time offense because it is treated as a misdemeanor. Many jurisdictions require a minimum jail time of one to two days if you are convicted, but the most you will face in most first offense DUI cases is six months in jail. 

However, when there are aggravating circumstances like an excessively high blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) or a resulting car accident in which the victim was severely injured, many states will increase that jail or prison time. Subsequent DUI offenses generally mean longer sentences. In the case of a felony DUI, in which someone was killed or badly injured, you could face a prison sentence lasting several years. 

License Suspension or Revocation

If you are convicted of DUI, all states have the possibility that your license will be suspended by the DMV of that state and/or by court order as part of your sentence. The length of this suspension will depend on your state. 90 days is a common term of suspension for a first-time offender, although some states will offer a restricted license that can be used to drive to work, school, and/or rehab during the period of suspension. 

In some jurisdictions, drivers convicted of DUI have their licenses revoked. If you are pulled over and refuse to take a chemical test, your license may be suspended regardless of whether or not you are convicted. 

Penalties for Minors Convicted of DUIs

Minors arrested for DUI may face the same penalties as an adult. Because the legal drinking age in most states is 21, a minor will likely be penalized for any amount of alcohol in his or her system. In some states, penalties for drivers under 21 are even more severe than for drivers over 21, and the driver’s license will likely be suspended in the case of conviction.

Insurance Penalties

As a result of a DUI conviction, you will likely face consequences from your auto insurance provider. They will probably take away safe driver discounts and require you to pay a higher rate or file as a high-risk driver. In extreme cases, the insurance provider will cancel your insurance policy and you’ll have to find an insurer that specializes in providing high-risk insurance, which is much more expensive.

Drive Responsibly

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink or two with friends and loved ones, but make sure you or a loved one doesn’t end up with a DUI/DWI by following Montagna Klein Camden’s top tips for responsible driving.

1. Always assign a designated driver. Choose one responsible person who you can trust to stay sober and hide others’ keys if needed.

2. …but keep the number of a cab company on hand. Call Black and White Cabs (757-855-4444) in Norfolk if things get out of hand and you’re left with no designated driver.

3. Pace your alcohol intake by enjoying a glass of water between cocktails. Alcohol dehydrates, so remember to drink a lot of water.

4. Eat plenty before and during a night of drinking. If you know you will be drinking a fair amount of alcohol in the evening, prepare throughout the day by eating healthy meals full of protein and good fats.

5. If you are throwing a party, be sure to offer filling food and non-alcoholic options for guests. Readily available “mocktails” as well as water, soda and tea will enhance the evening for designated drivers as well as those guests who choose not to drink.

6. Keep an eye on friends and loved ones to help them stay safe. Never turn a blind eye to a friend with impaired judgement getting ready to drive themselves home.

7. Know your limits. Most people have a pretty good sense of when they’ve had too much to drink, but remember, “buzzed” driving is still drunk driving. Check out this blood alcohol calculator to learn more about your legal limits and avoid getting charged with DUI.

8. Refrain from drinking altogether. It may seem simplistic, but this is the best choice for anyone looking to stay responsible on the road this season.

If you do find yourself charged with a DUI despite your best safety efforts, call the Virginia DUI defense lawyers at Montagna Klein Camden. We have a strong history of finding fair treatment for our DUI clients. Call us today at 757-622-8100 or contact us online. Visit the DUI and Reckless Driving FAQ page for answers to common questions.


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Speeding and Reckless Driving in Virginia Beach

Virginia law enforcement is on especially high alert for intoxicated and irresponsible drivers around the holidays. This is for good reason, as the highest number of alcohol-related vehicle accident deaths occur between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve. Even if you didn’t drive while intoxicated, you may have found yourself stuck with a speeding ticket or reckless driving ticket this season. Do you know your legal options?

Speeding

A driver is considered to be speeding anytime he or she is operating a vehicle above the posted speed limit. This means that, contrary to the “10 above rule,” you can be pulled over for going even one mile over the speed limit. Consequences for speeding can include a ticket with a fine (generally $5 for every mile over, plus court fees), demerits on your driving record, license suspension and court-ordered driver improvement classes if you are a repeat offender. Your first option in dealing with a speeding ticket is to pay the fine and comply with any other consequences.

If you believe you were falsely accused of speeding, you have the option of fighting the ticket in court. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the process of speedometer testing and other measures of providing evidence for proving innocence.

Avoid speeding by giving yourself plenty of extra time to get where you need to be (always keeping the unpredictable Virginia Beach traffic in mind). Put some music on and calmly follow the posted speed limit.

Reckless Driving

Reckless Driving is most-commonly understood as driving 20 miles over the posted speed limit or operating a vehicle in excess of 80 miles per hour. But did you know that other behaviors also qualify as reckless driving? From the Virginia DMV website:

  • Racing
  • Passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle
  • Passing a school bus
  • Passing on the crest of a hill
  • Passing two vehicles abreast
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Failure to give a proper signal
  • Faulty brakes/improper control
  • Driving improperly through parking lots

If you are charged with reckless driving in the state of Virginia, it is imperative that you maintain legal counsel. Consequences for your charge may include demerit points, major fines, license suspension/revocation and even jail time. Contact the Virginia Beach traffic attorneys at Montagna Klein Camden to discuss your case today. Call us toll-free at (877) 622-8100.

When it comes to DUI, Police Officers Know the Signs

What are some of the clues that police officers are trained to observe in a stop for suspected DUI in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News or any other city or county in Virginia?

Trained police officers will use their senses to detect clues for driving under the influence after the initial stop.  The officers will use their sight to observe blood shot eyes, disheveled clothingpale face, or any marks or bruises.  Additionally, trained officers will observe individuals for swaying while walking, swaying while standing, leaning on objects for support, stumbling or loss of balance.

Police officers are well trained to observe the operation of vehicles before initiating a stop.  Police officers must have a reasonable basis to stop the operator of the vehicle.  However, they do not need probable cause to stop the driver.

Here are the most frequently used visual detection clues observed by the police before initiating a stop for suspected DUI are the following:

1.  Weaving

2.   Swerving

3.  A near collision

4.  Unexpected speed  increases and decreases

5.   Driving below the posted speed limit

6.   Stopping vehicle in lane of travel for no reason

7.  Driving without headlights at night

8.  Driving wrong way down a one way street

9.   Very wide turns

10.  Improper lane change

The police officer will also use their hearing to listen for slurred speech, abusive language, inconsistent statements, and admissions of drinking.  Officers also listen for yelling or loud talking.

If you or a family member has had too much to drink,  please do not drink and drive.  You can call a cab and retrieve your vehicle the next day or call a tow truck to bring your car home and ride with the driver. Remember be safe by keeping everyone safe.

Drinking responsibly (or not drinking at all) is the best guard against getting pulled over in the first place. If you do happen to find yourself charged with driving under the influence (DUI), call or contact the experienced DUI attorneys at Montagna Klein Camden. You can’t afford to stand trial alone.

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