DWI cases are one of our specialities here at the Law Office of Faraji Rosenthall. Naturally we get a lot of questions about them. Here are some questions we often hear that you might not have thought to ask.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License for a First-Offense DWI?
A first-offense DWI comes with a mandatory license suspension. Just being arrested for one means your license will be suspended for seven days. If you end up being convicted, the suspension term jumps to one year.
That being said, first-time offenders can request a “restricted license.” It allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical facilities, required programs, or other limited destinations. Where you’re allowed to go will depend on your situation. In exchange, you’ll have to meet several conditions as determined by the court.
What Is VASAP? Will I Have to Attend?
VASAP (or ASAP) stands for the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. It offers courses that many DWI offenders have to complete. It’s required for all first- and second-time DWI offenders. You can’t get your suspended driver’s license reinstated until you complete it. You may also be required to do the program if you are seeking a jail time suspension. The biggest obstacle to completing the program is its cost. The fee is a few hundred dollars.
How Will My DWI Affect My Commercial Driver’s License?
Commercial drivers are often transporting people, hazardous materials, or heavy loads. That means standards are stricter for them. The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%. That’s half the legal limit for those with non-commercial licenses. You can easily hit that level after only a drink or two.
If you’re convicted of a DWI while operating a commercial vehicle, you’ll have your CDL endorsement revoked for a year. If you’re convicted while transporting hazardous materials, it’s three years. Being convicted while off the job will also impact your CDL. Your driver’s license and CDL endorsement will both be suspended.
Can My DWI Arrest Impact My Concealed Carry Permit?
In Virginia, anything that would keep you from getting a concealed carry permit in the first place requires you to forfeit your existing permit. It doesn’t matter whether you were carrying your firearm when you were arrested or not. A DWI conviction will cause you to lose your permit for three years. If you were planning to apply for a permit, a DWI will mean you’ll have to wait three years, too.
Getting Help
Are you facing DWI charges? Whatever your situation, we can help. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.
