by admin | Dec 2, 2013 | Fairfax DUI / DWI
When it comes to driving under the influence, there are a few things most people know. It’s a serious offense in most states. Virginia is no exception. You may have to pay a fine, lose your license, or even go to jail. That’s just part of the picture, though. There are plenty of little-known facts about Virginia’s DUI laws you should be aware of. You can be convicted of a DUI offense with a BAC below 0.08 percent. Many people believe your blood alcohol content (BAC) must be at least 0.08 percent for you to be legally driving under the influence of alcohol in Virginia. However, that’s not exactly true. If your driving abilities are impaired and you exhibit signs of intoxication, you can be charged. The prosecutor does have to prove beyond a doubt that you were under the influence while driving, though. A DUI can earn you a criminal record. Did you know that all DUI offenses in Virginia are reported to the Central Criminal Records Exchange? That means a DUI arrest can result in a criminal record. You can’t refuse a breath or blood test without consequences. Virginia’s Implied Consent Law means that just by using public roads, you are implicitly consenting to breath or blood tests if you are stopped for possible drunk driving. You need not be read your Miranda rights or allowed to talk to a lawyer before a test is performed. Refusing the test may result in a “refusal charge” in addition to the DUI. Your first one is a civil offense, and you’ll lose your license for one year. The penalties...
