The state of Virginia does not tolerate underage DWIs. As a result, it is critical that if you were charged, you have an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side. Do not hesitate to reach out to our firm today to discuss the specifics of your case and how our attorneys can best help you.
What constitutes a DWI?
Virginia takes DWIs very seriously, which is why it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been charged. In Virginia, DWI laws prohibit motorists from driving or operating a motor vehicle:
- While under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than .02 but less than .08%.
- With a blood concentration of .1 milligrams per liter or more of methamphetamine
- With a blood concentration of .02 milligrams per liter or more of cocaine, or
- With a blood concentration of .02 milligrams per liter or more of phencyclidine (PCP).
What is the difference between an underage DWI and a regular DWI?
The difference between underage DWI in Virginia and a DWI is that an offender can be convicted of underage DWI just by evidence that he or she drank any alcohol and operated a motor vehicle, whereas a conviction for a DWI requires proof of actual impairment or a BAC at a level that infers impairment (.08 or higher).
If you were charged with an underage DWI charge, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced criminal defense attorneys to discuss the specifics of your case and how our legal team can best help you.
What are the penalties for an underage DWI charge in Virginia?
An underage DWI in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means that there will be a minimum fine of $500 or a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service, with a license suspension for one year.
If an individual is charged for underage DWI in Virginia, his or her license will be suspended for 7 days if he or she had a BAC higher than .02 or if he refused a breathalyzer test. The administrative suspension period increases to 60 days for a second offense or until the day of trial for a third or subsequent offense.
Contact Our Firm
If you live in Virginia and have been charged with a crime, the time to speak with an experienced Richmond criminal defense attorney is now. Led by Attorney James A. Bullard Jr., our firm has fought on behalf of clients facing serious legal penalties for decades. We handle various criminal and traffic cases, including reckless driving tickets, DUIs, violent crimes, drug crimes, and so much more. Contact James A. Bullard Jr. P.C. today so we can begin formulating a comprehensive defense on your behalf.
