While you are out and about visiting friends and family in other states, you need to always be careful not to drink and drive. Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in a state other than your home state will create an out-of-state DUI case. It is already a challenge to defend yourself against a DUI charge, but out-of-state DUI charges are even more complicated.

Were You Arrested in a DLC State?

Nearly every state in the country is part of the Driver’s License Compact (DLC). In fact, only five states still refuse to join it: Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The DLC networks the other 45 states, which agree to share DUI record information if someone is arrested in their state who originates from another.

As Virginia is part of the DLC, your out-of-state DUI arrest will be shared with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Oppositely, if you were an out-of-state visitor in Virginia when you were arrested for a DUI, the Virginia DMV will share that information with your state. Your home state will be tasked with filing the charges based on your DUI arrest record and the circumstances of your out-of-state arrest. That is to say, the state that issued your driver’s license will be tasked with prosecuting or penalizing you.

Out-of-State DUI Attorney in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Managing an out-of-state DUI case requires a good knowledge of both Virginia’s DUI laws and those of the arresting state. In particular, understanding how the arresting state collects, handles, and uses evidence in DUI cases is critical.

If you were charged with a DUI while out of Virginia State, let me, Fredericksburg DUI Attorney Andrew J. Cornick, know what happened. During a free initial consultation, I can listen to your story and possibly find the groundwork on which we can build your defense case. My team and I are proud to deliver kind, understanding, and effective criminal defense representation to our clients, as we have been for the last 10+ years.

Contact my office online or call (540) 386-0204 to get started.