If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia, then you can expect the court to use the full extent of its available punishments, especially if you did not progress your case with the help of a criminal defense attorney. You will likely anticipate paying a fine to the state and possibly even some jail time. However, losing your license to suspension or revocation does not need to happen due to the state’s ignition interlock device (IID) laws.
With the help of a DUI defense lawyer, you can negotiate with the court to receive an ignition interlock device in conjunction with a restricted driver’s license. Your restricted license will only allow you to drive to certain places and for certain reasons, such as going to work or dropping your children off at school. The exchange is you will have an IID in your car that prevents you from operating it unless you first submit to a breath test administered by the IID. Blowing an acceptable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level — which might be set as low as 0.00 by the court, depending on the details of your DUI arrest and charges — will allow the vehicle to be operated.
The IID will need to be equipped to your car for as long as your license is restricted. This time cannot be less than six consecutive months for a first-time DUI. You may only operate your vehicle with an IID during your license restriction, unless you are given an exemption due to your employment. Trying to circumvent an IID is a class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia State law.
IID Exemptions & DUI Defense Representation
The court may be influenced to allow you to drive vehicles without an IID or that are not registered to your name if you must do so for your employment. For example, if you are a mail courier who drives a mail truck, then you might be given that exemption.
It is important to realize that exemptions to IID requirements are in no way guaranteed. Each case is handled uniquely and resolves as such. To make certain you are likely to receive an exemption to IID requirements, or to minimize the penalties you face altogether, you should be sure to work with a trusted and experienced DUI defense attorney.
You can come to my firm, Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law, for compassionate and careful guidance in your DUI case. I can represent you from the beginning of your case to its conclusion, acting at each step in a way that upholds your best interests. It is my goal to help you put your DUI arrest behind you so you can move forward in your life with confidence.
Get more information about your defense options by calling (540) 386-0204 and speaking with me during a no-cost consultation.