The State of Vermont has some strict penalties and punishments for people who choose drive their cars when they have been drinking or taking drugs. If you are suspected of drinking or taking drugs while driving, you will be pulled over and subjected to testing that will determine the degree of intoxication and the type of intoxication that you are under. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 will mean that you will be charged with a DUI and if you are a commercial driver or a driver under the age of 21, these limits will be even lower. What are the most common sentences for a DUI?
First Offense DUI
When you are convicted of DUI in the State of Vermont, you are going to face some restrictions on your freedoms. The first will be that you will lose your license for a period of 90 days and to get your license reinstated, you will have to attend alcohol and driving education programs, alcohol treatment assessment, and possibly even an alcohol treatment program. The cost for all of this will come out of your own pocket, which can be quite considerable. There is no mandatory jail sentence for a first offense, but you may be sentenced to up to 2 years in jail, depending upon the aggravating factors that are involved in your arrest. A fine of up to $750 will be assessed and you will have to pay a minimum of $160 in DUI surcharges. This will not include any court fees, fees that are associated with your sentencing, and the lawyer fees that you will have to pay.
Second Offense DUI
A second DUI offense will mean that you lose your license for at least 18 months and to get your license reinstated, you will have to complete an alcohol and driving rehabilitation program at a cost to you. A jail sentence of up to two years can be mandated with a minimum of 60 consecutive hours required for a second DUI offense. Community service of at least 200 hours will be given as well, which will mean that you will spend many hours picking up trash, etc. Fines up to $1500 will be assessed against you and this will not include other costs that are associated with your sentencing or your court fees. Understanding what you are up against will help you to see how important it is that you don’t drive when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Third Offense DUI
When you are convicted of a third DUI, you will be facing losing your license for a minimum of 3 years up to the rest of your life, although it may be restored if you meet certain requirements. The requirements include a $500 application fee, completion of an alcohol treatment program, and 3 years of total abstinence from drugs or alcohol, which means that you are looking at a long time getting rides to and from work or many hours using public transportation. A jail sentence of a minimum of 1000 consecutive hours up to 5 years will be mandated, as will 400 hours of community service. A fine of up to $2500 will be required as will DUI surcharges of a minimum of $160. You could also possible have your vehicle seized. A third DUI offense will make your life miserable, so you want to rethink your decision to drive while under the influence.
If you are pulled over and charged with a DUI, you want to be sure that you take the time to get a lawyer that will give you advice and assistance in the legal process.