Articles
Virginia is trying to crack down on DUI offenders, enacting 25 new laws on July 1, 2004 in an effort to show no mercy to dangerous drivers. The new Virginia DUI laws mainly focus on stiffer sentences for repeat offenders, including possibly confiscating the vehicle of a driver with three or more DUI offenses in the past 10 years. Even a first time Virginia DUI offender can end up doing time, more specifically if a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15, down from .20, is present. In addition to the five days jail time he/she may be given, an ignition interlock, which keeps the car from starting until a breath test has been given, will be put on the car. The Virginia DUI laws now consider refusal of a breath or blood test when under arrest as a second DUI crime, as well as an automatic year-long license forfeiture with no option for a restricted license. Offenders on a restricted license with just a .02 BAC will lose their licenses for a year. If caught with repeated offenses within five years, bail no longer becomes available. A DUI will also affect Virginia resident records, tarnishing a criminal record instead of just a driving record as in the past. The costs of a Virginia DUI have also increased, with a possible restitution for emergency services and contributions to a Trauma Center Fund also required.
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