In Vermont, all drivers are required to refrain from operating a vehicle when they are intoxicated. A failure to comply with local DUI laws results in criminal penalties. Further penalties beyond these requirements may apply if the individual causes an accident. A drunk driving law attorney in Burlington VT can help individuals who are charged with this infraction.
What is Implied Consent and How Does it Work?
Implied consent indicates that the driver made a conscious choice to drive drunk. If they appear intoxicated, law enforcement can require them to submit to chemical testing. A failure to comply could incur additional penalties based on this refusal.
What are the Penalties for a First-Time Offense?
The penalties for a first-time offense begin with a fine of $750. The driver could face up to two years in county lockup. Their driver’s license is suspended by the court and by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The suspension period is up to ninety days. The driver must pay reinstatement fees for their licenses after the suspension. They must also attend alcohol education courses.
What are the Penalties for a Second Offense?
The maximum fine for a second offense is $1,500. The driver faces two years in county lockup. They must complete two hundred hours of community service. They will lose their driver’s license for eighteen months. They are also required to install an ignition interlocking device in their vehicle for ninety days.
What are the Penalties for a Third Offense?
A third DUI conviction holds a maximum fine of $2,500. The individual faces five years in prison. Their driver’s license is suspended for three years. This charge is classified as a felony. Any additional convictions for a DUI will also be a felony.
In Vermont, all drivers must comply with drunk driving laws. These laws are in place to reduce the possibility of a fatality or serious injuries on the road. Drivers who are convicted of these offenses face hefty punishments including a license suspension. If they are involved in an accident, they face additional criminal charges. Anyone who is arrested for this infraction should hire a drunk driving law attorney in Burlington VT or visit Sawyerlegal.com for more info.
