Vermont DUI Consequences
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Like most states, Vermont lawmakers have very little tolerance for drunk drivers. Under state law, any person who is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) faces a number of harsh sentencing requirements, including a fine, license suspension, and time behind bars—and that’s only the beginning. In addition to any penalties imposed by the courts, drivers who are found guilty of driving under the influence often face long-term Vermont DUI consequences.
Like most states, the penalties for a Vermont DUI conviction depend largely on whether you have a history of drunk driving. If this is your first offense, your driving privileges will be revoked for a minimum of 90 days. A fine of up to $750 may also be imposed, and you could also spend up to two years in jail.
While the sentencing requirements for a first DUI conviction are certainly harsh, they’re much more lenient than what you will receive if you are a repeat offender. A second DUI, for example, carries a minimum 18-month license suspension, up to $1,500 in fines, and a maximum two-year jail sentence. In addition, you will have to perform at least 200 hours of community service and complete an alcohol treatment and/or driver’s education program.
If you already have two or more DUI convictions on your record, a third offense will lead to the permanent loss of your driver’s license and up to a five-year jail sentence. You may also be fined up to $2,500 and ordered to perform at least 400 hours of community service—and once again, you may be required to attend rehab and complete yet another driver’s education course.
Along with any penalties imposed by the court, you will face a number of long-term consequences if you are convicted of driving under the influence in Vermont. Since your DUI will be permanently reflected on your criminal record, it will haunt you long after you’ve completed the terms of your sentence—as anyone who checks your background will find out about your conviction. As you can probably guess, a flawed criminal record can seriously limit your future employment, housing, and/or educational prospects.
You may also encounter financial hardship if you are found guilty of drunk driving. From fines to the cost of attending rehab, you will incur hundreds or even thousands of dollars in expenses due to your conviction. Plus, once your driving privileges are reinstated, you can plan to pay far more for insurance when your provider finds out about your DUI. In fact, many insurance companies charge convicted drunk drivers two to three times more for auto insurance—and in some cases, your conviction may affect your life and/or health insurance rates as well.
Of course, just because you were arrested for DUI, that doesn’t mean you will be convicted of the charge in criminal court—and all you need is a strong defense strategy to avoid many or all of the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. To determine the right approach for your case, submit your information online today to receive a complimentary consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area. There’s no obligation or charge for your case evaluation, so there’s nothing to lose—complete our form today to start planning your defense.
