Dealing with a DUI charge can be frightening, especially when one has never dealt with the legal system before and does not know what to expect. Whether a person is guilty or innocent, they have the right to hire a lawyer to protect their rights. The lawyers in Burlington VT may not be able to guarantee any type of positive outcome for a person’s trial, but they can certainly offer a higher level of peace of mind for a defendant. With this information, a person can know what to expect when they hire a lawyer to help them with their DUI.
A person faces many penalties when being charged with a DUI. The severity of the penalties will depend on how many times a person has been charged. One can expect to face these penalties in the state of Vermont:
- Jail time can vary from two to five years. Those with a first or second offense can face up to two years while a third DUI charge could result in a maximum sentence of up to five years.
- The fines one may face are up to $750 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,500 for a third offense. Fines can be charged in addition to jail time and other penalties.
- A first DUI offense can result in a 90-day suspension of the license. Second offenses could cause a person to lose their license for 18 months while a third offense could result in a lifetime loss.
- In some cases, a judge can order an ignition interlock to be put in place. This means the driver would have to blow into the device before they can drive.
The alcohol levels that can cause a DUI in Vermont are .02% for those under 21, .08% for those over 21, and .04% for commercial drivers. If one is charged with a DUI, it is important they hire the Lawyers in Burlington VT to help them. If you are in need of legal services, contact Jason J. Sawyer Attorney And Counselor At Law. He and his team will be happy to help you through the entire trial process.
