In Vermont, drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated will face greater-than-average penalties. The reason for these hefty punishments is the risk of causing an accident including a fatality due to this choice. The following is a review of penalties commonly discussed by drunk driving law attorneys in Vermont.
What Administrative Penalties are Imposed on Drunk Drivers?
For the first offense, the state can assert administrative penalties that begin with a 90-day driver’s license suspension. However, the driver can get this reduced to 30 days if they install an ignition interlocking device in their vehicle at their own expense. The state requires the driver to pay a reinstatement fee of $82 for their license as well as $32 for the written examination and $19 for the driving examination fee. To acquire a restricted license, the driver must pay $125. They are also required to participate in alcohol abuse assessment, which will cost $200. An additional alcohol and driving program must also be completed at the cost of $250. The driver will also be required to purchase SR-22 certificates.
The Criminal Penalties for the First Offense
The driver will incur a fine at a maximum of $750. They could face up to two years in prison. The driver’s license suspension is determined by the judge. This suspension is based on the blood-alcohol content reading and any other events that occurred such as auto accidents.
The Criminal Penalties Imposed for the Second Offense
The fine for this criminal offense is a maximum of $1,500. The driver will face two years in prison. They are also required to complete at least 200 hours of community service or choose an additional 60 hours in prison. The driver’s license suspension is set at the judge’s discretion and is based on several applicable factors.
In Vermont, drivers who make the conscious choice to drive while intoxicated are punished according to strict state laws. These laws enable the state to lower the risk of auto accidents and auto accident-related deaths. Defendants who are facing these charges can contact us to hire drunk driving law attorneys in Vermont or to acquire more information today.
