DUI Virginia Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment

The state of Virginia is considered the state of many firsts. In fact, it is the first state to have brewed mead, and also is the first state to have the first wine cellar in the country. George Washington was one of the largest fermenters and distillers in the country. Virginia is one of the only states in the US, which still makes it legal to make moonshine. The state of Virginia is also the only state in the US that has a drug museum. Don’t let all of this fool you though, Virginia has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country.

DUI in Virginia means Driving While Intoxicated, meaning not having the normal use of your mental and physical abilities due to any form of drug or alcohol use. Every citizen who does receive a license in Virginia automatically gives consent for BAC, or Blood Alcohol Content Tests. This means that your blood, breath, and urine can be tested if you are under the suspicion of being under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. The ‘per-se’ law of Virginia is, if your blood alcohol content is that of .08%, you can be charged with a criminal offense. This percentage constitutes that of being impaired, and you can also be prosecuted while driving under the influence and not just for alcohol abuse but also people addicted to drugs. This can only happen if you are proven to have been driving in an unsafe manner.

The evidence that can be used is the following:

• Slurred speech
• Blood shot/watery eyes
• Un-balanced co-ordination
• Hazardous driving
• Field sobriety tests

Even if you have not been drinking, but are under the influence of some benign substance or source, you can still be charged, and your license can be subject to automatic license removal.

In Virginia, you can also be cited for a DUI if your blood alcohol content is over the limit with other illicit drugs. Cocaine at.02% or higher, methamphetamines at .10% or higher, PCP at .01% or higher, and MDMA at .10% or higher.

After being charged in the state of Virginia you will face the criminal courts and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. When this happens your license can be revoked, and you will be offered a formal hearing. You also have tens days to make a request for an administrative hearing, in order to keep your driving privileges. The state of Virginia also has the Drivers license Compact agreement, which means if you are an out of state driver and you are charged with a DUI in Virginia. The charge will get reported to your home state, where you can face additional fines and a possible license suspension.

^{Works Cited - DUI-Help.com 1997, 19 June 2009 http://dui-help.com/virginia/
United States DUI Laws 2006, 19 June 2009 http://dui.drivinglaws.org/virginia.php}

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