Many who are arrested for DUI in Vermont have never had trouble with the law. Because of this, many motorists who face prosecution will do online research on potential penalties. Although the maximum penalty would scare anyone, there’s a baseline punishment to expect when facing a first DUI charge.
Suspended License
If a person is convicted of DUI, they automatically lose their license for 90 days if they submitted to breath testing. The penalty for refusing the breath test is a minimum six-month suspension. However, this is just one thing a driver has to worry about before they hire drunk driving attorneys in Vermont.
SR-22 Insurance Requirements
When someone loses their license because of a first DUI, many insurers will decline to cover them. Vermont requires drivers to get an SR-22 form to prove adequate coverage before a license can be reinstated. This insurance comes at a high cost, which can be up to five times more than standard coverage.
Fines
Beyond a conviction on one’s record, a driver can expect to pay hefty fines if they plead to DUI charges. Fines depend on BAC, the driver’s conduct during the case, and their criminal record. Although an attorney may be able to negotiate fines to an extent, a Vermont driver should expect to pay at least $600 in fines.
Court Costs
A person shouldn’t expect to get through the case by paying only the suggested fine. The state adds court costs, which can be as much as half of the fine amount. Therefore, the standard $600 fine can increase to $900 or more.
Mandatory Education
A person convicted of DUI must finish alcohol education courses as a condition of license reinstatement. There are two ways to do it: a weekend course or one that’s held during the week. While costs vary slightly, drivers can expect to pay a minimum of $450 for the course.
Required Counseling
Along with the above requirement, a high-risk DUI defendant must receive at least six counseling sessions before they can get a completion certificate for the alcohol education course. Counselors are available through the course’s administrator, and they typically cost about $80 per hour for a total of $480. Check out Sawyerlegal.com today to schedule a consultation with drunk driving attorneys in Vermont.
