Eastern Shore DUI Attorneys

DUI Defense for Out-of-State Drivers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

If you’re driving through the Eastern Shore of Virginia and get pulled over for a DUI, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re from out of state. Many drivers pass through this region on Rt 13 or while crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which are common areas for traffic stops. Driving Defense Law is here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

DUI Charges on Rt 13: A Major Route for Travelers

Route 13 is a primary artery for travelers passing through the Eastern Shore of Virginia, stretching from Pennsylvania to Florida. It’s a major corridor for drivers from New York, Pennsylvania, and other nearby states heading south or back home. Law enforcement heavily patrols this road, and out-of-state drivers are often targeted for traffic violations, including DUI offenses.

If you’ve been pulled over and charged with a DUI on Rt 13, the process can be complicated. Virginia’s strict DUI laws apply to all drivers, regardless of where their license was issued. This can mean severe penalties, including fines, suspension of driving privileges, or even jail time. It’s crucial to have Driving Defense Law on your side, guiding you through the process and ensuring that your case is handled effectively.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel: A Common DUI Enforcement Zone

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is not just a marvel of engineering; it’s also a heavily monitored area for traffic violations. Stretching for over 17 miles, this bridge connects the Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach and other parts of southeastern Virginia. Many drivers traveling for vacations or returning home are unfamiliar with the strict enforcement that can happen here.

Law enforcement routinely sets up checkpoints or conducts stops for minor traffic infractions, which can escalate into DUI investigations. Out-of-state drivers, unfamiliar with Virginia’s zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving, may find themselves facing unexpected legal trouble. Driving Defense Law specializes in defending DUI charges on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, helping you understand your rights and options.

Out-of-State DUI Tickets: What You Need to Know

If you’ve received a DUI ticket while driving through Virginia, but your driver’s license is from another state, you may be wondering how this will affect you when you return home. In Virginia, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences that follow you beyond state lines. Through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC), Virginia shares DUI conviction information with most other states, meaning that your home state will likely be notified of your offense.

This can result in consequences such as points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even the suspension of your license, depending on your state’s laws. Driving Defense Law has extensive experience handling out-of-state DUI cases and can guide you through this complicated process to minimize the impact of your charge.

Why You Need Driving Defense Law for Out-of-State DUI Tickets

Virginia’s DUI laws are strict, and dealing with a DUI charge as an out-of-state driver presents unique challenges. Hiring Driving Defense Law, with our local knowledge of Northampton County courts, Rt 13, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, can significantly improve the outcome of your case. We can appear on your behalf, work to reduce charges, and minimize penalties so that your out-of-state offense doesn’t have lasting repercussions back home.

If you need experienced DUI representation for an out-of-state charge on the Eastern Shore, contact Driving Defense Law today to discuss your case. We specialize in helping drivers from out of state navigate Virginia’s complex DUI laws.

Virginia treats all first offense DUI and DWI as criminal acts in the VA criminal law chapter.

If you have been charged with a DUI you need to seek representation from Driving Defense Law as soon as possible to ensure that you are protected.

In Virginia you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, or if you have detectable controlled substances in your system. Including:

• 0.02 milligrams of cocaine
• 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine
• 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine
• 0.1 milligrams of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine

The penalties for a DUI conviction depends on whether you have prior DUI convictions and whether you are under the age of 21.

Penalties of Driving Under the Influence in Virginia

First DUI

If this is your first DUI conviction, you are facing a mandatory minimum fine of $250, a requirement to complete the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP), up to 12 months in jail, and a one-year license revocation.

Second DUI

If this is your second DUI conviction, you are facing a mandatory minimum fine of $500, a requirement to complete ASAP, a potential one-year jail sentence, and a three year license revocation. You could also face a mandatory 10 day jail sentence if it is your second DUI in a 10 year period, or a 20 day jail sentence if it is your second DUI in a 5 year period.

Third DUI

If this is your third DUI conviction then you are facing felony charges. Including a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000, a requirement to complete ASAP, an indefinite revocation of driving privileges, and a potential one-to-five-year sentence of imprisonment. You are also facing a potential 90 day jail term and the forfeiture of the vehicle you were driving if it is your third DUI in 10 years. A third conviction within 5 years produces a mandatory sentence of six months in jail.

Underage DUI

If you are underage and convicted of a DUI you are facing a mandatory one year suspension of driving privileges, a minimum fine of $500 or 50 hours of community service and up to 12 months in jail.

Demerit Points – 6 points

If you are convicted of a DUI you should also expect to receive six demerit points on your record.

• Driving while intoxicated (11 years)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (11 years)
• Driving under the influence of drugs (11 years)
• Driving after illegally consuming alcohol (under the age of 21) (3 years)
• Driving while intoxicated – maiming (11 years)
• Involuntary manslaughter/alcohol (11 years)
• Refusing blood/breath test (11 years)
• Driving while your license is suspended or revoked for driving while intoxicated (11 years)
• Driving while your license is revoked for driving while intoxicated – maiming (11 years)
• Driving while your license is revoked for driving while intoxicated – involuntary manslaughter (11 years)

Virginia Code

18.2-266 Driving Motor Vehicle, Engine, etc., while Intoxicated – § 18.2-266. Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc (virginia.gov)

• While such a person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent of alcohol
• Blood concentration of:
  • 0.02 milligrams of cocaine
  • 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine
  • 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine
  • 0.1 milligrams of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine

18.2-270 Penalty for Driving while Intoxicated etc. – § 18.2-270. Penalty for driving while intoxicated; subsequent offense; prior conviction (virginia.gov)

Involuntary Manslaughter

18.2-36.1 Conduct Punishable as Involuntary Manslaughter – § 18.2-36.1. Certain conduct punishable as involuntary manslaughter (virginia.gov)

• Any person, as a result of driving under the influence, causes the death of another person, will be guilty of involuntary manslaughter
• If the conduct showed a reckless disregard for human life, he is guilty of aggravated involuntary manslaughter

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