VERMONT DRUNK DRIVING (DUI/DWI/OUI)
If you have been arrested for drinking and driving, it is very important that you thoroughly read all of your paperwork immediately. You will lose valuable rights if you do not take certain actions. There are two portions to a drinking and driving case in Vermont. Those are explained as follows:
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CRIMINAL CASE:
On a first offense in Vermont you are looking at the following potential consequences:
1. 90-day loss of your license
2. 2 years in jail
3. $750.00 fine
4. Possibly all of the above
It is RARE that anyone goes to jail on a first offense, don't panic. | CIVIL SUSPENSION MATTER:
The civil suspension portion of your case is where the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license as the result of a drinking and driving arrest.
A loss in the civil suspension matter will result in a 90 day loss of your license (180 days if you refused the test at the station). In order to contest this case you must request a hearing. YOU MUST REQUEST A HEARING WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE DAY YOU WERE STOPPED. If you do not request a hearing within 7 days, you will automatically lose your license, regardless of whether or not you are convicted in the criminal case. |
Many of our clients are arrested for drinking and driving while in Vermont on vacation. There are special considerations in cases where someone has a license from another state. It may be possible in some instances to resolve your case without you ever needing to return to Vermont. |
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