1TimeDWIOffense
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VA
Hello,
I was driving solo and arrested while driving drunk - there was no accident, I was going down the wrong direction on a 1 way road. I failed the field sobriety test and blew a .27. This is my first offense, I have no criminal record, and have not had a ticket (speeding) since 2003.
I was polite and courteous, and the magistrate told me he wanted me to consider this a "warning", so I was in the city lockup for a few hours and released. The Warrant of Arrest is marked as "General District Court Traffic" as opposed to "General District Court Criminal". It is marked as a Class 1 Misdemeanor with a bond of $1500 owed to the Commonwealth of VA, though I did not have to pay anything up front. The codes listed on my recognizance are 18.2-266 and 18.2-270, both of which I am already familiar with.
My court date is has been set for two days after the arrest - I will request this to be changed to give myself time to find a good lawyer as money is not an object.
Is there any way to plea to avoid the mandatory 10 day jail term, to suspend it via probation, or at least serve only on weekends? How about the ignition lock breath tester? I understand I will have my license restricted or suspended for a year.
Thank you all for your advice!
Hello,
I was driving solo and arrested while driving drunk - there was no accident, I was going down the wrong direction on a 1 way road. I failed the field sobriety test and blew a .27. This is my first offense, I have no criminal record, and have not had a ticket (speeding) since 2003.
I was polite and courteous, and the magistrate told me he wanted me to consider this a "warning", so I was in the city lockup for a few hours and released. The Warrant of Arrest is marked as "General District Court Traffic" as opposed to "General District Court Criminal". It is marked as a Class 1 Misdemeanor with a bond of $1500 owed to the Commonwealth of VA, though I did not have to pay anything up front. The codes listed on my recognizance are 18.2-266 and 18.2-270, both of which I am already familiar with.
My court date is has been set for two days after the arrest - I will request this to be changed to give myself time to find a good lawyer as money is not an object.
Is there any way to plea to avoid the mandatory 10 day jail term, to suspend it via probation, or at least serve only on weekends? How about the ignition lock breath tester? I understand I will have my license restricted or suspended for a year.
Thank you all for your advice!
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