DWI or DUI Court Referral Programs in Virginia

If you have been pulled over and arrested for a drinking and driving offense in Virginia there are a few things that you can do to help stay out of jail and hopefully, avoid a life-changing DUI conviction. Depending on the type of charges you have, you may be required to complete a DWI or DUI Court Referral Program in Virginia.  When you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia, you will be required to complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. This program is also referred to as VASAP or ASAP. The education portion of this program is usually a 10-week course. In addition to classes, there is substance abuse treatment, supervision monitoring, and other special conditions ordered by the court. When your VASAP program conditions are met, the DMV will be notified of completion.

A DUI or DWI conviction in Virginia is not something to be taken lightly. It can have serious life-altering consequences far-reaching into many areas of your life. We have helped thousands of people over the years avoid significant jail time, fines, and license revocation periods. Getting help for underlying alcohol addiction will help the courts determine if you are taking full responsibility for driving under the influence and breaking the law. Call us today and let us help you with your drinking and driving arrest and help you find an alcohol recovery program. Addiction No More ® can not give legal advice however if you are looking for rehabilitation for addiction we can help you find treatment in your area or anywhere in the country. Give us a call today and we can help. 

1-800-513-5423

What to do if you have been arrested for drinking and driving

Drinking and driving in Virginia can be a serious offense and the consequences can have life-changing outcomes. If you have been pulled over, make sure that you know your rights and remain courteous at all times. Being compliant and courteous can affect the outcome of the court’s layout as punishment.

Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence (DUI) Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating a motor vehicle under the influence (OUI). These are the common terms used to describe operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Virginia, driving while intoxicated is considered a misdemeanor and is subject to the state’s laws regarding driving while drunk.

DWI/DUI diversion rehabs in Virginia are very familiar with the court-mandated treatment requirements that the courts have imposed for their Court ordered alcohol rehab centers. Some court-ordered DUI deferment programs will include alcohol evaluations and at the very least, alcohol and drug classes for first-time offenders. This can cost anywhere from $1000-2500 dollars with the fines, not including lawyer fees and bail.

If this is your second offense, getting involved in a treatment program for alcohol abuse will not only help your ongoing DWI-DUI case but benefit you as well. You should always enter into an alcohol treatment program knowing that there is a need for a change before something worse happens. Driving and Drinking can cost you your life or even worse someone else life. Treatment programs in Virginia for criminal justice clients will work with the court system to handle all the requirements for treatment to be considered time served. Once all the financial consequences are paid by the defendant and community service is completed if any, the Virginia district court may terminate the probation period.

Driving under the influence can damage many people’s lives other than yourself. Getting treatment for your alcohol dependency can help you understand that the risks of drinking and driving heavily outweigh the rewards. Sometimes, all it takes is to talk to someone who has had the burden of having someone die due to their alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. Our counselors are ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-513-5423

DUI First-Offender and Diversion Programs

If you get convicted of a first-offense DUI in Virginia, you will be facing a 12-month loss of license. You will also be required to complete ASAP, which is the Alcohol Safety Action Program, and pay a fine of generally $300 to $500. A first-offense DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor in the state of Virginia. Conviction penalties include up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, with a mandatory minimum of $250.

The laws are different in each state for DWI offenses that allow for deferment programs instead of jail time. Some states, depending on the circumstances, will mandate treatment and community service. Some of these mandates can be handled while in treatment for alcohol abuse. Virginia has a deferment program for first-time DWI offenders as long as there are no injuries, accidents, or drugs involved. If you have been arrested for your second DWI/DUI in Virginia, it is highly recommended that you give us a call to find out your options for a deferment program instead of jail time. This will help with the possible consequences that the courts may impose on you. Drinking and driving can have serious outcomes including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and other very serious charges. When a minor is involved, there are more serious outcomes that the courts in Virginia can impose on the offender. If there has been an accident or death due to drinking and driving there will be significant jail time imposed as well as the knowledge that your indulgence cost someone their life.

Penalties for drinking and driving in Virginia

In Virginia, the Judge has the option to order the interlock ignition device for a period not exceeding the initial suspension period. The use of the interlock ignition system will be sentenced to start after the initial suspension period has been completed.

First Offense: First-time DWI offenders can face up to 12 months in jail, fines between $250 to $2,500, and a suspension period of no more than 12 months.

Second Offense: 2nd DWI conviction within 5 years of a previous conviction in Virginia the courts may order up to one year in jail, fines of $250 up to $2,500, and the driving privileges for up to 3 years.

Third Offense: 3 DWI convictions within a 10-year period can result in facing permanent driving privileges revocation as well as the forfeiture of the vehicle to be sent to public auction. the minimum fine for the 3rd DWI in Virginia is $1,000. In Virginia, the 3rd DWI conviction is considered a Class C felony that will follow you for the rest of your life.

Virginia has specific drinking and driving laws and penalties for people who have been convicted of a DUI/DWI. There are minimum and maximum fines and penalties that are at the discretion of the judge and prosecuting attorney depending on many different factors and circumstances surrounding the case.

Find Deferred Prosecution Rehabs Near Me

We can help you locate treatment for addiction in your area or anywhere in the country. To locate AA meetings, group meetings, 12-step programs, inpatient treatment, or outpatient services in your town give us a call. There are many options for drug rehab services in many cities in Virginia.

Alexandria, Virginia Alcohol Rehabs
Arlington, Virginia Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Ashburn, VA Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
Chesapeake, Virginia Substance Abuse and Alcoholism Treatment
Norfolk, VA 30/90-Day Treatment Centers
Portsmouth, VA Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs
Richmond, Virginia Treatment Centers for Addiction
Virginia Beach, VA Detox Centers, and Rehab Facilities


Treatment for alcoholism in place of jail time in Virginia is a very common outcome for those seeking help to end their addictions. If you have an open DWI case in Virginia, call us and we can help you locate a deferment program in your county that works with DUI and DWI offenders. We can help you find the best rehab center for alcohol misuse today. Addiction No More ® is an Addiction Treatment Center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.

Sources
Virginia State Crime Commission
VASAP
Drug Court In Virginia
Dmv168

Erik Epp – Content Author