Vermont Driving Under the Influence Law
In common with many other States, a DUI arrest in Vermont will lead to two cases being brought against the defendant, a criminal case and a Department of Motor Vehicles case. If you have been arrested for DUI in Vermont, you have only a limited time in order to apply for a hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to retain your driver's license. It is therefore essential that you contact a Vermont DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Charges for DUI in Vermont can be prosecuted either on the basis of Blood Alcohol Concentration, which is currently set at a maximum of 0.15%, with enhancements for those registering a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or through proving impairment through “field sobriety tests”, driving patterns or through the testing of breath, blood or urine. A skilled DUI lawyer will be able to handle each of these situations.
Please note that Vermont has no “washout period”, meaning that any previous DUI conviction may be used against you in order to stiffen and punishments.
Refusal submit a blood or breath test will lead to a 6 month suspension of your license for the first refusal, 18 months for the second and 3 years for the third.
| Conviction | Punishment |
| First | Maximum fine of $750, no minimum jail term, 90 day license suspension |
| Second | Minimum 60 hour jail term, possible 200 hours community service instead of jail, fine of up to $1500, possible immobilization of vehicle, 18 month license suspension |
| Third | Maximum fine of $2500, minimum 100 hours jail, 400 hours community service possible instead of jail, possible vehicle immobilization, possible forfeiting of vehicle. License revoked for life. |
Contact your Burlington DUI lawyer