1. Not taking the matter seriously. A charge of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (DUI) is a serious charge that can impact many aspects of your life for many years. If you are convicted of DUI you may be jailed, you will probably be fined, and your license to drive in Virginia will automatically be suspended/revoked for at least one year. In addition, your insurance rates will increase, and before you can get your license to drive reinstated you will have to provide SR22 proof of insurance and complete an alcohol treatment education class. The Department of Motor Vehicles will report your conviction for at least 10 years. Lastly, since a DUI charge is a misdemeanor criminal offense it may have an impact on your employment, security clearance, etc.

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