If you are convicted of or plead guilty to DUI in Virginia, you could face stiff punishments, such as a jail sentence, large fines, probation, and suspension of your driver’s license. You would also be required to complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). If you do not follow the requirements of the program, you could face additional harsh penalties.
What Is the VASAP?
You will be required to successfully complete the VASAP even if this is your first DUI offense. It is an educational and probation program. You would need 
to complete an educational course of at least 20 hours on the dangers of drinking and driving and how to be a safe driver. You could also be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing.
After completing the classes, you may have to remain on probation and be monitored through the program. A probation officer or case manager in the program could check on you to ensure that you are complying with any requirements not to consume alcohol and to maintain an interlock ignition device on your vehicle if you are granted a restricted license.
Consequences You Face If You Violate the VASAP
You could face additional harsh punishments if you violate the VASAP requirements. Common ways people break the rules include:
- Failing to attend the initial intake meeting
- Being charged with committing another crime
- Missing classes without first getting your attendance excused
- Failing a drug or alcohol test
- Tampering with your interlock ignition device
If you are caught violating these or other VASAP rules, your case manager or probation officer would notify the court of your violation, and a show cause hearing would be scheduled. You would need to attend this hearing and explain to the judge why you did not follow the rules. The judge could impose these penalties:
- Reinstatement of a jail sentence that may have been suspended contingent on you meeting certain requirements, such as completion of VASAP, set by the judge
- Payment of fines that were suspended
- Loss of the right to have your driver’s license reinstated by the Department of Motor Vehicles
Were you arrested for DUI in Virginia? Has a show cause hearing been scheduled because of alleged violations of VASAP rules? Our experienced DUI lawyers are here to explain your options and raise defenses to any charges you face so that you achieve the best possible outcome given your situation. To find out more about how we can assist you, start a live chat or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation today.
|
Related Links: |