Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal no matter where it occurs. The state of Vermont takes a tough stance on DWI, levying steep fines and imposing long jail sentences on offenders. Read on to learn more about the state’s DWI laws.
The BAC Limit
Vermont has a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) limit that presumes a person is under the influence. If a driver has a BAC of .08 or greater during testing, the state suspends their license for at least 90 days. However, if their BAC is more than twice the legal limit, the state’s laws provide enhanced sanctions such as possible vehicle immobilization or forfeiture. The state has a zero-tolerance policy for those under age 21, commercial drivers and school bus drivers; for these groups, the BAC limit is only .02.
Implied Consent
According to state law, anyone operating or controlling a vehicle on the highway is considered to have given consent to breath BAC testing. The evidentiary test is necessary when an officer reasonably believes that a person is operating a vehicle with a BAC that’s more than the legal limit. If a person can’t take a breath test, or if the officer believes they’re under the influence of illicit substances, they’ve automatically consented to a blood draw.
Refusing to Take the Test
In the state of Vermont, if a person is accused of DWI and refuses blood, urine or breath testing, their driver’s license will be revoked or suspended.
- A first refusal carries a suspension of six months.
- Second refusals come with an 18-month suspension.
- Third refusals carry a lifetime revocation.
Consult a DWI attorney in Burlington, VT to learn more about legal options after refusing to take a test.
Seeking Legal Help
When a driver faces DWI charges in Vermont, there’s a lot at stake. The effects of a DWI can be long-lasting and costly, which means it’s important to seek the right legal help as soon as possible after an arrest. Contact Jason J. Sawyer, Attorney & Counselor At Law today to get legal advice and representation from a skilled DWI attorney in Burlington, VT.