In general, drinking alcohol is a part of being social, where friends gather in bars, at parties or even in the comfort of their own homes for a few rounds of drinks and the sharing of good times. When done responsibly, drinking alcohol is just part of the fun… but, when an intoxicated person gets behind the wheel, that fun becomes dangerous for everyone. In Virginia, a DUI is a big deal, with a wide range of court costs, fines, the Virginia ASAP program and a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock requirement for the offender. But, a Virginia DUI has another consequence – if you let your intoxicated friend drive your car, you could be guilty of a crime, too.
Virginia DUI law says that if your friend is found to be driving under the influence in your vehicle, you could face a misdemeanor criminal charge. Plus, the vehicle in question will be impounded if they are driving it while their license is suspended. If your friend is under the age of 21, you’re looking at even more consequences, like high fines, a year in jail and having your own license suspended. Not only is your friend’s life worth refusing to let them drive under the influence, but so is your future. It’s that simple.
The consequences for a Virginia DUI, like an ignition interlock device, can keep a person from driving under the influence. But, as a friend, you are the first obstacle to that person getting behind the wheel of a car. You can prevent a risky situation just by offering a sober ride home or the number of a taxi service. Drinking responsibly is more than keeping tabs on yourself; your friend is your responsibility, too. In Virginia, that responsibility can be the difference in your own criminal case, if you let a friend drink and drive.
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