Loudoun County Man Arrested For DUI & Attempted Burglary In Virginia
A man from Ashburn, Virginia faces criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) and attempted burglary, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror.
This incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on April 2, in the 20300 block of Belmont Park Terrace, when the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an intoxicated driver and an attempted burglary.
When they arrived on the scene, the deputies located the vehicle and residence in question. They were able to apprehend the suspected perpetrator shortly thereafter.
At this point, the Ashburn man remains in police custody without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. While this man awaits further legal developments, it seems pertinent to review the Virginia penalties for DUI and attempted burglary.
Virginia Punishment for DUI
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-270 outlines the punishment for DUI. Generally, DUI is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor on the first or second offense. If convicted, the maximum penalties can include 12 months in county jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.
Any person who commits DUI in Virginia for a third, fourth, or subsequent time will face Class 6 felony charges. If convicted, the penalties can include one to five years in prison and $2,500 in criminal fines.
In addition, Code of Virginia Section 18.2-270 mandates driver’s license suspension for DUI offenses. Depending on the number of previous offenses, if any, the applicable suspension period is generally a minimum of 12 months.
Virginia Punishment for Attempted Burglary
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-89 explains the punishment for burglary crimes. Under this section, burglary is normally charged as a Class 3 felony. If convicted, the penalties can include five to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in criminal fines.
If the perpetrator was armed with a deadly weapon while committing burglary, however, that is typically charged as a Class 2 felony. If convicted, the penalties can include 20 years to life in prison and $100,000 in criminal fines.
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-26 establishes the punishment for attempted crimes. The penalty changes based on the underlying offense, as explained below:
- If the underlying offense has a maximum sentence of life in prison, then any attempt is punishable as a Class 4 felony. Upon conviction, the penalties can include two to 10 years in prison and $100,000 in criminal fines.
- If the underlying offense has a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, then any attempt is punishable as a Class 5 felony. Upon conviction, the penalties can include one to 10 years in prison and $2,500 in criminal fines.
Synthesizing the information above, attempted burglary is usually charged as a Class 4/5 felony in Virginia, depending on whether the perpetrator was armed with a deadly weapon.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal assistance with DUI, attempted burglary, or other crimes in Virginia, contact a skilled Leesburg criminal defense attorney. Our team at Simms Showers LLP is here to help you today.
Resource:
loudountimes.com/news/ashburn-man-charged-with-attempted-burglary-destruction-of-property-dui/article_2cb7599c-964d-11eb-894a-bf36cb548b1b.html
