Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Viterbo

About Drunk Driving Law in Viterbo, Italy

Drunk driving, or "guida in stato di ebbrezza," is a serious offense in Viterbo, Italy, governed by both national and local regulations. Italian laws on drunk driving are strict and aim to ensure the safety of all road users. In Viterbo, as in the rest of Italy, penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense. Local police frequently carry out roadside checks, especially during weekends and holidays, to deter and detect drunk driving.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Being accused of drunk driving in Viterbo can have severe legal and personal consequences. Legal assistance is crucial in the following situations:

• You have been stopped and charged with DUI after a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test.
• You are facing administrative sanctions such as license suspension or vehicle confiscation.
• You caused an accident while under the influence of alcohol.
• You are a non-Italian citizen and concerned about how a DUI conviction could affect your residency status.
• You wish to challenge or appeal a DUI charge or the results of a breathalyzer test.
• You need guidance on fulfilling legal obligations, such as mandatory education courses or community service linked to a DUI conviction.

Local Laws Overview

Drunk driving laws in Viterbo are primarily based on Italy’s national "Codice della Strada" (Road Code). Important points to be aware of include:

• Legal Blood Alcohol Limit: For most drivers, the legal limit is 0.5 grams per liter (g/l). For novice drivers (under 3 years of first license), professional drivers, and drivers under 21, the limit is zero.
• Penalties: Penalties increase with the BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) level detected. Fines, license suspension, criminal charges, and imprisonment are possible.
• Aggravating Factors: Causing an accident, refusing to take a test, or having exceptionally high BAC leads to harsher penalties.
• Administrative Penalties: License suspension starts from three months and can go up to two years or even longer, especially for repeat offenses or high BAC levels.
• Criminal Record: Higher BAC or causing harm may lead to criminal prosecution, resulting in a permanent criminal record.
• Vehicle Confiscation: In some cases, especially with high BAC and repeat offenses, the vehicle can be seized and confiscated by the authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Viterbo, Italy?

The general legal BAC limit is 0.5 g/l. For professional drivers and those under 21 or who have held a license for less than three years, the limit is zero.

What happens if I refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test?

Refusing to take a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test is considered equivalent to a high-level offense and can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, and criminal charges.

What are the typical penalties for drunk driving in Viterbo?

Penalties range from fines (starting at around €527), license suspension (from 3 months up to 2 years), mandatory education courses, and, in severe cases, imprisonment and vehicle confiscation.

Can I challenge the results of a breathalyzer test?

Yes, there are legal grounds to challenge the results, especially if you believe the procedure was not correctly followed or the device was not properly calibrated.

Will a drunk driving conviction affect my criminal record?

If your BAC is above 0.8 g/l or the offense involved aggravating factors, you may receive a criminal conviction, which will be entered into your record.

What should I do if I am a foreign resident and charged with DUI?

Seek legal advice immediately to understand the impact on your status. Penalties are the same as for Italian citizens, but there could be immigration-related consequences.

Are there alternative sanctions to imprisonment?

Some cases may allow for alternative sanctions such as public service or attendance at alcohol rehabilitation courses instead of imprisonment.

What happens if I cause an accident while drunk driving?

Penalties become significantly harsher, including longer license suspension, higher fines, a probable prison sentence, and potential compensation claims from victims.

Can my vehicle be confiscated for drunk driving?

Yes, especially for high BAC levels, repeat offenses, or if you do not own the vehicle, authorities may seize and permanently confiscate the vehicle used.

How long will my license be suspended for drunk driving?

Suspension varies depending on BAC and circumstances: from three to six months for BAC up to 0.8 g/l, six months to a year for higher levels, and up to two years or more for aggravated cases.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or assistance about drunk driving laws in Viterbo, consider contacting these organizations or offices:

• Local Police (Polizia Locale di Viterbo): For immediate incidents and reports.
• Carabinieri: National law enforcement available for emergencies and legal inquiries.
• Prefettura di Viterbo (Viterbo Prefecture): Administrative office for driving license issues and sanctions.
• Ordine degli Avvocati di Viterbo: The local bar association can recommend specialized DUI lawyers.
• Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI): Offers information on rules, penalties, and road safety courses related to drunk driving.

Next Steps

If you are involved in a drunk driving incident or have been charged with DUI in Viterbo, it’s important to act quickly and responsibly. Here’s how to proceed:

• Remain Calm and Cooperative: Always cooperate with law enforcement officers and do not resist roadside checks.
• Do Not Sign Documents Without Understanding: If you do not fully grasp what you are being asked to sign, request clarification or legal counsel.
• Contact a Specialized Lawyer: Seek advice from a lawyer who has experience with DUI cases in Viterbo.
• Collect All Documentation: Gather any paperwork provided by the police or authorities, including test results and notice of sanctions.
• Attend Required Hearings or Courses: Respond promptly to any summons for administrative hearings or alcohol education courses.
• Inform Your Insurance: Notify your motor insurer as required, especially if your vehicle was involved in an accident.
• Follow Legal Advice: Rely on your lawyer to guide you through the process, from contesting charges to appealing decisions or reinstating your license.

Remember, addressing a drunk driving charge promptly and seeking trained legal assistance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.