Super Bowl Sunday is a great excuse for eating and drinking with friends in Newport News. Even for those who do not care about the outcome of the game, the commercials are a yearly draw. But for anyone who may have had one drink too many before driving home a Virginia drunk driving charge might be a costly mistake.

Those leaving Super Bowl game parties between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. are more likely to be driving under the influence of alcohol - possibly as many as three out of every ten drivers on the road is drunk - according to researchers. Every year, many suspected drunk drivers are arrested after the game ends.

Virginia DUI Laws

In Virginia, is unlawful for a person to drive a car if his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over 0.08. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles almost 50 percent of the drivers arrested for DUI were social or moderate drivers. The average BAC of those tested on suspicion of drunk driving in Virginia was .14.

DUI Penalties

A first-time DUI charge is a misdemeanor. The penalties for a first conviction include court fees, fines and possible jail time. For example, if a person's BAC is greater than .15 and less than .20, a mandatory jail sentence of five days is ordered. For those who have had a previous DUI conviction within the previous five to ten years, a sentence will include a higher fine and jail time.

More law enforcement officers take to the roads on stepped up patrols following the Super Bowl. If ever stopped on suspicion of impaired driving, be polite and cooperate with the officer. Then call a Virginia DUI attorney, who can protect your rights.

Source: The Washington Post, "Safe driving on Super Bowl Sunday," Mark Berman, Feb. 1, 2012