VERMONT

DWI Statute

In the state of Vermont, a driving while intoxicated offense is:

Vermont Statutes Annotated,  Section 1201

Typical Sentencing for First Offense

Jail Up to 2 years
Fines Up to $750

Additional:

  • Surcharge of $395 ($400 if the case is in either a Town or a Village Court)
  • Driver responsibility assessment of $250 a year for 3 years
License Suspension 90 days
Interlock Ignition Device (IID) No
Probation 1 to 5 years

Alternative Resolutions

These can reduce your sentence and in some cases lead to no conviction which are called conditional discharge. Admissibility remains unavailable until completion and in the interim of these alternative programs.

Availability for DWI Yes

Background checks

Pleading Down

Pleading guilty to some offenses is not equivalent to a crime in Canada, therefore it does not result in inadmissibility. Your lawyer could argue for a traffic violation or highway obstruction to contest a DUI/DWI which do not result in inadmissibility to Canada. Not all plea bargains will ensure admissibility.

Availability for DWI Yes
Possible plea(s) Wet Reckless

Expungement & Pardons

This allows your criminal record to be cleared. DUI convictions are eligible for expungements after the completion of the sentence, provided that there are no other charges pending against the offender.

Availability for DWI No
General info
  • Expungement or sealing available for nonviolent non-sexual misdemeanors and two minor felonies (grand larceny, criminal mischief) after a 10-year waiting period if no further convictions (if subsequently convicted, must wait 20 years if no felonies and no misdemeanor convictions within past 15 years)
  • If convicted under age 25, after 5 years or after 1 year if convicted of conduct no longer a crime
  • Deferred sentencing and diversion may result in expungement; sealing available under first-offender diversion program two years after successful completion
  • Youthful crimes committed under age 21 may be sealed two years after discharge if rehabilitated and no further criminal involvement
  • Expungement or sealing of non-conviction records if charges not brought or dismissed before trial

Application Links

If inadmissibility to Canada cannot be avoided, these are the remedies offered:

FWCanada free consultation offer

At FWCanada, we are happy to offer free consultation to promptly provide honest assessment of your case and chances of success. As one of the leading immigration law firms in the country specializing in criminal inadmissibility, we have extensive experience in handling a wide range of cases. We prioritize detailed review of each client’s case to optimise application approval.

Please call on our toll free number: +1 (855) 316 3555 to ask all your burning questions and remedy confusions, because providing honest and accurate advice is our ethos.

FWCanada is a Montreal-based immigration law firm that provides professional legal services on Canadian immigration. For more tips and updates on Canadian immigration, follow FWCanada on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.