Blacksburg, Virginia DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

Michael C. Tillotson Endorsements:

• Member of the National College for DUI Defense
• The American Trial Lawyers Association
• NHTSA trained on field sobriety tests
• Nationally Certified Breath Test Operator
• Member of Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Awarded 2007 Top Trial Lawyers
• Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you have been charged with a DWI in Blacksburg, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson at (757) 969-5197 for a free, professional consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is an aggressive and experienced DUI defense lawyer whose Law Firm is limited to DUI Defense throughout the entire state of Virginia.(Remember, you only have 10 days to file for an administrative hearing to protect your driving privileges in Virginia.)

Being charged with DUI can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a Virginia DUI understand what challenges they will encounter. To know all of your options and rights, contact Michael C. Tillotson today.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Blacksburg?

According to Virginia law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. There is a criminal action that is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action that is brought against your driver's license by the Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Virginia. Because of this, it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Virginia DUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Virginia law, an individual has 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to the administrative hearing, it is very important that you submit your request to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia within 10 days.

The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson can help with this. Please call today or fill out the form for a consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

(Note that these are Virginia State statutes. With the help of Michael C. Tillotson you can reduce, or eliminate, possible fines, jail time, and save your Virginia driver's license.)

• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Blacksburg, Virginia, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Virginia for up to one year ... with a conviction.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in Virginia.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Virginia for 1 year.
• Monetary Fines - A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in fines from $250.00, up to $2,500.00.
• DUI Jail Time - A first time DUI conviction results in up to one year imprisonment.

Blacksburg, Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment

The vehicle you are driving will be immediately impounded for 90 days if you are caught driving after your license has been revoked for any alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the automobile for an additional 90 days following a DWI or DUI conviction. The vehicle owner (if other than the driver) may petition the court for release of the vehicle. Anyone who knowingly permits operation of their motor vehicle by a person known to have a revoked or suspended license for an alcohol-related offense can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.