Buena Vista, Virginia DUI Attorney

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Buena Vista, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 969-5197 for a consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a dedicated Attorney whose Law Firm is limited to solely DUI Defense, and practices throughout the entire state of Virginia.(Remember, you only have 10 days, from the date of your arrest, to file for an administrative hearing to protect your driving privileges.)

Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a Virginia DUI understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an aggressive and professional DUI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Michael C. Tillotson Endorsements:

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

Michael C. Tillotson will help you fight your DUI (DWI) Charge

Being charged with a DUI / DWI in the State of Virginia is a serious offense that can have significant consequences if not handled properly. The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson will help you fight you case. Please call today or fill out the form for a quick and easy consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Buena Vista?

In Virginia, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous 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. Because of this, it is imperative to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Virginia DUI (DWI) 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 imperative 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 quick and easy consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

(Please take note that these are state statutes. With the help of Michael C. Tillotson you can reduce, or eliminate, possible fines, jail time, and save your drivers license.)

• DUI Jail Time - In Buena Vista, Virginia, a first time DUI (DWI) conviction results in up to one year jail time.
• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Buena Vista, Virginia, a first time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to one year ... with a conviction.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Buena Vista, Virginia, a first time DWI / DUI conviction results in fines from $250.00, up to $2,500.00.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 1 year.

Buena Vista, 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 suspended for any alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the automobile for an additional 90 days following a DUI / DWI 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.