Get help from an Virginia DUI Attorney

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

Being charged with a DUI or 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 free consultation.

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Charlottesville, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 969-5197 for a free, professional 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 serious consequences, 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 a capable and skilled DUI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

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

DWI or DUI in Charlottesville, Virginia

In Charlottesville, Virginia, once you have been cited for violating the DUI or DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous but separate legal actions against you. A criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges.

Virginia DUI or DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Virginia law, an individual has 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Virginia DMV (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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.

The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson can help with this. Please call today or fill out the form for a free 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 Charlottesville, Virginia, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in up to one year time in jail.
• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Charlottesville, Virginia, a first time DWI or 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) of 0.04. A first time DWI or 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 Charlottesville, Virginia, a first time DWI or 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 Virginia driver's license for 1 year.

Virginia Subsequent DUI Offenses

If you have been charged with a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th offense, it is imperative that you contact the Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson. Penalties for DUI in Charlottesville, Virginia are increasingly more severe for any additional offenses and you must be aware of your rights and act now.

Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment

The vehicle you are driving will be immediatelyimpounded for 90 days if you are caught driving after your license has been revoked for an alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the vehicle for an additional 90 days following a DUI or DWI conviction. The vehicle owner (if other than the driver) may petition the court for release of the automobile. 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.