DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Chesapeake, Virginia

Michael C. Tillotson will fight your Chesapeake, Virginia DWI or DUI Charge

Being charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 your case. Please call today or fill out the form for a free consultation.

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Chesapeake, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson at (757) 969-5197 for a fast and free consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is an assertive and professional DUI criminal defense attorney 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 major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing an DUI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. To know all of your rights and options, contact Michael C. Tillotson today.

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

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Chesapeake?

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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Virginia. Because of this, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Virginia DWI or DUI Administrative Hearing

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

(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 driver's license in Virginia.)

• Monetary Fines - In Chesapeake, Virginia, a first time DUI / DWI conviction results in fines from $250.00, up to $2,500.00.
• DUI Jail Time - In Chesapeake, Virginia, a first time DWI or DUI conviction results in up to one year time in jail.
• 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.
• Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI / DWI 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 Content) level of 0.04. A first time DUI / DWI 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.

Chesapeake, Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment

The vehicle you are driving will be immediately immobilized or 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 vehicle for an additional 90 days following a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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.