Get help from an Virginia DUI Attorney

Michael C. Tillotson will help with your DUI Charge

Being charged with a DWI or DUI in Colonial Heights, Virginia is a serious offense that can have major 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 consultation.

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 arrested for a DWI in Colonial Heights, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson at (757) 969-5197 for a fast and free consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a capable 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 serious 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. To know all of your rights and options, contact Michael C. Tillotson today.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Colonial Heights?

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 Virginia DMV. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Virginia. 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 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 imperative that you submit your request to the Virginia DMV 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 driver's license in Virginia.)

• DUI Jail Time - A first time DUI conviction results in up to one year time in jail.
• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Colonial Heights, Virginia, a first time DWI / DUI 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) 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 - 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 Virginia driver's license for 1 year.

Colonial Heights, Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment

The vehicle you are driving will be immediately impounded for 90 days if you are caught driving after your driver's license has been revoked for any alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the vehicle 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.