DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Franklin, Virginia

Michael C. Tillotson will fight your Franklin, Virginia DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) Charge

Being arrested for a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 professional and free 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 Franklin, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 969-5197 for a consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a dedicated Criminal Defense Lawyer 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 consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a Virginia DUI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DUI criminal defense lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

DUI - DWI in Franklin, Virginia

In Franklin, Virginia, once you have been cited for violating the DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 license by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Virginia.

Virginia DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 driver's 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 professional and 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.)

• 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.
• DUI Jail Time - In Franklin, Virginia, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in up to one year jail time.
• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Franklin, Virginia, a first time DUI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Virginia for up to one year ... with a conviction.
• Monetary Fines - In Franklin, Virginia, a first time DUI - DWI 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 in Virginia 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. Consequences for DUI in Franklin, Virginia are increasingly more severe for any additional offenses and you must be aware of your rights and act now.

Franklin, 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 driver's license has been revoked for any alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the automobile for an additional 90 days following a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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.