Hopewell, Virginia DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Michael C. Tillotson will help you fight your 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 you case. Please call today or fill out the form for a professional and free consultation.

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

Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing an DUI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced DUI defense attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

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

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Hopewell?

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

Virginia DWI or DUI 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 very important 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 professional and free consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

(With the help of Michael C. Tillotson you can reduce or eliminate any possible fines or jail time, and save your Virginia driver's license.)

• DUI Jail Time - A first time DWI or DUI conviction results in up to one year time in jail.
• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Hopewell, Virginia, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of Virginia 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 DUI or 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Hopewell, Virginia, a first time DUI or 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 Hopewell, Virginia are increasingly more severe for any additional offenses and you must be aware of your rights and act now.

Hopewell, Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment

The vehicle you are driving will be immediately immobilized 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 (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.