Norton, Virginia DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

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

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Norton, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 969-5197 for a fast, free consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a dedicated DUI Criminal Defense Attorney 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 driving privileges in Virginia.)

Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing an DUI charge in Virginia understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a capable and skilled DUI defense attorney will help you understand all of your options and rights.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Norton?

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

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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. 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 crucial that you submit your request to the Virginia DMV (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

(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.)

• Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DWI or 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 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.
• 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.
• Monetary Fines - A first time DWI or DUI conviction results in fines from $250.00, up to $2,500.00.
• DUI Jail Time - In Norton, Virginia, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in up to one year imprisonment.

Norton, 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 revoked for any alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the automobile for an additional 90 days following a DUI / 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.