Poquoson, Virginia DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

Michael C. Tillotson will help you fight your DUI / DWI Charge

Being arrested for 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 quick and easy consultation.

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 Poquoson, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 969-5197 for a fast and free consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney 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 charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing an DUI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and professional DUI lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Poquoson?

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 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 crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Virginia DUI / DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Virginia law, an individual has 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Virginia DMV. 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 imperative 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 quick and easy consultation.

First Time Offenders - DUI Penalties

(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.)

• 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Poquoson, Virginia, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in fines from $250.00, up to $2,500.00.
• DUI Jail Time - In Poquoson, Virginia, a first time DUI / DWI conviction results in up to one year time in jail.
• Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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.

Poquoson, 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 suspended 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 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.