DUI Criminal Defense Attorney - Portsmouth, Virginia

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 Portsmouth, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 969-5197 for a fast, 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 important that anyone facing an DUI charge in Virginia understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an accomplished and skilled DUI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

DUI / DWI in Portsmouth, Virginia

In Portsmouth, Virginia, once you have been cited for violating the DWI or DUI 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 DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Virginia.

Virginia DWI or DUI 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 important 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 fast 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.)

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC 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 Portsmouth, Virginia, a first time DWI or DUI conviction results in up to one year imprisonment.
• Virginia Driving Privileges and DUI - In Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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.

Portsmouth, Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment

The vehicle you are driving will be immediately impounded or 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 - DWI 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.