Richmond, Virginia DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Richmond, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson at (757) 969-5197 for a quick and easy consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a capable and professional DUI criminal defense attorney whose Law Firm is limited to DUI Defense throughout the entire state of Virginia.(Remember, you only have 10 days to file for an administrative hearing to protect your Virginia driving privileges.)

Being charged with DUI can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a Virginia DUI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. To know all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use, contact Michael C. Tillotson today.

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

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

Being charged with 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 you case. Please call today or fill out the form for a consultation.

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 very 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 consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Richmond?

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

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 driver's license in Virginia.)

• 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 Richmond, 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 - A first time DUI / DWI conviction results in up to one year jail time.
• 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.

Richmond, 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 revoked for any alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the vehicle 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.