Virginia DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Virginia and want to know your legal rights and defense options, contact Virginia DUI Defense Attorney Michael Tillotson. For immediate help, call (888) 377-9522 or complete the secure, on-line form to the left.

Michael Tillotson handles only VA DUI Defense cases and is recognized by the National College of DUI Defense for his commitment and dedication in defending citizens accused of impaired or drunk driving in Virginia. He is a nationally certified breath test operator and trained in field sobriety testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Following an arrest for DUI in VA, it's important to act quickly in order to achieve the best possible result. The experienced and qualified attorneys with the Law Offices of Michael Tillotson understand Virginia DUI laws, as well as medical and scientific issues that can provide an effective defense.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are used to refer to the same criminal offense. A conviction for even first offense DUI/DWI can result in mandatory enrollment in the Alcohol Safety Action Program, large fines, suspension of driver's license, and a jail sentence. A conviction would also lead to a criminal arrest record that could impact your ability to travel to some countries and jeopardize your ability to find or keep a job. Receiving a DUI in Virginia can have a long-term impact and should not be ignored or taken lightly.

Virginia DUI Attorney Michael C. Tillotson will review the details of your situation and provide an honest appraisal of your legal options. He has significant legal experience protecting the rights of those accused of DUI in Virginia. The Law Offices of Michael Tillotson provides a complete drunk driving defense, including help keeping your driving privileges, challenging evidence, questioning breath and blood testing equipment calibration and maintenance, interviewing witnesses, and even preparing for trial. Michael Tillotson wants to help you win your case.

The prosecutor and police are already building their case against you. Your driver's license could be suspended. Get the help you need by contacting Virginia DUI Lawyer Michael C. Tillotson and requesting a free initial consultation. Simply fill out the form to the left or call (888) 377-9522. The first meeting is free and confidential, so act now.

Michael Tillotson will provide you with an aggressive DUI defense strategy. He will take a personal interest in your case, answering your questions and explaining the charges against you. Virginia DUI Attorney Michael Tillotson is dedicated to helping you get the possible disposition of your case.

Virginia DUI Lawyer Michael C. Tillotson graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice Studies, and he received the Alpha Phi Sigma Award for graduating with the highest grade point average. He earned a law degree from Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary.

Michael Tillotson continues to develop DUI defense strategies and study court rulings by attending DUI seminars and specialized classes across the country. Besides being a top VA DUI attorney, he is a nationally certified breath test operator and he owns the most common breath test machine used in Virginia, the Intoxilyzer S-D5. This helps him identify potential errors and misapplication of the equipment that could result in a false high reading. Michael Tillotson also obtained a certificate of training in NHTSA field sobriety testing.

Virginia DUI Attorney Michael Tillotson is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is nationally recognized by the National College for DUI Defense as a Criminal Defense Lawyer dedicated to defending citizens accused of DUI.

To schedule an immediate, free consultation, call Virginia DUI Lawyer Michael Tillotson at (888) 377-9522 or fill out the consultation request form to the left.

Virginia DUI Laws

DUI/DWI is a class 1 misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A first time offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to $2500 in fines.

Virginia DUI laws mandate entry into ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program) and a one-year suspension of the defendant's drivers license.

You are DUI/DWI if you have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08 or above. If you register a 0.08 or higher BAC, your driver's license will be suspended for seven days immediately after arrest. This is separate from the one year license suspension if you are convicted.

First time offenders convicted of driving drunk in VA with a blood alcohol content (BAC) between .15 and .20 percent will be sentenced to a minimum, mandatory five day incarceration. Those with a .21 percent or higher BAC will be sentenced to a minimum of ten days in jail.

If you are convicted of a DUI first offense, you may be eligible for a restricted license. The defendant must "move" the court for the restricted license, but the court is under no obligation to grant one. If the judge allows a restricted license, the limitations are often:

• Driving to and from VASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program)
• Driving to and from work
• Driving during work hours with proper agendas
• Driving to and from school
• Driving to and from medical treatment

Some judges in Virginia do not allow the issuance of a restricted license until 30 days after the conviction date.

If you operate a motor vehicle on Virginia's public roads, you automatically agree to take a chemical test upon request. You are required to take the test. If you refuse, your license will be immediately suspended for seven days and it may be suspended for one year, whether or not you are convicted of driving under the influence. If you are convicted of DUI, the suspension period for refusing the test will be added to the DUI suspension period.

• If you are under age 21 and you drive with a BAC of at least 0.02 percent, but less than 0.08 percent, you can be fined up to $500 and have your driver's license suspended for six months.
• If your BAC is over .08, your penalties will be the same as a driver over 21.

You will receive a one-year disqualification for driving a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 or higher. The disqualification becomes three years if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time.

You will also receive a one year disqualification if you refuse a blood or breath test.

This program focuses on substance abuse and driving, substance abuse and health, and self evaluation of potential for substance abuse. (All persons will be tested for alcohol/drugs. If tested positive for either, the participant will immediately be re-classified for treatment.)

You will probably be placed on probation by the court and given a restricted license and ordered to report to the local ASAP office within 15 days. Offenders who fail to meet the requirements of ASAP probation will be returned to court as non-compliant and subject to revocation action by the court, which may impose any suspended jail time.

To find a program: http://www.vasap.state.va.us/asap/

Virginia DUI law requires your vehicle to be impounded immediately for 30 days if you are caught driving after your license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense. The court can impound the vehicle for an additional 90 days if you are convicted.

Your insurance rates will rise considerably from any DUI conviction. You may lose your current insurance and only find insurance with a company that offers less coverage for more money.

DUI convictions that involve accident, injury or death carry considerably greater penalties. For example, a criminally negligent homicide while DUI can lead to 1-10 years in prison, a minimum $5,000 fine, and revocation. A DUI vehicular homicide can lead to 4-12 yrs in prison, a fine of from $3,000-$750,000, and revocation.

Call DUI Attorney Michael Tillotson for more information on the DUI Law in Virginia and how it can affect the outcome of your case. It is very important that you hire a qualified and proven Virginia DUI Lawyer to handle your drunk driving case. Michael Tillotson is one of the best DUI lawyers in Virginia and has a proven track record in DUI defense. Call his office today to schedule a free appointment to discuss your case.