FREE CASE EVALUATION – CLICK HERE

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you need an experienced DWI attorney to evaluate your case. You only have TEN (10) days in Virginia to request an administrative hearing. Failure to timely and correctly request a hearing on your driving privileges will result in a driver’s license suspension. Having a professional criminal defense law firm on their side can help people file their request to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact Michael C. Tillotson LLC for a free initial consultation.

Michael C. Tillotson Endorsements / Honors / Achievements.

• Breath & Alcohol Technician Certificate
• Evidentiary Breath & Alcohol Technician
• Master of Scientific Evidence Certification
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers by American Trial Lawyers in 2007, 2008, & 2009
• National College for DUI Defense
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice - College of William and Mary
• Law Degree - Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary

Why It’s Important to Hire an Attorney

The Virginia legal system, specifically the laws surrounding DUI charges, is complicated and often fraught with fast and specific deadlines that can be easily overlooked. Your driving privileges are at stake and you could face large fines, extended suspension of your license, or jail time. It is important to hire an experienced attorney immediately to ensure you keep as many options open as possible. A knowledgeable attorney can educate you on the legal process, your rights, and the most favorable outcome. It is vital to obtain an experienced, reliable, and aggressive attorney to fight for you and guide you through this demanding process.

Why You Should Hire The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson

DUI Criminal Defense attorney Michael C. Tillotson has been aggressively pursuing freedom for his clients for the past 16 years. His practice now focuses SOLELY on DUI CASES and he is one of less than 20 other attorneys in the state of Virginia that belongs to the prestigious National College of DUI Defense. He is one of a few attorneys in the state of Virginia that only defends DUI cases. He is the only attorney in the Tidewater area that is a nationally certified breath test operator and he attends DUI seminars around the country and can provide you with extensive factual, legal, and technical knowledge surrounding your charge.

Michael has been certified in the technical aspects of a DUI arrest. He has taken three intoxilyzer courses and is certified to repair them as well as a certified breath and alcohol technician, and is certified to administer field sobriety tests. He understands how things work both technically and legally and uses this to build an aggressive cross-examination or discredit officers who did not give sobriety tests properly. He was named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in 2007, 2008, & 2009 from Virginia by The American Trial Lawyers Association and his certificates and endorsements are proof of his vast knowledge and dedication to understanding the entire process and all related aspects of DUI cases.

Michael Tillotson is a passionate, committed, and aggressive attorney who realizes the severity of a DUI charge and what the consequences could really mean for you or your family. He stays up to date with the latest technologies, strategies, and information in the area of DUI criminal defense and will truly take the time to ensure you understand your charge, your options, the process, and your rights. If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, and aggressive attorney to fight for you, contact The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson.

Virginia Administrative Hearing

Those found guilty of DUI in Virginia may be able to retain their driving privileges, or at least some of them. An administrative hearing must be requested within 10 days of being charged with a DUI in Virginia. If a person doesn't make this deadline, they automatically have their driver's license suspended. Having a professional criminal defense law firm on their side can help people file their request to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Because of the deadlines involved and the seriousness of losing driving privileges, talking to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is important.

Virginia Criminal Hearing

A criminal hearing for a DUI charge in Virginia is when the accused must face the charges being brought against them. Unlike the administrative hearing, the criminal hearing is concerned about sentencing more than whether or not a client will lose their driver's license, something that is usually already decided by this point, when the accused finds out what fines they're facing and if there is going to be any jail time.

Virginia DUI Laws

• Jail time - A first time DUI offender in Virginia can face up to 1 year jail time.
• Driving Privileges - If an administrative hearing isn't requested in 10 days, a license is automatically suspended. There is a chance a person may retain some or all of their driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - For a first time offense, the fine can range from $250 to $2,500.
• Chemical Test Refusal - In Virginia, refusing to take a chemical test administered by a police officer means an automatic 1 year driver's license suspension.
• Commercial Drivers - Because other people are involved, a commercial driver only needs a .04 BAC level to be considered for a DUI charge. The first offense results in a 1 year suspension of the CDL, with subsequent arrests resulting in a lifetime suspension.
• Alcohol Evaluation - DUI offenders in Virginia may (at the discretion of the court) be ordered to take alcohol evaluation or alcohol treatment classes.
• Subsequent Offenses - Subsequent DUI offenses in Virginia carry stiffer penalties, depending on how many DUI convictions a person has had.

Facing DUI in Virginia? Act Now

If you've been charged with a DUI in Virginia, acting as soon as you can is important. Having a professional like Michael C. Tillotson on your side will help make sure the process goes as smoothly as it can. Complete the form on this page and someone from Michael C. Tillotson, LLC will contact you for a free initial consultation.

Michael C. Tillotson

13195 Warwick Blvd.
Suite 2A
Newport News
VA 23602

(757) 561-2661