DUI Criminal Defense Attorney - Shenandoah County, Virginia
If you have been arrested for a DWI in Shenandoah County, Virginia, please contact Michael C. Tillotson @ (757) 561-2661 for a free, professional consultation. Michael C. Tillotson is a dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney whose Law Firm specializes in 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 arrested for DWI or DUI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone facing an DUI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DUI attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options. |
What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Shenandoah County?
Once you have been cited for violating the DUI statutes in Virginia, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is an administrative action that is brought against your driver's license by the Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia, and a criminal action that is in response to the ticket that was issued to you. Both of these actions can result in the suspension of your 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 its own.
DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders
(Note that these are Virginia State statutes. With the help of Michael C. Tillotson, you can reduce, or eliminate, possible fines, jail time, and even save your driver's license. If this is important, call today.)
- DUI Jail Time - In Shenandoah County, Virginia, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in up to one year jail time.
- Virginia Driving Privileges - DWI or DUI - A first time DUI or DWI conviction will result in the revocation of driving privileges for up to one year with a DUI conviction.
- Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DWI or DUI 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.
- Monetary Fines and Fees - Fines for a first time DWI or DUI conviction range from $250, up to $2,500.
- Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the loss of driver's license in Virginia for 1 year.
Virginia and DUI Vehicle Impoundment
The vehicle you are driving will be immediately
impounded for 90 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 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.
Virginia Subsequent DUI Offenses
Penalties for DUI in Virginia are increasingly more severe for any additional offenses. You must be aware of your rights, act now by contacting the Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson. If you have been arrested for a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th offense, it is imperative that you contact the Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson.
DWI or DUI Restitution
Depending on local Virginia ordinances, you may be liable (up to $1,000) for the cost of emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire fighting and rescue personnel who respond to a crash or incident resulting from your DUI violation in Shenandoah County, Virginia. |