Newport News DUI Lawyer
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Newport News, you need to have an attorney who is experienced in DUI defense on your side. A good attorney can have your serious charges minimized, or even dropped.
What consequences do you face if convicted of DUI?
Your punishments depend on a number of factors. If this is your first DUI offense, you will face up to one year in jail, a minimum fine of $250, and a one year driver’s license suspension. If this is your first offense, but your BAC was between .15 and .20 percent, you will face a mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail. For a BAC over .21 percent, you will face a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail.
In addition to this extra jail time, the judge will order drivers with a BAC of .15 percent or higher to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. The device measures your BAC level. If your BAC is over the preset minimum, your vehicle will not be able to start. You will be responsible for the cost of the device installation, rental, and maintenance.
You will also face more time in jail and steeper fines if you have been convicted of a prior DUI.
These are just the legal consequences of a DUI. You may face other difficulties such as keeping your job or finding future employment because of your tarnished driving and criminal record. Insurance is another issue. You will face higher insurance rates, if you can even find a company to offer your coverage at all.
Do you want to avoid these penalties? Attorney Michael C. Tillotson can help. Mr. Tillotson believes that people who are accused of driving under the influence deserve an aggressive defense. He will fight to make sure that your rights are upheld.
If you are interested in discussing your case, and deciding on the best course of action to take, contact Mr. Tillotson today. He will offer you a free, no obligation case evaluation.
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