The Tillotson & Martin team possesses the knowledge to defend you, provides the care you deserve, and has the fight to win. Our attorneys are respected experts in their field who were chosen to write the book on Virginia DUI Law, a resource that prosecutors and other defense attorneys turn to for legal insight on DUI/DWI cases. They were also selected to instruct lawyers in Virginia on breath testing and blood testing. Contact us today to get started on your defense.
Virginia DUI Lawyers
DWI Lawyers Serving Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads & Newport News
If you’ve been charged with drinking and driving near Virginia Beach, Newport News, or Hampton Roads, it’s crucial to hire a Virginia DUI attorney who truly cares about you and your situation and has the knowledge and skill to give you the absolute best representation possible. Our Newport News DUI lawyers have successfully handled DUI/DWI cases in over 100 cities and counties in and around Virginia. People often ask us how we can do this and whether it is better for them to have local counsel. We have never felt at a disadvantage anywhere. Often, we think it is actually an advantage because we are different. Prosecutors and judges respect our knowledge and how we prepare our cases.
DUI Attorneys in Newport News
Do not let a drinking and driving conviction affect the rest of your life. If you, or someone you know, has been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Newport News or anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you need to find an experienced DUI attorney in Newport News who will fight the charges. Our DUI defense team is well-versed in Virginia’s specific legal nuances and has a deep understanding of local courtroom procedures, enabling us to offer robust defense strategies tailored to the unique aspects of each case.
We handle all DUI-related legal situations in Virginia including but not limited to:
Consequences of a DWI in Virginia
If you’re convicted of a DUI in Virginia, you could face many collateral consequences. These include problems obtaining or retaining employment, limitations on travel, increases in insurance rates, and so forth. You may need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle or you may have your license suspended and need assistance with driver's license reinstatement. Our goal is to do everything possible to avoid a conviction. We understand how devastating a conviction can be. Due to our comprehensive understanding of DUI defense, no matter what happens, our Virginia DUI lawyers will guide you through your legal situation and any ramifications that may occur due to a conviction. Our clients are very appreciative of our concern for their situations and our guidance to get them through this entire process. Our Virginia DWI attorneys serve Newport News, Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and the surrounding areas with unwavering dedication. We aim to provide clarity and support during these challenging times.
What Does a DWI/DUI Lawyer Do?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) lawyer represents individuals charged with DUI offenses. Here are some of the key tasks a DUI attorney may perform:
- Legal Advice: A DUI attorney advises clients on their legal rights and options, explaining the potential consequences of a DUI conviction.
- Case Assessment: They review the details of the situation, including police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence to assess the strength of the prosecution's arguments.
- Defense Strategy: Based on the situation assessment, the lawyer develops a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances. This may include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the validity of the breathalyzer or blood test results, or other aspects of the prosecution's stance.
- Negotiation: The lawyer may negotiate with the prosecutor to try to reach a plea bargain or a reduced sentence for the client.
- Court Representation: If the situation goes to trial, the lawyer represents the client in court, presenting evidence and arguments to defend against the DUI charges.
- Sentencing Advocacy: If the client is convicted, their lawyer may advocate for a lighter sentence, such as probation or participation in a diversion program, instead of jail time.
- License Suspension: A DUI lawyer in Virginia can also help clients navigate the administrative process of dealing with driver’s license suspension or revocation.
Overall, a DUI attorney’s goal is to protect the client’s rights and achieve the best possible outcome given the circumstances of the situation. Our commitment to your defense is unwavering and comprehensive.
FAQ About DUI & DWI Legal Representation
What Are the Penalties for DUI in Newport News?
In Newport News, DUI penalties can be severe and vary depending on factors like previous offenses and BAC levels at the time of arrest. Penalties may include fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and jail time. A first-time DWI offender might face fines and license suspension, while repeat offenders could face imprisonment and higher fines. Legal consequences also include having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Each case is unique, making it crucial to consult with a DWI defense attorney familiar with local laws to navigate the legal landscape effectively.
How Can a DUI Conviction Impact My Insurance?
A DUI conviction in Virginia can significantly affect your car insurance rates. Insurance providers often categorize DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, leading to increased premiums that can last for several years. In some cases, providers might even cancel a policy. Our DWI defense attorneys can provide guidance on managing your charges to help you fight against a conviction.
Is There a Way to Challenge the Accuracy of a Breathalyzer Test?
Yes, challenging a breathalyzer test's accuracy is possible, and there are several factors to consider. These can include the process of administering the test, whether the equipment was calibrated correctly, and if the test was performed by a certified individual. Errors in any of these areas may cast doubt on the reliability of the test results. An experienced DUI defense attorney can investigate these facets and build a defense that questions the credibility of the evidence brought against you.
Understanding DUI Regulations & DWI Defense Options in Virginia
Virginia has strict DUI regulations that are crucial for residents and visitors to understand. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%, and exceeding this can lead to severe penalties. In Virginia, drivers may face the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, increased insurance premiums, or even imprisonment for repeat offenses. Additionally, Virginia law enforces strict penalties for refusing a chemical test when suspected of DUI. Such refusal can result in automatic license suspension, even if not convicted of the DUI itself. Our DWI defense firm ensures that you are fully informed about how these laws could affect your charges and defense options, and we are ready to mount the strongest defense possible on your behalf to protect you from any and all of these potential penalties.
If you have any questions regarding your DUI/DWI case, call our Virginia DUI lawyers at (757) 568-7978 or fill out a form today.
Why Hire Tillotson & Martin?
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We Wrote the Book.We were tasked with writing the book on Virginia DUI Law by Thomson Reuters Westlaw, the leading authority in legal publishing. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges often turn to this resource.
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We Possess the Knowledge.Not only are our attorneys committed to attending continued education courses, they lecture and teach courses themselves. In a field as scientific and technical as DUI Defense, keeping our knowledge up to date is crucial to crafting our clients' defense strategies.
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We Truly Care.Mike Tillotson & Jeff Martin go the extra mile for their clients. Our team realizes that this is your future at stake and we will employ every strategy to ensure that we are providing you with the best representation possible.
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We Have the Fight to Win.
With over 75+ years of combined experience, Mike Tillotson and Jeff Martin have successfully handled thousands of DUI cases, and has tried cases across the entire state of Virginia.
Because of their immense knowledge and vast experience trying DUI cases, Michael Tillotson & Jeff Martin were contracted by Thomson Reuters Westlaw, the leading authority in legal publishing, to write the book on Virginia DUI Law. Prosecutors and defense attorneys throughout the state look to this book for insight into both the technical and legal aspects of a DUI case.
"Mr, Martin, in life, there are people who make a difference in a tough situation, you and your staff have done that."Former Client
We've Successfully Handled Thousands of Cases
Fight Your Charge & Hire An Experienced Virginia DUI Lawyer
Attorneys Michael C. Tillotson and Jeffrey C. Martin are the ones to choose when it comes to DUI defense in Virginia. They wrote the book for DUI Defense that is published by Westlaw for other DUI lawyers. They are members of many prestigious law associations and have been recognized by the National College for DUI Defense for their dedication to defending people who have been accused of driving while intoxicated. Mr. Tillotson and Mr. Martin focus exclusively on DUI law, which is vitally important for a client who has been accused of driving while impaired. They have years of experience in successfully handling cases that are similar to yours.
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Career Saved School Teacher’s DWI Reduced to Reckless Driving
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Career Saved Military Doctor Found Not Guilty of DWI & Refusal
A military doctor, after having three drinks over two hours, was pulled over and arrested on his way home from dinner. The court dismissed the tests and found him Not Guilty of DWI, also dismissing the refusal charge.
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Not Guilty DWI 1st Accident Involving a CDL Driver
A commercial truck driver, arrested after an accident and blowing a 0.16 BAC, was noted by a State Trooper to have slurred speech and failed field sobriety tests.
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Case Dismissed DWI 2nd Offense with a .28 Blood Result
Our client was facing charges of a DWI 2nd Offense with a .28 Blood Result and the judge found our client not guilty.
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Not Guilty 2nd Offense DWI
Our client, suffering from sleep apnea and insomnia, was exhausted while driving home. He was reported for swerving. We had a previous refusal charge dismissed, a judge likely would have found him guilty. However, a jury ultimately found him NOT GUILTY.
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Case Dismissed Nurse Charged with DWI after Taking Ambien
A nurse accidentally took two Ambiens instead of one after having a few drinks, leading to an accident and her arrest. The judge accepted our argument of mistaken intoxication, and she was found Not Guilty.
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