You can’t count on a lot in life – but one thing you can – DWI penalties always get tougher in Virginia. So, it’s noteworthy when Virginia decides to give people convicted of a DUI a break. This break comes from the Governor instead of from the General Assembly.
If you were convicted of a felony DUI, it will be easier to get your rights restored to vote, hold office, and serve on a jury. Additionally, this initial restoration is the first step to get your gun rights restored or request a pardon from the Governor. Pardons are important in Virginia because there are no expungements for misdemeanor or felony convictions.
The previous, more cumbersome, restoration of rights policy also blocked restoration for 5 years after any new misdemeanor DWI. The new policy eliminates this roadblock to restoration.
The new automatic restoration policy for non-violent felons only requires that you:
- Have been convicted of a non-violent felony in a Virginia court, or convicted in a U.S. District Court, military court or a court of another state or territory
- Have completed serving the prison sentence and been released from probation or parole; and
- Have paid all court costs, fines to the Commonwealth and restitution to the victims, satisfied all court-ordered conditions, and have no pending felony charges.
Our passion at Tillotson & Martin, L.L.C., is defending citizens against unfair traffic & DUI laws. We write the book for DWI defense for Virginia attorneys and provide seminars for attorneys on how to beat the breath test machine. We train extensively to develop and improve cutting edge defenses. Our attorneys are active National College for DUI Defense members, are certified in NHTSA Field Sobriety Testing, and are trained to interpret breath test and blood test data.
Don’t let a DWI ruin your life. We strive to be the best trained and most prepared Virginia DUI attorneys so that we can aggressively fight for your rights. Call us for a free consultation at (757) 969-5197.
