DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, and 12-month license revocation; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our Arlington location provides full DUI defense representation at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
Virginia DUI Law in Arlington County
Virginia law defines DUI (Driving Under the Influence) as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. The statute also covers commercial drivers (BAC 0.04%) and drivers under 21 (BAC 0.02%). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia DUI Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia DUI statute.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Arlington County DUI Court Process
Arlington County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Arlington County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate charge and mandatory license suspension.
- Arraignment: You must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the legality of the stop.
- Trial Preparation: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports and calibration records.
- General District Court Trial: A bench trial before a judge typically occurs 30-90 days after arraignment.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, you can accept the sentence or appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days for a new trial.
- Post-Conviction Requirements: Complete VASAP, pay fines, and install an ignition interlock if required.
Arlington County DUI Penalties
In Arlington County, DUI carries penalties from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time, depending on the offense number and BAC level.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC <0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, possible vehicle forfeiture |
| Refusal (First) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
DUI Defense Experience in Arlington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm-wide case results total 4,739+ with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Arlington County DUI Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Our attorneys work to achieve dismissals, reductions to reckless driving, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major highways. We serve as a DUI lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse for clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Arlington County, Virginia?
First DUI in Arlington County: Class 1 misdemeanor — up to 12 months jail, $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP. BAC 0.15-0.20: mandatory 5 days jail. BAC 0.20+: mandatory 10 days. Cases at Arlington County General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Arlington County, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at Arlington County General District Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties.
Can a DUI be reduced in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Arlington County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration.
How long does a DUI case take in Arlington County?
A DUI case in Arlington County General District Court typically takes 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Appeals to Circuit Court extend the timeline. The mandatory VASAP program must be started within 15 days of conviction.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide DUI defense hub.
- Alexandria DUI Lawyer – DUI defense in neighboring Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Learn about our former prosecutor.
- Arlington Law Location – Visit our Arlington office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.