DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
A DUI charge in Manassas requires immediate action to protect your driving privileges and avoid severe penalties.
Virginia DUI Law in Manassas
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) 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 thereof (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The law applies on all public roads in Manassas. A separate implied consent statute (Va. Code § 18.2-268.2) requires drivers lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to breath or blood testing.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, visit the official Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about the Manassas court handling DUI cases, see the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas DUI Court Process
Manassas General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
- Secure legal representation: Contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately after arrest. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
- Prepare for arraignment: Attend your scheduled arraignment at Manassas General District Court within 48 hours. Your attorney can often appear for you.
- Review evidence and file motions: Your lawyer will obtain discovery, review police reports, breath test calibration records, and dash/body cam footage to identify defense opportunities.
- Negotiate or prepare for trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney may negotiate for a reduction (e.g., to reckless driving) or prepare a defense strategy for trial.
- Address post-trial requirements: If convicted, comply with court orders: pay fines, enroll in VASAP within 15 days, and apply for a restricted license if eligible.
DUI Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, a DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension for a first offense to felony incarceration for multiple offenses.
| 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 | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum (1-5 years possible) | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (First Offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license eligibility |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are defined by statute; the outcome in an individual case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to DUI defense in Manassas and across Virginia.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a DUI lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas, serving the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Manassas, Virginia?
First DUI in Manassas: 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
Is a DUI a felony in Manassas, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Manassas 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Manassas, 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. Cases at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
Can a DUI be reduced in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Manassas 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. Cases at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
What is the timeline for a DUI case in Manassas?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest or summons. Trial in Manassas General District Court typically occurs 30-90 days later. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of conviction. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia DUI/DWI Lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby area, consider our DUI lawyers in Fairfax County or Prince William County. For other legal needs in Manassas, we also handle Criminal Defense and Reckless Driving cases. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.