DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
A DUI charge in Manassas requires immediate action to address both the criminal case at Manassas General District Court and the separate administrative license suspension process with the DMV.
Virginia DUI Law in Manassas
Virginia law defines DUI (Driving Under the Influence) as operating a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof to a degree that renders the driver unsafe (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The law applies equally in the City of Manassas. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, bringing over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The statute defining DUI.
- Manassas General District Court website – Official court information, forms, and contact details.
Manassas DUI Court Process
Manassas General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. 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 or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment: You must appear in Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230) within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons to enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence if the stop was illegal or the breath test was improperly administered.
- Discovery & Review: Your lawyer obtains and reviews all evidence, including police reports, bodycam footage, and breathalyzer maintenance logs.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge, or your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction.
- Sentencing & DMV Requirements: If convicted, the court imposes penalties, and you must enroll in VASAP and address license suspension with the DMV.
DUI Penalties in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and license revocation, with increased penalties for higher BAC levels and repeat offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC <0.15) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Our Manassas DUI Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique combination of experience to Manassas DUI cases. Founded in 1997, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our lead DUI attorney for Virginia, Bryan Block, is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing insider knowledge of police procedures and evidence collection.
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 & Client Outcomes
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%. Our team actively represents clients in Manassas General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Serving Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. As a DUI lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown, we represent clients throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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
- Virginia DUI/DWI Lawyer – Our state-wide hub page.
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer – Defense in a neighboring jurisdiction.
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same city.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about your lead attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.