DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. A first offense with BAC 0.15-0.20 triggers mandatory 5 days jail. Our Arlington location provides full representation for cases at Arlington County General District Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 consultation by appointment.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Arlington County
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across Arlington County. Penalties escalate based on prior offenses and BAC level.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The primary DUI statute.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Official court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County DUI Court Process
Arlington County General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. Third offenses within 10 years are Class 6 felonies heard in Arlington County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
Step-by-Step Court Procedure
- Arraignment: You must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest to enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenge the stop, or dispute breath test calibration.
- Discovery Review: The prosecution provides police reports, calibration records, and video evidence for defense analysis.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on evidence strength, your lawyer negotiates for reduction or prepares for bench trial.
- Sentencing (if convicted): The judge imposes penalties per Va. Code § 18.2-270 and orders VASAP enrollment.
- License Actions: You must address DMV suspension separately, potentially applying for a restricted license.
DUI Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, DUI carries penalties from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time, with severity increasing for higher BAC levels and prior 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 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing Fees & Costs: VASAP enrollment ~$300; restricted license application $40; ignition interlock installation ~$100 plus $70-$100/month; court costs ~$62; towing/impound fees $150-$500+.
Firm Credentials & Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to DUI defense in Arlington County. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of DUI cases.
In Arlington County, we have documented 115 total case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases.
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 in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases. Our attorneys work to achieve dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Serving Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve as your DUI lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse and surrounding communities.
Serving: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington and surrounding areas.
Availability: 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?
Arraignment occurs within 48 hours of arrest. Trial in Arlington County General District Court typically happens 30-90 days after arraignment. Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of conviction.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide DUI defense hub.
- Alexandria DUI Lawyer – Defense in neighboring Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Co-counsel on DUI cases.
- Arlington Law Office Location – Visit our Arlington location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.