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 charges at Arlington County General District Court.
Driving under influence charges in Arlington require immediate action to protect your license and avoid mandatory jail time.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Arlington County
Virginia defines DUI/DWI under Va. Code § 18.2-266 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. The statute applies uniformly across Arlington County. Penalties escalate with prior offenses and higher BAC levels, as detailed in Va. Code § 18.2-270.
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 brings combined legal experience of over 120 years to DUI defense.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The primary DUI statute.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information, forms, 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 triggers a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment within 48 hours: Appear at Arlington County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Request discovery and review evidence: Obtain police reports, breath test calibration records, and dash/body cam footage.
- File pre-trial motions: Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or test administration.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate reduction: Build defense strategy or seek reduction to reckless driving.
- Address license suspension: File for restricted license if eligible and comply with ignition interlock requirements.
- Complete VASAP if convicted: Enroll in Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program within 15 days.
DUI Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, DUI carries penalties from misdemeanor fines to felony incarceration, with mandatory jail for high BAC and refusal.
| 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 | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock 6 months |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock 6 months |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (first offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing fees and costs: VASAP enrollment ~$300; restricted license application $40; ignition interlock installation ~$100 plus $70-$100/month; court costs ~$62; towing/impound $150-$500+.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Arlington DUI Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Our Arlington DUI defense is led by Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. This provides unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges.
Global advocacy. Local precision. We focus on Arlington County courts and procedures.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Our attorneys have achieved dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions in DUI cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County DUI Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is minutes from Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
DUI lawyer near Arlington County courts and I-395 corridors.
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. General District Court trial typically happens 30-90 days from arraignment. Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of conviction.
Related Legal Services
- 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 complex cases.
- Arlington Law Office Location – Visit our Arlington location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.