DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia DUI Law in Arlington County
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 of both (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across the state, including Arlington County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County DUI Court Process
Arlington County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Arlington County Circuit Court.
- 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.
- Attend your arraignment: Appear at Arlington County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons.
- Review the evidence: Your attorney will obtain and analyze police reports, bodycam footage, and breath test calibration records.
- Prepare your defense strategy: Based on evidence review, your lawyer will build a defense, which may involve challenging the stop or test procedures.
- Attend your trial: Present your case at a bench trial in General District Court, typically 30-90 days after arraignment.
- Consider an appeal: If convicted, you have 10 days to file an appeal for a new trial in Arlington County Circuit Court.
DUI Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, a DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension for a first offense to felony imprisonment for a third offense within 10 years.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Filing fees and costs include VASAP enrollment (~$300), court costs (~$62), and ignition interlock installation (~$100 plus monthly fees).
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We maintain a documented record of case results across our practice areas.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent individuals 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?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest. A General District Court trial is typically 30-90 days from arraignment. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of conviction.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.