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, $250+ fines, and 12-month license revocation; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. Our Arlington location provides full DUI/DWI defense, including challenging breath test calibration and field sobriety test administration at Arlington County General District Court.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Arlington County
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across Virginia, including Arlington County. Penalties increase based on BAC level, prior offenses, and whether you refused chemical testing.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia DUI Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s DUI statutes: Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
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 or blood test after arrest results in a separate charge and mandatory license suspension.
- Initial consultation and case review: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a confidential consultation. Bring your citation, police report, and any test results.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Appear at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) for arraignment. Your attorney will advise on plea strategy.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenges the traffic stop legality, and requests all prosecution evidence.
- Negotiation or trial preparation: Based on evidence review, your attorney negotiates for reduction or prepares for trial, focusing on breath test calibration and officer testimony.
- Trial or plea agreement: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Arlington County General District Court.
- Post-trial actions: If convicted, your attorney handles sentencing, VASAP enrollment, and restricted license applications. Appeals must be filed within 10 days.
Arlington County DUI Penalties
In Arlington County, DUI carries penalties from misdemeanor to felony classification, with mandatory jail time for high 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 | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Refusal (first offense) | Civil offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
| Refusal (second offense+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 3-year suspension | Separate from DUI penalties |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Arlington County DUI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience to DUI defense. Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County General District Court with direct knowledge of local procedures and prosecutors.
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
Arlington County DUI Case Results
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 cases we handle. Our defense strategies focus on challenging breath test calibration, field sobriety test administration, and traffic stop legality.
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 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout 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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201).
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201).
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. Cases at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201).
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. Cases at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201).
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 after arraignment. Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of conviction. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of any DUI conviction.
Related Legal Services
Virginia DUI Lawyer | Alexandria DUI Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.