DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, a DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $250+ fine, and a 12-month license revocation; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide 4,739+ documented results. A BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers mandatory jail time. Our Fairfax location serves clients facing charges at the Manassas General District Court.
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia means operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Virginia DUI Law and Penalties
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI under Va. Code § 18.2-266. The statute prohibits driving or operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, any narcotic drug, or any other self-administered intoxicant. A BAC of 0.08 percent or more creates a legal presumption of intoxication. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol (0.02%) is a violation.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience.
Official Legal Resources
Manassas DUI Court Process
Your DUI case will be heard at the Manassas General District Court located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. First and second offenses within 10 years are misdemeanors handled here. A third offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony transferred to Manassas Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons to hear the formal charge and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Review: Your attorney obtains police reports, breath test calibration records, and video footage from the prosecution.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence if the traffic stop lacked probable cause or testing procedures were flawed.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing & Compliance: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP within 15 days, pay fines, and comply with any license restrictions or interlock requirements.
DUI Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and long-term license revocation, with enhanced penalties for high BAC or repeat 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-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum, up to 12 months | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required for 6 months minimum |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum, 1-5 years (or up to 12 months if suspended) | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing fees and costs include VASAP enrollment (~$300), restricted license application ($40), ignition interlock installation (~$100 plus monthly fees), court costs (~$62), and potential towing/impound fees ($150-$500+).
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Manassas
Our Fairfax location is approximately 30 minutes from the Manassas General District Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28.
Seeking a DUI lawyer near Manassas or near the Manassas National Battlefield Park? We serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
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
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.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.