DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
A DUI in Arlington County 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 115 total documented case results in Arlington County.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Arlington County Court
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) 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 of both. The statute also sets enhanced penalties for higher BAC levels and repeat offenses. These cases are prosecuted in the Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information, including forms and procedures, can be found on the Arlington County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a DUI Case
In Arlington County, first and second DUI charges are heard in General District Court. The court follows Virginia’s implied consent law, meaning refusal of a breath or blood test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension. Prosecutors here routinely seek the mandatory minimum jail time for high-BAC cases.
- Arraignment: You will appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons to enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to challenge the legality of the traffic stop or the administration of tests.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case may proceed to a bench trial or be resolved through negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose penalties, which include mandatory VASAP enrollment.
- License Actions: You must separately address license suspension with the DMV and may apply for a restricted license.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a General District Court conviction to the Arlington County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for DUI in Arlington County
In Arlington County, a first-offense DUI carries up to 12 months in jail, a minimum $250 fine, and a 12-month license revocation, with enhanced penalties for high BAC or prior offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.08-0.14) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, Possible Vehicle Forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County Courts
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have a total of 115 documented case results across all practice areas. Our deep familiarity with the Arlington County General District Court allows us to provide effective, case-specific defense strategies.
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
Our attorneys have achieved favorable outcomes in DUI cases across Virginia. For example, we have secured reductions from DWI to reckless driving in Essex County and have successfully navigated second-offense charges in Fairfax County. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with decades of experience, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DUI Lawyer Near Arlington County, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We provide representation for individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (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?
A first DUI in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment. A BAC of 0.15-0.20 adds a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; a BAC over 0.20 adds 10 days.
Is a DUI a felony in Arlington County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a misdemeanor. A third DUI offense within 10 years is charged as a Class 6 felony in Virginia, which carries 1-5 years in prison, a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, and indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Under Virginia’s implied consent law, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no restricted license available. A second or subsequent refusal is a separate Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension. These penalties are separate from any DUI conviction.
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. An experienced drunk driving defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate your case for reduction possibilities.
How long does a DUI case take in Arlington County?
Typically 30 to 90 days from arraignment to trial in General District Court. If you appeal a conviction to Circuit Court, the process can extend several more months. Mandatory VASAP enrollment must begin within 15 days of a conviction.
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Alexandria. If you are facing other charges, explore our Arlington County criminal defense and reckless driving defense services.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.