DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
A DUI in Manassas 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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. If you are facing charges at the Manassas General District Court, contact a DUI lawyer Manassas for immediate help.
Virginia DUI Law and Penalties
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-266, which prohibits 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 thereof. The statute also covers driving under the influence of any intoxicant to a degree that impairs your ability to drive safely. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of these statutes and the strategies prosecutors use to enforce them.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia DUI statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for your case can be found on the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas DUI Court Process and Defense Strategy
Manassas General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension. Preliminary breath test results at the roadside are only used to establish probable cause for the arrest, not to prove guilt at trial.
- Arraignment and Bond: You will be summoned to appear in Manassas General District Court for an arraignment, where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Negotiation and Trial: Your DUI defense attorney Manassas negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows immediately. You have 10 days to appeal a conviction to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
- DMV and VASAP: A conviction requires enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) and triggers an automatic DMV license revocation.
DUI Penalties in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, a first-offense DUI carries up to 12 months in jail, a minimum $250 fine, and a 12-month license revocation, with mandatory jail time for high BAC levels.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC < 0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock required for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days to 12 months | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days to 5 years | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (First Offense) | Civil Violation | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use every available legal strategy to protect your rights and your future.
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
Representative Case Results
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in DUI cases across Virginia. For example, we have secured reductions from DUI to reckless driving in Essex County and Alexandria Federal Court. In Fairfax County, we have successfully navigated charges to avoid the most severe penalties.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DUI Lawyer Near Manassas, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We provide representation for individuals in Manassas and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Manassas DUI Lawyer FAQ
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Manassas, Virginia?
A first DUI in Manassas is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment. If your BAC was between 0.15% and 0.20%, there is a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; if it was 0.20% or higher, the mandatory minimum is 10 days in jail.
Is a DUI a felony in Manassas, Virginia?
A first or second DUI in Manassas is a misdemeanor. A third DUI offense within 10 years is charged as a Class 6 felony, which carries 1 to 5 years in prison, a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, and an indefinite driver’s license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Manassas, Virginia?
Under Virginia’s implied consent law (Va. Code § 18.2-268.3), refusing a breath or blood test after a lawful arrest triggers an automatic, separate administrative license suspension. For a first refusal, it is a 12-month suspension with no possibility of a restricted license. A second refusal is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension.
Can a DUI be reduced in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes, a DUI charge in Manassas can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving. This outcome depends on the strength of the evidence. A skilled DUI lawyer Manassas can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety test administration, and breath test calibration to seek a reduction or dismissal.
How long will a DUI stay on my record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction in Virginia remains on your permanent criminal and driving records. It cannot be expunged. This can affect employment, insurance rates, and professional licensing for many years, highlighting the critical need for a strong defense from the outset.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing DUI charges in Manassas, you may also want to learn about Virginia DUI defense. For other charges in the area, consider a Manassas criminal defense lawyer or a reckless driving attorney in Manassas. We also represent clients in neighboring jurisdictions like Fairfax County and Prince William County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.