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 documented case results in Arlington County.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Arlington County Court
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia, also called driving while intoxicated (DWI), is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-266. The law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.02% for drivers under 21), or while you are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The statute applies uniformly across the state, including in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm provides full representation for DUI charges. The Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201 handles first and second DUI offenses. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County DUI Defense Strategy
In Arlington County, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum jail time for high-BAC (0.15%+) cases. A strong defense starts by examining the legality of the traffic stop. Police must have reasonable suspicion of a violation or crime to initiate a stop. If the stop was invalid, any evidence gathered afterward may be suppressed.
- Case Review & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including police reports, dash/body cam footage, and breath test maintenance logs.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence if the stop, arrest, or testing violated your constitutional rights.
- Negotiation: Discuss potential reductions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, such as amending the charge to reckless driving.
- Trial Preparation: If no acceptable plea is offered, prepare for a bench trial before a General District Court judge.
- Trial & Appeal: Present your defense at trial. If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
- Administrative Process: Handle the separate DMV license suspension process, which runs concurrently with the criminal case.
DUI Penalties in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, a DUI conviction carries mandatory penalties including jail time, fines, license revocation, and required enrollment in VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program).
| 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 for 6+ months |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for 6+ months |
| 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 | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, possible vehicle forfeiture |
| Refusal (1st offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to client representation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor.
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 firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. In other Virginia jurisdictions, we have secured outcomes such as a DWI charge reduced to reckless driving in Essex County and a second DWI within 10 years charge amended in Fairfax County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Local DUI Defense Serving Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We provide a DUI lawyer near Arlington County for residents and those working in the area. We serve the neighborhoods of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Arlington County DUI Lawyer FAQ
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Arlington County, Virginia?
A first DUI in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP. For BAC 0.15-0.20%, there is a mandatory 5-day jail sentence. For BAC 0.20%+, it is a mandatory 10 days. Cases are heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Arlington County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, 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?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no restricted license available. A second refusal is a 3-year suspension plus a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. These penalties are also to any DUI penalties if convicted.
Can a DUI be reduced in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Arlington County can potentially be reduced to a lesser charge like reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies focus on challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breath test equipment.
How long does a DUI case take in Arlington County?
It depends. An arraignment is typically within 48 hours of arrest. A trial in General District Court is usually scheduled 30 to 90 days after arraignment. The timeline can be longer if motions are filed, evidence is challenged, or the case is appealed to Circuit Court.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Alexandria. If you are facing other charges, see our pages for Arlington County criminal defense and Arlington County reckless driving.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.