DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
An Alexandria 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. provides full representation for DUI charges at Alexandria General District Court. Our firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results and 93%+ favorable outcome rate reflect our experience. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia DUI Law and Alexandria Court Process
In Virginia, driving under the influence (DUI) 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 applies uniformly across the state, including in Alexandria. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built its practice on a deep understanding of these laws and the local courts that enforce them.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Local Court Procedures for an Alexandria DUI Case
Alexandria General District Court hears first and second DUI charges at 520 King Street. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Alexandria Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension. The preliminary breath test (PBT) at the roadside is for probable cause only, not for proving guilt at trial.
- Arraignment: You will be summoned to appear in Alexandria General District Court within 48 hours of arrest for an arraignment to hear the formal charges.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the administration of tests.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge, or your attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction.
- Sentencing & Requirements: If convicted, you face jail, fines, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).
- License Actions: You must separately address your license suspension with the DMV and may apply for a restricted license with an ignition interlock device.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a General District Court conviction to the Alexandria Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for DUI in Alexandria, Virginia
In Alexandria, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and long-term license revocation, with increased penalties for high BAC levels and 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 | Mandatory VASAP & ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP & ignition interlock |
| 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 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 Alexandria DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, we have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing unique insight into case construction and police procedures. We represent clients in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia.
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
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in DUI cases. For example, we have successfully negotiated reductions from DUI to reckless driving in Alexandria federal court and other Virginia jurisdictions, avoiding mandatory license revocations and jail time. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Serving Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients facing DUI charges at the Alexandria General District Court. We are a local DUI defense attorney Alexandria practice familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures at the courthouse on 520 King Street. We serve the communities of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alexandria DUI Defense
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Alexandria, Virginia?
A first DUI in Alexandria is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Mandatory VASAP enrollment is required. If your BAC is 0.15-0.20, there is a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; if 0.20+, it’s 10 days.
Is a DUI a felony in Alexandria, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Alexandria, Virginia?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension, and you cannot get a restricted license. A second refusal within 10 years is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension. This penalty is separate from any DUI charge.
Can a DUI be reduced in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Alexandria 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 Alexandria can evaluate your case for reduction possibilities.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Alexandria?
The cost varies based on case complexity, such as whether it’s a first offense, a high-BAC case, or involves an accident. Fees typically reflect the level of preparation, motion filing, and court appearances required. We offer payment plans and discuss all fees during your initial consultation.
Related Legal Services in Alexandria
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Alexandria, reckless driving in Alexandria, and family law matters in Alexandria. For more information on our statewide DUI practice, visit our Virginia DUI lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.