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
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-266, is strictly enforced in Arlington County. Cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The court’s official website provides procedural information at vacourts.gov.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Arlington County DUI Defense Strategy
In Arlington County, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum penalties for DUI, especially for high BAC (0.15%+) cases. A strong defense starts with a detailed review of the traffic stop’s legality, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the maintenance records of the breath test machine. The Arlington County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges; a third offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Circuit Court.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a DUI defense attorney Arlington County immediately after arrest to discuss the details of your case and the implied consent advisement you received.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain and scrutinize the arrest report, body/dash camera footage, and breath test calibration logs for procedural errors.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged at an arraignment hearing in Arlington County General District Court, where you will enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated during the stop or arrest.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case may proceed to a bench trial or your attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser charge like reckless driving.
- Sentencing & Compliance: If convicted, you must comply with court-ordered penalties, which include mandatory VASAP enrollment and, for high BAC, an ignition interlock device.
Penalties for DUI in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and license revocation, with mandatory minimums increasing for high BAC 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 | VASAP; Ignition Interlock for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP; Ignition Interlock for restricted license |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP; Ignition Interlock required |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP; Potential vehicle forfeiture |
| Refusal of Breath/Blood Test (1st) | 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.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Arlington County DUI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high-stakes nature of DUI charges in Arlington County and provide a case-specific approach focused on protecting your driving privileges and 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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Our experienced DUI defense team, which includes former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has successfully negotiated reductions from DUI to reckless driving, challenged breath test results, and secured favorable outcomes for clients facing serious penalties.
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 represent 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.
Arlington County DUI Lawyer FAQ
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Arlington County, Virginia?
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 enrollment. A BAC of 0.15-0.20% triggers a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; BAC of 0.20%+ triggers 10 days.
Is a DUI a felony in Arlington County, Virginia?
No, for a first or second offense. 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, carrying 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory 90-day minimum and indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Under Virginia’s implied consent law (Va. Code § 18.2-268.3), refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers an administrative license suspension. A first refusal results in a 12-month suspension with no eligibility for a restricted license. A second refusal is a separate Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension.
Can a DUI be reduced in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Arlington County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids the mandatory license revocation and VASAP requirement. Defense strategies focus on challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of the breath test machine.
How long does a DUI case take in Arlington County General District Court?
It depends. An arraignment typically occurs within 48 hours of arrest or summons. A trial in General District Court is usually scheduled 30 to 90 days after arraignment. If the case is appealed to Circuit Court, the process can extend several more months.
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria. If you are facing other charges, explore our Arlington County criminal defense and reckless driving defense services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your DUI charge in Arlington County.