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. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong DUI defense representation for cases at the Manassas General District Court. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Penalties
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 also covers driving while intoxicated (DWI). The penalties escalate based on the number of prior offenses and the driver’s BAC level.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience handling complex DUI cases across Virginia.
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, including forms and procedures for the Manassas General District Court, can be found on the Virginia Courts website.
Manassas DUI Court Process and Defense Strategy
Manassas General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. 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 roadside are admissible only to establish probable cause, not to prove guilt at trial.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest) at the Manassas General District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the administration of field sobriety tests.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction of charges (e.g., to reckless driving) or favorable plea terms.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, you will be sentenced. You have 10 days to appeal the conviction to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
DUI Penalties in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, a first-offense DUI carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, a minimum $250 fine, and a 12-month driver’s license revocation, with mandatory VASAP enrollment.
| 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, IID for 6 months |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days to 12 months | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for 6 months |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days to 5 years | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID for 6 months |
| 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.
Our Experience in DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we provide full representation from arraignment through trial or appeal.
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 handled DUI cases across Virginia. For example, we have successfully negotiated reductions from DUI to reckless driving in various jurisdictions, avoiding mandatory license revocations and jail time. In one Essex County case, a first-offense DWI was reduced to reckless driving. In a Fairfax County case, a second-offense DWI charge was amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex DUI matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Local DUI Defense Lawyer Near Manassas
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.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue) and is accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a DUI defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown. We provide legal services to the Manassas community. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
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 jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment. If your BAC is between 0.15% and 0.20%, there is a mandatory 5-day jail sentence. Cases are heard at the Manassas General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Manassas, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI in Manassas is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, a third DUI offense within 10 years is charged as a Class 6 felony, which carries 1 to 5 years in prison and a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, plus indefinite license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Manassas, Virginia?
Under Virginia’s implied consent law, refusing a breath or blood test after a lawful arrest triggers an administrative license suspension. For a first refusal, it’s a 12-month suspension with no possibility of a restricted license. A second refusal is a 3-year suspension and is also a separate Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
Can a DUI be reduced in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes, it depends on the evidence. A DUI in Manassas can potentially be reduced to a lesser charge like reckless driving. This 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 breath test equipment.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction in Virginia remains on your criminal and driving records permanently. It cannot be expunged. However, for driver’s license point purposes, the DMV points from a conviction remain active for 11 years.
Do I need an ignition interlock device for a first DUI in Manassas?
Yes, if your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if it is a second offense. Virginia law requires the installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you own or operate for at least six months to obtain a restricted license after a conviction.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Manassas and reckless driving charges in Manassas.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.