DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia means operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Virginia DUI Law in Manassas
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI under Va. Code § 18.2-266. You commit this offense if you drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.02% for drivers under 21), or while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. The statute applies on all public roads in Manassas. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses direct experience to handle these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The primary DUI statute.
- Manassas General District Court website – Official court information, forms, and contact details.
Manassas DUI Court Process
Manassas General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within ten 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.
- Secure legal representation: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 immediately after arrest. Do not discuss your case with anyone else.
- Prepare for arraignment: Attend your scheduled arraignment at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230). Your attorney will enter a plea.
- Review evidence: Your defense team will obtain and scrutinize all police reports, breath test calibration records, and dash/body camera footage.
- Develop defense strategy: Based on evidence review, your attorney will build a defense, which may involve challenging the stop, test procedures, or negotiating a reduction.
- Attend trial or negotiate resolution: Proceed to trial in Manassas GDC or negotiate a favorable plea agreement, such as reduction to reckless driving.
DUI Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, a DUI carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines and license suspension to a Class 6 felony with mandatory jail time for 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, ignition interlock |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums and minimums; actual case outcomes depend on specific facts and court discretion.
Our Firm’s Background
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+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to DUI defense in Manassas.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Manassas, Virginia?
First DUI in Manassas: Class 1 misdemeanor — up to 12 months jail, $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP. BAC 0.15-0.20: mandatory 5 days jail. BAC 0.20+: mandatory 10 days. Cases at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
Is a DUI a felony in Manassas, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Manassas is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Manassas, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties. Cases at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
Can a DUI be reduced in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Manassas 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.
What is the timeline for a DUI case in Manassas?
Arraignment: within 48 hours of arrest or summons to appear; GDC trial: 30-90 days from arraignment; VASAP enrollment required within 15 days of conviction; restricted license application can be filed immediately; appeal to Circuit Court: within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our attorneys actively practice in Manassas General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a DUI lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas. We serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Our state-wide hub page.
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer – Defense in a neighboring locality.
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Manassas.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Our Fairfax Office – Location landing page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.