DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia DUI/DWI Statute Definition
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies equally in Alexandria as throughout Virginia.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The primary DUI statute.
- Alexandria General District Court website – Court information, forms, and contact details.
Alexandria DUI Court Process
Alexandria General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony transferred to Alexandria Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment within 48 hours: You must appear at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street) within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons.
- Secure legal representation: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for immediate consultation. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients.
- Prepare for GDC trial: Your attorney will review evidence, challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration. Trials typically occur 30-90 days after arraignment.
- Address license suspension: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP within 15 days. For BAC 0.15+ or refusal, an ignition interlock device is required for a restricted license.
- Consider appeal options: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Alexandria Circuit Court for a new trial.
Alexandria DUI Penalties
In Alexandria, DUI carries penalties ranging from misdemeanor fines and license suspension to felony incarceration and indefinite license revocation, depending on prior offenses and BAC level.
| 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 | Mandatory 5 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (first offense) | Civil Violation | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums and minimums; actual case outcomes depend on specific facts and legal representation.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring 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 reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent individuals throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As a DUI lawyer near Alexandria, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Alexandria, Virginia?
First DUI in Alexandria: 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). VASAP enrollment: approximately $300; restricted license application: $40 at DMV; ignition interlock installation: approximately $100 plus $70-$100/month maintenance; court costs: approximately $62; towing and impound fees at arrest: $150-$500+ Total cost ~$5,000-$10,000+. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Is a DUI a felony in Alexandria, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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. Cases at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Arlington DUI Lawyer – Representation in neighboring Arlington County.
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Alexandria.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Co-counsel on Alexandria DUI cases.
- Arlington Location – Our office serving Alexandria clients.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.