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/DWI Law in Manassas
Virginia’s DUI statute (Va. Code § 18.2-266) prohibits driving while intoxicated or with a BAC of 0.08% or more. The law applies equally in Manassas, where cases are processed at the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue. Virginia uses an implied consent law (Va. Code § 18.2-268.2), meaning drivers automatically consent to chemical testing when licensed. Refusal triggers separate penalties under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines DUI offense and penalties.
- Manassas General District Court website – Court information, forms, and contact details.
Manassas DUI Court Process
Manassas General District Court handles first and second DUI offenses. Third offenses within 10 years are felonies transferred to Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
- Initial Consultation: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a confidential case review. Bring your summons, police report, and any test results.
- Arraignment: Appear at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230) within 48 hours of arrest. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve your rights.
- Discovery and Motion Filing: Your attorney will request all evidence, including dashcam footage and calibration records. File motions to suppress if constitutional violations occurred.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare for trial by reviewing all evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing a defense strategy focused on reasonable doubt.
- Trial or Negotiation: Present your case at trial or negotiate for a reduction to reckless driving if evidence supports it. Third offenses go to Manassas Circuit Court.
- Post-Trial Steps: If convicted, enroll in VASAP within 15 days. Apply for a restricted license with ignition interlock if eligible. Appeal within 10 days if necessary.
DUI Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, DUI carries penalties from misdemeanor to felony classification, with mandatory jail time for high BAC levels and multiple 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 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory minimum | $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; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results. 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 Manassas General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. 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: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
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. Cases at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide hub page for DUI defense.
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer – Representation in neighboring jurisdiction.
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in same locality.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Co-counsel on complex cases.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.