DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in Arlington County
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across Virginia, including Arlington County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, represents clients facing these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia DUI statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County DUI Court Process
Arlington County General District Court hears first-offense and second-offense DUI/DWI charges. Third offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Arlington County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest results in a separate charge.
- Initial court appearance at Arlington County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest.
- Your attorney reviews police reports, breath test calibration records, and field sobriety test procedures.
- Based on evidence review, your attorney identifies potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Your attorney represents you at trial, challenging evidence and presenting your defense to the judge.
DUI Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time for high BAC levels or repeat offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | 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 | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 felony | 90 days mandatory | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has 120+ years of combined attorney experience. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Arlington County DUI cases.
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 in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against DUI charges involving breath test refusal, high BAC levels, and prior offenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a DUI lawyer near Arlington County, we provide 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
First DUI in Arlington County: 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 Arlington County General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Arlington County, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Arlington County 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 Arlington County General District Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Arlington County, 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.
Can a DUI be reduced in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Arlington County 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.
How long does a DUI case take in Arlington County?
Arraignment occurs within 48 hours of arrest. General District Court trial typically happens 30-90 days from arraignment. Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of conviction.
Related Legal Services
For more information about DUI defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia DUI lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.