DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
A DUI in Arlington County 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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A DUI defense attorney Arlington County can challenge the stop, tests, and evidence.
Virginia DUI Law and Arlington County Court Process
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. The statute also sets specific penalties based on the number of prior offenses and BAC level. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Arlington County General District Court website
Local DUI Defense Strategy in Arlington County
Arlington County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension. Preliminary breath test results at the roadside are only for establishing probable cause, not for proving guilt at trial.
- Receive a summons or be released from custody after arrest.
- Attend the arraignment hearing at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Your attorney files pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or prepare for trial.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court.
- Comply with court orders, including VASAP enrollment and fines.
DUI Penalties in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, a DUI conviction carries penalties including jail time, fines, license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment, with severity increasing for prior offenses and high BAC levels.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI (BAC <0.15) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for restricted license |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for restricted license |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for restricted license |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Arlington County DUI Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. They have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor.
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
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. In other Virginia jurisdictions, the firm has secured reductions, such as a DWI charge reduced to reckless driving in Essex County. Firm-wide, the attorneys have handled over 4,739 cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Services in Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a DUI lawyer near Arlington County and Crystal City. We serve neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arlington County DUI
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Arlington County, Virginia?
A first DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP. A BAC of 0.15-0.20 adds a mandatory 5 days in jail; 0.20+ adds 10 days. Cases are at Arlington County General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Arlington County, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1-5 years, a mandatory 90 days in jail, and indefinite license revocation. Felony cases move to Arlington County Circuit Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no restricted license. A second refusal is a 3-year suspension plus a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. These penalties are separate from any DUI conviction penalties.
Can a DUI be reduced in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. A DUI in Arlington County can potentially be reduced to a lesser charge like reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Success depends on the evidence, such as the legality of the stop and the accuracy of chemical tests. A drunk driving defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate your case.
How long does a DUI stay on my record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction in Virginia is a permanent criminal record. It cannot be expunged. It will appear on background checks indefinitely. This underscores the importance of a strong defense from a skilled DUI lawyer Arlington County to seek a dismissal or reduction.
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in Alexandria. In Arlington County, we handle related matters like criminal defense and reckless driving.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.