DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
A DUI in Manassas 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. provides dedicated DUI defense in Manassas.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia DUI/DWI Law
Virginia law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The primary statute, Va. Code § 18.2-266, defines DUI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired to a degree that renders you unsafe to drive. A conviction triggers mandatory penalties under Va. Code § 18.2-270, including fines, jail time, license revocation, and enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-266). For information on the Manassas court handling these cases, see the Manassas General District Court official website.
Manassas DUI Court Process & Defense Strategy
Your DUI case in Manassas begins at the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue. The court hears first and second offenses; a third DUI 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. A preliminary breath test (PBT) at the roadside is only used to establish probable cause for arrest, not to prove guilt at trial.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case based on procedural errors.
- Trial in General District Court: A bench trial is held before a judge. If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing & Compliance: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP, pay fines, and serve any jail time. An ignition interlock device is required for a restricted license if your BAC was 0.15% or higher.
DUI Penalties in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties that escalate with each offense and with a high BAC, including mandatory jail time, hefty fines, and long-term license revocation.
| 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 for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock for restricted license |
| Second DUI (within 5-10 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day to 12-month mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day to 5-year mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal of Breath/Blood Test (1st) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your DUI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a Manassas DUI charge and provide focused, strategic representation.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a proven history of achieving positive results in DUI cases. For example, we have successfully had DUI charges reduced to reckless driving in jurisdictions like Essex County and Fairfax, avoiding mandatory license revocation and VASAP requirements for our clients. Firm-wide, we have secured over 4,739 documented favorable outcomes. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides additional strategic oversight.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DUI Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas General District Court. We are accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We provide legal representation to individuals throughout Manassas and surrounding communities.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Manassas DUI Lawyer FAQ
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Manassas, Virginia?
A first DUI in Manassas is a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, a 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP enrollment. If your BAC was between 0.15% and 0.20%, there is a mandatory 5-day jail sentence; if it was 0.20% or higher, the mandatory minimum is 10 days in jail.
Is a DUI a felony in Manassas, Virginia?
No, a first or second DUI in Manassas is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, a third DUI offense within 10 years is charged as a Class 6 felony, which carries 1 to 5 years in prison, a mandatory 90-day jail sentence, and an indefinite driver’s license revocation.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Manassas, Virginia?
Under Virginia’s implied consent law (Va. Code § 18.2-268.3), refusing a breath or blood test after a lawful arrest triggers an administrative license suspension. For a first refusal, your license will be suspended for 12 months with no possibility of a restricted license. A second refusal is a separate Class 1 misdemeanor with a 3-year suspension.
Can a DUI be reduced in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes, it is possible for a DUI charge to be reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving. This outcome depends on the specific facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and the arguments presented by your drunk driving defense lawyer Manassas. Successful challenges to the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or breath test calibration can lead to a reduction.
How long does a DUI stay on my record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction in Virginia remains on your permanent criminal record. It cannot be expunged. For driver’s license purposes, the Virginia DMV counts prior DUI convictions for 10 years when determining penalties for a new offense.
For more information, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you are facing other charges, our firm provides criminal defense and reckless driving defense in Manassas.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.