DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
A DUI charge in Manassas requires immediate action to protect your driving privileges and avoid mandatory jail time, especially for high BAC levels.
Virginia DUI Law in Manassas
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 thereof (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across the state, including in the City of Manassas. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this statutory knowledge to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The primary DUI statute.
- Manassas General District Court website – For local court procedures and information.
Manassas DUI Court Process
Manassas General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. A third DUI within 10 years becomes a Class 6 felony heard in Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment: You must appear in person at the Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230) within 48 hours of arrest or as directed by your summons.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney may meet with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to discuss evidence and potential resolutions, such as a reduction to reckless driving.
- Motion Hearings: Your lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence if the traffic stop lacked probable cause or testing procedures were not followed.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: After a verdict, the judge imposes sentence. You have 10 days to appeal a conviction to the Manassas Circuit Court for a new trial.
DUI Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and license revocation, with mandatory minimums for high BAC levels and repeat 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-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (First Offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are defined by statute; the outcome in any specific case depends on the facts and evidence.
Additional costs include VASAP enrollment (~$300), restricted license application ($40), ignition interlock installation and monthly fees, court costs (~$62), and potential towing/impound fees ($150-$500+).
Our DUI Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We combine this deep institutional knowledge with specific insights into Manassas court procedures.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 for DUI Defense
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC. Our attorneys actively practice in Manassas General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local DUI Defense in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, which are accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. As a DUI lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown, we represent individuals throughout the Manassas area.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 is within 48 hours of arrest or summons. General District Court trial typically occurs 30-90 days later. VASAP enrollment is required within 15 days of conviction. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance regarding your specific situation.