DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Henrico County DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Henrico County. A first offense with a BAC of 0.15 or higher triggers mandatory jail time. Our Richmond location provides experienced defense for charges heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia means operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Virginia DUI Law and Penalties
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI under Va. Code § 18.2-266. The statute prohibits driving or operating any motor vehicle, engine, or train (1) while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume, (2) while under the influence of alcohol, (3) while under the influence of any narcotic drug or other self-administered intoxicant or drug, or (4) while under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. The law applies to public highways and anywhere the vehicle can be driven in the Commonwealth.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about court procedures and locations, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Handling a DUI Case in Henrico County
Henrico County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in Henrico County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
- Secure legal representation immediately: Contact a DUI defense lawyer before your arraignment to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy.
- Attend your arraignment: Appear at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road) for your initial hearing to enter a plea.
- Review discovery and evidence: Your attorney will obtain and scrutinize police reports, breath test calibration records, and dash/body cam footage for procedural errors.
- Explore pre-trial motions and negotiations: Based on evidence review, your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial or sentencing: If no favorable resolution is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court, where your attorney will present your defense.
DUI Penalties in Henrico County
In Henrico County, DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time, with severity increasing for repeat offenses and high BAC levels.
| 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 | Mandatory 5 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Ignition Interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, Vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are based on Virginia statutes; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to each case. We focus on providing full representation for clients facing DUI charges in Virginia.
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 in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented DUI/DWI result in Henrico County: 1 case reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local DUI Defense in Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We are a DUI lawyer near Henrico County for residents of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Henrico County, Virginia?
First DUI in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
Is a DUI a felony in Henrico County, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Henrico 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. Cases at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
Can a DUI be reduced in Henrico County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Henrico 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. Cases at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
How long does a DUI case take in Henrico County?
A DUI case timeline in Henrico County varies. Arraignment is typically within 48 hours of arrest. A General District Court trial is usually scheduled 30-90 days after arraignment. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Chesterfield County and Hanover County. In Henrico County, we handle other matters such as Criminal Defense and Reckless Driving. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.