DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, a DUI 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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers mandatory jail time. Our Fairfax location serves clients facing charges at the Manassas General District Court.
Virginia DUI Law in Manassas
Virginia law defines DUI (Driving Under the Influence) 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 of both (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The law applies on all public roads in Manassas, including those within Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our attorneys use their experience to handle the details of your DUI case.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The statute defining DUI.
- Manassas General District Court website – Official court information, forms, and contact details.
Manassas DUI Court Process
First and second DUI charges are heard at the Manassas General District Court. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony and moves to Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest results in a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment: You must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons to hear the formal charges.
- Evidence Review: Your attorney obtains police reports, body/dash camera footage, and breath test maintenance logs.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court, or your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible reduction.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence. You have 10 days to appeal the conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Post-Conviction Requirements: You must enroll in VASAP within 15 days and address DMV license sanctions.
DUI Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and long-term license revocation, with penalties increasing sharply for repeat offenses or 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 required |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| 2nd DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum (1-5 years possible) | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are defined by statute; the outcome in your case depends on the specific facts and evidence.
Filing Fees & Costs: VASAP enrollment is approximately $300; a restricted license application costs $40 at DMV; ignition interlock installation is approximately $100 plus $70-$100/month maintenance; court costs are approximately $62.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Manassas DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on full representation for clients in Manassas and Northern Virginia. Our approach is case-specific, built on a deep understanding of local court procedures.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our firm actively handles DUI cases in Manassas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense Serving Manassas
Our Fairfax location is a short drive from the Manassas General District Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a DUI lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
We serve clients in Manassas and the surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 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 Information
- Virginia DUI Lawyer – Statewide hub page for DUI defense.
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer – Defense in a neighboring jurisdiction.
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same city.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn about another attorney who handles DUI cases.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.