What happens at a DUI arraignment in Prince William County
Facing a DUI charge in Prince William County can be unsettling, and the first court appearance—the arraignment—often raises more questions than answers. In Virginia, driving under the influence is a criminal offense, not a simple traffic ticket. Arraignment at the Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, is the formal start of the criminal process. At this hearing, the judge informs you of the specific charge under Virginia law, and you are asked to enter a plea. Whether you plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere can shape every step that follows, so having defense counsel present is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals facing DUI charges in Prince William County and throughout Northern Virginia. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Traffic Law and DUI Mean in Prince William County
Prince William County sits at the intersection of major commuter corridors—I-95, I-66, and Route 1—and is home to a large suburban population as well as Marine Corps Base Quantico. The volume of traffic and the concentration of drivers who are unfamiliar with Virginia’s strict DUI laws contribute to a steady stream of DUI arrests. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more. A first-offense DUI is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in jail time, monetary fines, and a driver’s license suspension. Beyond the statutory penalties, a DUI conviction carries a long-term impact on your driving record, insurance premiums, and in some cases, your employment.
DUI cases in Prince William County are heard initially in the General District Court. If the charge is a felony DUI—for example, a third offense within ten years—it will proceed directly to the Circuit Court. The General District Court arraignment is a non-trial proceeding, but the decisions made there can affect the entire direction of your case. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will offer the facts of the arrest, and the judge will inquire about your plea. Because Virginia does not allow a judge to bargain with you about the charge, you need an attorney who can negotiate with the prosecutor before the court date and present strategic arguments on your behalf. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our defense team is familiar with the procedures and the prosecutors in Prince William County and can help you understand the process and work toward a favorable resolution. Results may vary.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle DUI Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring a thorough understanding of criminal procedure to every DUI defense. They examine the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood test results for compliance with Virginia’s statutory and constitutional requirements. If an officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop or probable cause to make the arrest, the evidence may be challenged. Similarly, problems with the calibration or administration of the breath-test device can undermine the prosecution’s case.
Pretrial motions and negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney are central to the defense approach. In appropriate cases, the team may seek a reduction of the charge to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving or improper driving, or pursue a dismissal. Because Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled matters in Virginia courts for many years, they know the local practices and the preferences of the judges and prosecutors who handle DUI dockets. Throughout the process, they keep you informed and prepared for each court date, from arraignment through trial or plea resolution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 after gaining trial experience as a former prosecutor. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background in accounting and information systems allows him to address technical evidence effectively. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team handle a wide range of criminal and traffic matters, including DUI defense. The Of Counsel colleagues have substantial experience as former law enforcement officers and former prosecutors, and they bring a collaborative approach to every case. Collectively, the team has documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at my DUI arraignment in Prince William County?
At your DUI arraignment in Prince William County General District Court, you will be formally advised of the charge, informed of your rights, and asked to enter a plea. The judge will read the DUI charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, confirm that you understand it, and then ask whether you plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. If you plead not guilty, the case will be set for a trial date. If you have not yet hired counsel, the judge will typically ask about your plans for representation. The court is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia 20110. An attorney can appear with you and help you make an informed decision about your plea.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
Yes, having a lawyer with you at arraignment is strongly recommended because the plea you enter can affect the entire course of your DUI case. A defense attorney can ensure you understand the rights you are waiving, challenge any procedural irregularities, and begin negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney immediately. Without counsel, you risk pleading guilty without fully appreciating the consequences, which may include jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients at arraignments in Prince William County and can work to protect your interests from the very first hearing.
What are the possible consequences of a Virginia DUI conviction?
A DUI conviction in Virginia can result in jail time, monetary fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and a lasting criminal record. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-270, a first-offense DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The court may also order an ignition interlock device on your vehicle and require attendance at the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). For a second or subsequent offense within ten years, the penalties increase substantially and the charge may be a felony. A conviction also adds demerit points to your driving record and may cause a significant increase in insurance rates.
How does a DUI case proceed after arraignment?
After arraignment, a not-guilty plea sets the case for a trial date, and both sides will prepare their evidence and legal arguments. Your attorney will review the Commonwealth’s evidence, file any pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge, and continue plea discussions with the prosecutor. The case will then be set for trial in the General District Court, where the judge will hear testimony and render a verdict. If you are convicted, an appeal to the Prince William County Circuit Court may be filed within ten days. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar, and your attorney will keep you advised of all upcoming dates.
Can a DUI charge be reduced to a lesser offense?
In some circumstances, a DUI charge may be resolved through a reduction to a lesser offense such as reckless driving or improper driving, but this outcome depends on the specific facts. The Commonwealth’s Attorney evaluates factors such as the strength of the evidence, your prior record, and whether there are procedural issues with the arrest or testing. If the breath or blood test result is close to the legal limit or the officer’s observations are ambiguous, a reduction may be possible. A skilled defense attorney can present mitigating information and negotiate for the most favorable resolution available. Results may vary.
What should I do if I missed my court date?
If you missed your DUI court date in Prince William County, contact your attorney immediately; the court may have issued a capias warrant for your arrest. Failing to appear can result in additional charges and penalties. An attorney can help you address the warrant, explain the reason for your absence, and request a new court date. It is critical not to delay, because an outstanding warrant can lead to an arrest at any time. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss how to handle a missed court date.
Additional resources: Traffic lawyer Fairfax County • Traffic lawyer Stafford County • Traffic lawyer Loudoun County • Virginia traffic lawyer
Last reviewed: June 2026
Virginia primary sources: Va. Code § 18.2-266 (DUI) • Va. Code § 18.2-270 (DUI penalties) • Prince William County General District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.