Your DUI Case in Prince William County: A Step-by-Step Guide
What to Expect from a DUI Case in Prince William County
Were you recently charged with DUI in Northern Virginia? It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. The good news is that Battlefield Law Group brings over 50 years of combined experience to the table, and we are especially committed to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome in their DUI cases.
This guide will walk you through what actually happens after a DUI arrest in Prince William County, from your first court appearance to potential sentencing. It’s based on years of experience helping people in your exact situation, right here in Manassas and the surrounding areas.
We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to give you the truth, answer your questions, and help you take control of your case.
You’ve Been Arrested, Now What?
Most DUI cases in Prince William County begin with a traffic stop or checkpoint. If the officer suspects impairment, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or take a preliminary breath test at the scene. You are not legally required to take these tests before an arrest, and you have THE RIGHT to refuse them. However, if you're arrested, Virginia’s implied consent law kicks in. That means you are legally required to submit to a post-arrest breath or blood test. Refusing this test can lead to separate penalties, including an automatic license suspension, even if you're never convicted of DUI.
After booking, you may be held overnight or released on bond. Your first court date will come quickly, and you should retain counsel as soon as possible.
Administrative License Suspension: What Happens to Your License Immediately After Arrest
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Prince William County, your driver’s license is likely already suspended, even before you’ve been to court. Under Virginia’s Administrative License Suspension (ALS) laws, your license is automatically suspended for 7 days if you’re charged with a DUI and submitted to a breath or blood test that indicates a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
This suspension goes into effect immediately after your arrest and is separate from any license penalties the court may impose later.
But here’s what many people don’t realize:
You have the right to challenge this suspension. If there was no valid probable cause for the arrest or other procedural issues, your attorney can request a hearing and argue that your license should be reinstated before the 7 days are up.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to speak with a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. At Battlefield Law Group, we often file ALS challenges within 24 to 48 hours of a new client coming to us, and in some cases, we’ve successfully had suspensions lifted before they expired. Contact Us Now for Help!
Your First Court Date: The Arraignment
Your arraignment is a short hearing usually held within a few days at the Prince William General District Court in Manassas.
The judge will:
Formally tell you what you’ve been charged with
Ask if you have an attorney
Set your next court date
This isn’t your trial, and no evidence will be presented yet, but how you handle this stage can impact everything that follows. If you haven’t already hired a lawyer, now is the time to do so.
Building Your Defense: What Happens Before Trial
After your arraignment, there’s a period where your attorney can start building your defense. At Battlefield Law Group, we use this time to:
Review all evidence (body cam, test results, police reports)
Investigate possible defenses, like an illegal traffic stop or faulty breathalyzer
File motions to challenge or suppress evidence
Negotiate with the prosecutor if a resolution makes sense
If your license has been suspended, we may also be working to request a restricted license so you can drive to work or school.
Your Trial: What to Expect in General District Court
Most DUI trials in Prince William County happen in front of a judge, not a jury. These are bench trials, usually scheduled 30 to 60 days after your arrest. The Commonwealth (the prosecutor) presents their case, and your attorney will challenge the evidence, cross-examine officers, and present any defenses.
The judge usually gives a decision the same day. If you’re found not guilty, your case is over. If convicted, the court moves to sentencing.
What Happens If You’re Convicted
For a first offense DUI under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, sentencing may include:
A fine starting at $250
Possible jail time (especially if your BAC was high)
A 12-month license suspension
Ignition interlock for restricted driving
While judges in Prince William County follow Virginia’s mandatory minimums, they still have some discretion in sentencing. Because Battlefield Law Group is located just steps from the courthouse, we know the local judges and prosecutors well, and we use that insight to advocate for the best possible outcome in your case.
Can You Appeal?
Yes. If you’re convicted, you have the right to appeal to Prince William Circuit Court within 10 days. This gives you a second chance, often in front of a jury. Sometimes, that pressure leads to better plea offers or alternative resolutions.
We Know Prince William County Courts
Every courthouse operates differently. The procedures, the people, and how DUI cases are handled can vary widely from one county to the next. Our Senior Attorneys, Nicole H. Naum, Steven L. Duckett, Jr., and Lili R. O’Connell appear in Prince William County courts nearly every day. We know the system, the prosecutors, and the judges—and we know how to get results.
Our office is just steps from the courthouse, so when you're facing charges, we're right here and ready to help.
