What Happens After a DUI in Prince William County, Virginia?

Veteran defense attorney Steve Duckett from Battlefield Law Group breaks down a common question in Virginia criminal law: What’s the difference between a DUI and a DWI?

Understanding DUI/DWI Charges in Prince William County

If you’ve been arrested for DUI or DWI in Prince William County, you probably have questions: Will I lose my license? Will I go to jail? Can I still drive to work? Our Manassas DUI attorneys break down what happens next and explain how Virginia law treats DUI vs. DWI under Virginia Code § 18.2-266.

Arrest & Booking

After a DUI arrest in Prince William County, most people face an immediate license suspension and are booked at the Adult Detention Center in Manassas. Officers may administer field sobriety tests or a breath test.

Can you get a DUI without a BAC test in Virginia? Yes. Even without a test result, you can still be charged if an officer believes you were impaired based on behavior or field tests.

Understanding the Law Section

Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. This means a DUI in Virginia can stem from alcohol, prescription medication, or even legal substances that cause impairment.

DUI vs DWI Clarification

In Prince William County, officers and courts often use the terms DUI and DWI interchangeably.

• DWI usually means a chemical test (breath or blood) was given.

• DUI may mean no chemical test was given and the charge relies on observations or field sobriety tests.

While the terms differ, the penalties are identical under Virginia law. What matters most is the evidence, and how your defense attorney challenges it.

Penalties and Consequences

Many people wonder, “Is a DUI a misdemeanor or felony in Virginia?”
For most first offenses, a DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, fines starting at $250, and a 12-month license suspension.

2nd and 3rd DUI or high BAC levels can elevate penalties and even lead to felony charges. Judges in Prince William County tend to take second and third offenses seriously, especially if there’s a history of prior convictions.

Driving After a DUI

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can you drive after a DUI in Virginia?”
In most cases, you may apply for a restricted driver’s license allowing limited driving to work, school, or medical appointments.

Our Prince William County DUI attorneys routinely assist clients with these petitions and guide them through ignition interlock installation requirements.

Record Impact

How long does a DUI stay on your record in Virginia?
A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently and on your driving record for 11 years.

This can affect employment, insurance, and security clearances, which is why fighting your charge with an experienced Manassas DUI lawyer is essential.

Defense Strategies

No matter whether it’s labeled DUI or DWI, the defense strategy depends on the type of evidence.

• For chemical tests, your attorney examines machine calibration, testing protocol, and officer certification.

• For observation-based arrests, the focus is on field sobriety accuracy and probable cause.

At Battlefield Law Group, we prepare every DUI like it’s going to trial, pushing for the best possible outcome whether through negotiation or litigation.

Local Advantage

Located within walking distance of the Prince William County Courthouse, Battlefield Law Group represents clients in Manassas, Bristow, Gainesville, Woodbridge, and across Northern Virginia. Our attorneys appear before these judges daily, understand local procedures, and know how to build the most effective DUI defense possible.

Disclaimer

This article applies to Virginia law and local practices within Prince William County. DUI and DWI definitions may vary by state. Always consult an experienced attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.