FAIRFAX COUNTY DUI LAWYER
Local Insight, Proven DUI Strategies in Loudoun County
Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Fairfax County can feel overwhelming. Good people can find themselves facing DUI charges after one bad decision or simple lapse in judgment. Everyone makes mistakes, and a DUI doesn’t have to define you, what matters most is how you respond and who you trust to guide you through it. In Virginia, a DUI arrest triggers an automatic 7-day license suspension on a first offense. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can evaluate probable cause, preserve footage, and position your case for the best result. At Battlefield Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys know Fairfax courts inside and out. We defend clients facing DUI charges with precision, strategy, and compassion.
Why Hire Battlefield Law Group for Your Fairfax DUI Case
Local knowledge — We practice regularly in Fairfax County General District and Circuit Courts.
Focused defense — DUI/DWI is a core practice area, and we stay current by attending national DUI defense seminars.
Personalized strategy — We treat every client with respect and build defenses tailored to your circumstances.
Trusted experience — Our attorneys are award-winning trial lawyers with decades of combined courtroom work.
With Battlefield Law Group, you’re not just another case number. We combine courtroom credibility with compassion to fight for your best outcome.
Why DUI Cases in Fairfax Are Different
Fairfax County is the most populated jurisdiction in Northern Virginia and one of the busiest court systems in the Commonwealth. Law enforcement agencies — including Fairfax County Police, Virginia State Police, and local city departments like Fairfax City and Vienna, aggressively patrol major roads such as:
I-66
I-495 (Capital Beltway)
Route 50
Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road)
Fairfax County Parkway
Checkpoints are frequently conducted around Tysons Corner, Reston, Springfield, and Annandale, especially during holidays and weekends. If you are stopped and accused of DUI in Fairfax, you will likely appear in Fairfax County General District Court, one of the busiest trial courts in Virginia. Knowing how cases move through this courthouse and how prosecutors approach DUI charges is critical to building a defense.
Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest in Fairfax
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, time matters. Here’s what to do first:
Note your release conditions — including bond requirements or license restrictions.
Document everything — keep tow slips, receipts, and any notes about what happened.
Contact an attorney immediately — the earlier we begin working, the stronger your defense can be.
Prepare for your arraignment — most DUI arraignments in Fairfax happen quickly after arrest.
Avoid discussing your case — anything you say to others, or on social media, can be used against you.
Common DUI Scenarios in Fairfax County
Checkpoint arrests near Tysons, Reston Town Center, or major commuter corridors.
Traffic stops that begin with speeding or equipment violations and escalate into DUI investigations.
Accidents where alcohol or drugs are suspected, even if impairment is not obvious.
Virginia DUI Law: What the Commonwealth Must Prove
Under Va. Code § 18.2-266, the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were operating a motor vehicle while:
Having a BAC of 0.08 or higher;
Impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination; or
Having certain drugs in your system at specified levels.
We carefully evaluate whether the stop was lawful, whether field sobriety tests were administered properly, and whether the breath or blood testing followed strict protocols. Faulty equipment, medical conditions, or officer error can all play a role in your defense.
Penalties for DUI in Fairfax County
Virginia imposes harsh penalties for DUI convictions (Va. Code § 18.2-270, § 18.2-271, § 46.2-391.2).
Up to 12 months in jail
Fines of $250–$2,500
1-year license suspension
ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program) enrollment required
Ignition interlock required for restricted license
BAC ≥ 0.15: 5 mandatory days in jail
BAC ≥ 0.20: 10 mandatory days
Second Offense DUI (within 10 years)
Minimum 10 days in jail (20 if within 5 years)
Higher fines
3-year license revocation
Ignition interlock required
Third Offense DUI (felony)
Class 6 felony
Minimum 90 days in jail (within 10 years)
Indefinite license revocation
Substantial fines
Administrative License Suspension (ALS) — Va. Code § 46.2-391.2
First offense: 7 days
Second offense: 60 days
Third offense: until trial
Unreasonable Refusal — Va. Code § 18.2-268.3
First offense: 1-year license suspension, no restricted license
Subsequent offenses: criminal charges and harsher penalties
The Fairfax DUI Court Process
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Fairfax County, here’s what to expect:
Arraignment
Usually held within a few days of your arrest
Judge explains the charge and sets future court dates
Bond or release conditions may be reviewed
Pre-Trial Phase
Evidence review (police reports, breath/blood test results, video footage)
Motions to suppress or exclude evidence filed if appropriate
Negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney (prosecutor)
Trial
Typically begins in Fairfax County General District Court
Most DUI trials are bench trials (judge decides), but jury trials are available in Circuit Court
If convicted, sentencing may occur immediately or at a later date
Appeal to Circuit Court
You have 10 days after conviction to appeal from General District Court to Circuit Court
Circuit Court allows a new trial (de novo), meaning the case starts over
Post-Trial Requirements
Enrollment in the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP)
Installation of ignition interlock if seeking a restricted license
Compliance with license suspension or revocation orders
Steps for reinstatement after the suspension period ends
Communities We Serve in Fairfax County
We represent clients across Fairfax County, including:
Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Oakton, Burke, Chantilly, Centreville, Springfield, Lorton, Mount Vernon, McLean, Tysons, and Annandale.
All DUI cases are heard at:
Fairfax County General District Court
4110 Chain Bridge Rd
Fairfax, VA 22030
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to my arraignment?
Yes, arraignments in Fairfax are mandatory. An attorney can guide you through what to expect.
Can I get a restricted license?
In many cases, yes, but ignition interlock and ASAP enrollment will be required.
What happens if I refused the breath test?
A first refusal carries a one-year suspension with no restricted license. Multiple refusals can be charged as crimes.
Do judges in Fairfax treat first offenses more leniently?
Every case is unique. Some first offenders may qualify for reduced penalties, but outcomes depend heavily on facts, BAC, and prior record.
Contact Battlefield Law Group Today
If you’re facing DUI charges in Fairfax County, don’t wait. The earlier we begin, the more opportunities we have to build your defense.
Call us at 571-364-0500 — our 24-hour live answering ensures you can always reach us.
Located in Manassas, we serve clients across Fairfax County and Northern Virginia.
Request a Consultation
Disclaimer: Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
About Battlefield Law Group
Founder and Senior Partner, Nicole H. Naum, Esq., describes our core values and what sets Battlefield Law Group apart.
Battlefield Law Group, PLLC delivers focused DUI and DWI defense throughout Fairfax County, blending decades of trial experience with ongoing training in advanced breath- and blood-test science. Clients receive one-on-one attention in English or Spanish, with swift action to protect their licenses, livelihoods, and futures. From traffic stops on I-66, Route 50, and the Fairfax County Parkway to DUI checkpoints near Tysons, Reston, and Springfield, our attorneys know the enforcement patterns that often lead to arrests. Because every Fairfax DUI case begins in the Fairfax County General District Court on Chain Bridge Road, we are well-versed in how judges and prosecutors approach these matters. We carefully examine field sobriety tests, review chemical results, and challenge officer reports to build the strongest defense possible. Our mission remains the same: pursue dismissal, reduction, or acquittal so you never face the criminal process alone.
If you have been charged with DUI in Fairfax County, it is critical to retain an attorney as soon as possible. Call Battlefield Law Group Today.
info@battlefieldlawgroup.com
(571)364-0500
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