
DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
A DUI in Henrico County 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 1 documented DUI result in Henrico County. A DUI defense attorney Henrico County can challenge the stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration to seek a reduction.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law and Penalties
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) 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 thereof. A drunk driving defense lawyer Henrico County understands that the penalties escalate sharply with prior offenses and high BAC levels.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Local DUI Court Process in Henrico County
Henrico County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension. Prosecutors here routinely seek the mandatory minimum jail time for high-BAC cases.
- Receive a summons or be arrested, with an arraignment date set.
- Appear at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road) for arraignment.
- Your DUI lawyer Henrico County will file pre-trial motions and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or, if convicted, consider an appeal to Henrico County Circuit Court within 10 days.
DUI Penalties in Henrico County
In Henrico County, a first DUI carries up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, and a 12-month license revocation, with mandatory jail time for high BAC levels.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC < 0.15) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10-day mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for restricted license |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, potential forfeiture of vehicle |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Henrico County DUI Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide. We focus on a detailed, case-specific approach for every client in Henrico County.
Bryan Block
Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper)
Bar Admissions: Virginia; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. A former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, Bryan Block provides a powerful perspective on DUI investigations and defense strategies in Henrico County and across Central Virginia.
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
Our DUI lawyer Henrico County team has 1 documented result in this locality: 1 charge reduced or amended to a lesser offense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For example, our attorneys have successfully negotiated amendments from second-offense DUI charges to first-offense within a 10-year period in other jurisdictions, avoiding mandatory felony penalties.
Contact Our Henrico County DUI Defense Team
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295.
DUI lawyer near Henrico County serving Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, and Highland Springs.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
DUI Lawyer Henrico County FAQ
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Henrico County, Virginia?
First DUI in Henrico County is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail, a $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, and mandatory VASAP. A BAC of 0.15-0.20 adds a mandatory 5 days in jail; 0.20+ adds 10 days.
Is a DUI a felony in Henrico County, Virginia?
No, for first and second offenses. A first or second DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1-5 years in prison and a mandatory 90-day jail sentence.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Henrico County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, a first refusal triggers a 12-month administrative license suspension with no restricted license available. A second refusal is a 3-year suspension plus a separate Class 1 misdemeanor charge, also to any DUI penalties.
Can a DUI be reduced in Henrico County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Henrico County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. A DUI defense attorney Henrico County can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration to seek this outcome.
How long does a DUI case take in Henrico County General District Court?
It depends. Typically, an arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest, with a trial in General District Court 30-90 days later. If convicted, an appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days, which can extend the timeline significantly.
Related Legal Services in Henrico County
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Henrico County, reckless driving, and family law matters. For more DUI information, visit our Virginia DUI lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.