DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, Virginia, driving under the influence (DUI) is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $250 minimum fine, and a 12-month license revocation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our former Virginia State Trooper, Bryan Block, provides a defense informed by 15 years of law enforcement experience.
A first DUI conviction in Lexington requires mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) and can cost over $5,000 when including fines, fees, and increased insurance.
Lexington DUI Law and Penalties
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The penalties escalate sharply with prior offenses and higher BAC levels.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Local Court Process for DUI in Lexington
All first and second DUI offenses in Lexington are heard at the Lexington General District Court. A third DUI within 10 years becomes a Class 6 felony and moves to Lexington Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension.
- Secure legal representation: Contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately after arrest. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
- Attend your arraignment: Appear at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street) within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons to enter a plea.
- Review evidence with your attorney: Your lawyer will obtain discovery, including police reports, body/dash cam footage, and breath test calibration records, to identify defense strategies.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a resolution: Based on the evidence, your attorney will either prepare a defense for trial or negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction.
- Address license sanctions: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP, apply for a restricted license with the DMV, and install an ignition interlock if required.
DUI Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, a DUI carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines and license suspension for a first offense, to a Class 6 felony with mandatory jail time for a third offense within 10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC < 0.15) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 min | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5-day mandatory min | $250 min | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID* |
| Second DUI (within 5 yrs) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20-day mandatory min | $500 min | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID |
| Third DUI (within 10 yrs) | Class 6 Felony | 90-day mandatory min | $1,000 min | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID |
*IID = Ignition Interlock Device. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Filing fees and costs include: VASAP enrollment (~$300), restricted license application ($40), ignition interlock installation (~$100 plus $70-$100/month), court costs (~$62), and potential towing/impound fees ($150-$500+).
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation with a case-specific approach for clients in Lexington.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
DUI Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Lexington, Virginia?
First DUI in Lexington: Class 1 misdemeanor — up to 12 months jail, $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP. BAC 0.15-0.20: mandatory 5 days jail. BAC 0.20+: mandatory 10 days. Cases at Lexington General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in Lexington, Virginia?
First/second DUI in Lexington is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at Lexington General District Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Lexington, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties.
Can a DUI be reduced in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in Lexington can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration.
How long does a DUI case take in Lexington General District Court?
Arraignment is within 48 hours of arrest or summons. A trial in General District Court typically occurs 30-90 days from arraignment. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia DUI/DWI Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County DUI Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Our Richmond Office
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.