What to Expect in Alexandria General District Court for a DUI

By David Dischley, Attorney & Former Prosecutor

Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. Every case is different. If you've been charged with DUI in Northern Virginia, contact us immediately.

Overview

If you’ve been charged with DUI in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, your case will be handled in Alexandria General District Court, located at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Unlike some jurisdictions that push plea deals early, Alexandria's process is more formal. That can work in your favor—if you're prepared and represented properly.

At Dischley Law, we’ve handled countless DUI cases in this courthouse. Having served as a former prosecutor, military veteran, and a uniformed State Department officer working within the intelligence community, I understand how these cases are built—and how to tear them down.

Timeline: What Happens After Your DUI Arrest

Initial Arrest and Bond Hearing
Held within 24–48 hours; handled by magistrates. You may be released on your own recognizance or required to post bond.
Arraignment
Judge informs you of the charges; no plea is entered yet.
Discovery and Pretrial Motions
We request dashcam footage, breath test records, officer notes and challenge traffic stop legality or test results.
Trial Date
Usually set 4–8 weeks after arraignment. Bench trials are common in Alexandria DUI cases.

Key Players in the Alexandria Courthouse

Commonwealth’s Attorney: Will prosecute your case; usually involved through trial.
Judge: Will decide guilt or innocence if no jury is requested.
Arresting Officer: Often key to the prosecution’s case. Inconsistencies in their testimony can be pivotal.

Why Alexandria is Unique for DUI Cases

Unlike Fairfax or Prince William, Alexandria DUI trials move quickly and judges expect tight argument. There’s no hand-holding. You need someone who:

Understands local players and unwritten rules
Has trial experience in this exact courtroom
Knows how to challenge field sobriety tests, BAC results, and probable cause

Your Defense: What We Do at Dischley Law

Together with Patrick O’Brien, who served over 10 years as a prosecutor and nearly 5 years as a defense attorney, we take an aggressive and tactical approach:

Suppression Motions: Was the stop legal? Were your rights violated?
Scientific Review: Were the test results valid? Was the breath machine calibrated?
Negotiation or Trial: We don’t bluff. We prepare. That’s the military mindset I bring into court.

Potential Outcomes

Dismissal: Rare, but possible if strong legal issues exist
Amended Charges: Often reduced to reckless driving
Guilty Finding with Mitigation: Negotiated plea for reduced penalties
Trial & Appeal: If convicted, you can appeal automatically to Circuit Court

Real Words from Real Clients

"I was terrified after my DUI arrest in Alexandria. David Dischley took immediate control of my case and treated me with dignity. He explained every step and got my charge reduced. The court respected him, and so did I." — Former Client

"Patrick O’Brien knew the prosecution’s game plan before they did. He picked apart their case in 20 minutes. I walked out of court with my license and no jail time." — Client charged with second DUI

Local Knowledge Matters

Whether you're in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Stafford, or Prince William, our experience gives us insight others lack.

Final Thoughts

You don’t just need a lawyer. You need someone who’s been on both sides of the courtroom, who’s worn the badge and the bars, and who knows how to fight. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Call (703) 215-9337 or Contact Us to schedule a consultation.

Dischley Law, PLLC
Veteran Owned. Prosecutor Experience. Defense Obsessed.