Virginia DUI & DWI Penalties

DWIs in Virginia are punished differently based on whether it is a first or subsequent offense. First and second offenses are punishable as class 1 misdemeanors. The maximum punishment for a class 1 misdemeanor is up to 12 months in jail and a fine not more than $2,500.00. 

A third or fourth offense, or any criminal offense after being convicted of a felony DWI, is a felony offense. 

Mandatory minimum punishments vary depending on whether the charge is a subsequent offense and if you have an elevated blood alcohol concentration or not. § 18.2-270 of the Code of Virginia proscribes the punishment required for first and subsequent offense. 

The mandatory minimum punishments are summarized below.

1st Offense: Class 1 Misdemeanor

• If BAC is < .14 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $250.00
• If BAC > .14 – Mandatory Minimum Jail of 5 days and fine of $250.00
• If BAC > .20 – Mandatory Minimum Jail sentence of 10 days and fine of $250.00

2nd Offense within 5 years of first: Class 1 Misdemeanor

Minimum 30 days jail sentence.

• If BAC less than .15 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $500.00 and Jail Sentence is 20 days.
• If BAC less than or equal to a .15 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $1,000.00 and Mandatory Minimum Jail sentence of 30 days
• If BAC greater than a .20 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $1,000.00 and Mandatory Minimum Jail sentence of 40 days.

2nd Offense within 10 years of first: Class 1 Misdemeanor

Minimum of 30 days in jail

• If BAC is less than .15 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $500.00 and Jail Sentence is 10 days
• If BAC greater than or equal to .15 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $1,000.00 and Jail sentence of 20 days
• If BAC greater than .20 – Mandatory Minimum fine of $1,000.00 and Jail sentence of 30 days.

3rd Offense Within 5 years: Class 6 Felony

• Mandatory Minimum Fine: $1,000.00 and jail sentence of 6 months (Regardless of BAC)

3rd Offense Within 10 years: Class 6 Felony

• Mandatory Minimum Fine: $1,000.00 and Jail Sentence of 90 Days (Regardless of BAC)

4th Offense Within 10 years: Class 6 Felony

• Mandatory Minimum Fine of $1,000.00 and Jail Sentence of 1 year

Any DWI after convicted of a Felony DWI: Class 6 Felony

• Mandatory Minimum Fine of $1,000.00 and Jail Sentence of 1 year

***Any DWI offense committed while transporting a person 17 years of age or younger carries with it an additional $500.00 minimum fine and a 5 day mandatory minimum jail sentence.

In addition to the penalties proscribed above, DWI convictions also result in the loss of a person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle and the court must require them to enroll in and successfully complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP or ASAP). In addition to VASAP, some courts also require the offender to attend a Victim Impact Panel.

Understanding the potential penalties is crucial if you've been charged for a DWI in Manassas, Virginia. Depending on the severity of the crime, these penalties can range from license suspension and fines to jail time. Don't navigate this challenging situation alone. Consulting with a Manassas DWI attorney can help protect your rights and explore potential options for minimizing the consequences.