OWI Attorney in Manassas, VA

Virginia DUI Defense from Former Prosecutors Trained by the Commonwealth

If you searched for an OWI attorney in Manassas, you’re facing a Virginia DUI charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-266. Virginia doesn’t use the term “OWI” in its statutes, but the charge on your paperwork is the same offense, and the defense it demands is just as serious. At Dischley Law, PLLC, our attorneys Dischley and O’Brien are former Virginia DUI prosecutors trained by the Commonwealth’s Department of Forensic Science on every aspect of these cases, from traffic stops and field sobriety testing to breath alcohol analysis. That inside knowledge of how the prosecution builds its case is what we bring to your defense.

We defend clients in Manassas and throughout Prince William County, with over 30 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of dismissals, reductions, and favorable verdicts. Free consultations are available.

Facing an OWI or DUI charge in Manassas? Call (703) 215-9337 to speak with our attorneys at no cost and learn what your defense options can look like from day one.

How Virginia Defines Operating While Intoxicated

Virginia Code § 18.2-266 makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. The state doesn’t distinguish between DUI and DWI. Both terms refer to the same offense under the same statute. OWI is a charge designation used in several other states, but if you’re seeing it on your paperwork or hearing it from an officer, you’re facing this same Virginia offense.

One critical point: you can be charged and convicted under § 18.2-266 with a BAC below 0.08, or with no BAC reading at all, if the officer observed signs of impairment. The breath test number matters, but it isn’t the whole case. Most first and second OWI/DUI charges in Manassas are heard in General District Court. A third conviction within 10 years is prosecuted as a Class 6 felony and moves to the Prince William County Circuit Court.

How We Challenge OWI/DUI Charges in Manassas

Because Dischley and O’Brien spent time on the other side of these cases, they know exactly where the Commonwealth’s evidence is vulnerable. Both attorneys trained law enforcement in drunk driving identification, arrest, and prosecution. That experience shapes how we examine every piece of the case against you.

Our defense review covers the full chain of events:

• The traffic stop: Was there reasonable articulable suspicion to pull you over? A stop without legal justification can result in suppressed evidence.
• Field sobriety tests: NHTSA sets specific administration standards for the walk-and-turn, one-leg-stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests. Deviation from those standards can weaken the officer’s testimony.
• Probable cause for arrest: The officer must have sufficient grounds before placing you under arrest. We challenge arrests that don’t meet that threshold.
• The breath certificate (certificate of analysis): Virginia courts give significant weight to the breath certificate. Challenging its admissibility or accuracy through calibration records, maintenance logs, and operator certification can substantially change the case.

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Disciplined scrutiny of officer testimony and test results can create that doubt, and our track record of dismissals and reductions in DUI matters reflects what that approach can accomplish.

Why Manassas Clients Choose Dischley Law, PLLC for OWI Defense

Dischley and O’Brien were formally trained by the Commonwealth’s Department of Forensic Science and prosecuted DUI cases before moving to the defense. Combined with service in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. intelligence community, that background produces a defense approach built on precision and anticipation rather than guesswork.

The firm’s credentials reflect consistent recognition from the legal community:

• AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
• Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40
• 10.0 “Superb” Avvo Rating

We handle both state and federal court matters, and our offices in Manassas and Fairfax keep us accessible throughout Northern Virginia. We bring big-firm resources to every case while giving each client the direct, personal attention that complex litigation demands.