Fairfax County DUI Records
Fairfax County DUI records are filed with the Fairfax County court system, which handles more cases than any other county court in Virginia. As the most populous county in the state, with over 1.1 million residents, Fairfax processes a high volume of DUI and DWI cases each year. You can search those records online, visit the courthouse, or use this guide to understand what is available and how to get it.
Fairfax County Overview
Where Fairfax County DUI Records Are Filed
DUI cases in Fairfax County go through the Fairfax County General District Court, which is part of one of the largest court systems in Virginia. The court handles all traffic and criminal misdemeanors, including first and second DUI offenses under Virginia Code § 18.2-266. The Fairfax County Courthouse complex is located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. The clerk's office maintains all case files, orders, and dispositions. You can request records in person during business hours or search online.
The Fairfax County court system also includes a Circuit Court for felony cases, family courts, and a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Third-offense DUI charges, which are Class 6 felonies, go to the Circuit Court. The Fairfax County Courts website provides contact information, dockets, and services for all court divisions. Fairfax is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, one of the busiest in Virginia.
| Office | Fairfax County General District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 |
| Courts Website | fairfaxcounty.gov/courts |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Online Case Search | Virginia Courts Case Portal |
How to Search Fairfax County DUI Records
The Virginia statewide case portal at eapps.courts.state.va.us/gdcourts/ is the primary tool for searching Fairfax County DUI cases online. Select Fairfax County General District Court from the dropdown. Search by name, entering last name first, or by case number. Results show the charge, the Virginia code section, the court date, case status, and the final disposition. The system also shows the arresting agency and bond information for each case. Searches are free and open to the public.
Fairfax County has a high volume of DUI cases, so the online system is frequently updated. Data is typically current within 24 to 48 hours of court proceedings. For cases that have been appealed to the Circuit Court, you will need to search the Circuit Court separately or contact the clerk at fairfaxcounty.gov/courts. Certified copies of case records must be requested directly from the clerk's office either in person or by mail. The Virginia DMV separately maintains driving history records that show DUI convictions for 11 years; these cost $8 online.
Note: Basic case information displayed in the online portal does not include actual court documents. Warrants, charging documents, and certified dispositions require a separate records request from the clerk.
Law Enforcement in Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency in the county and handles most DUI arrests. Police headquarters are located at 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035, under Chief Kevin Davis. The department patrols all unincorporated areas of the county and responds to traffic enforcement calls. The Fairfax County Police website provides contact information for precincts, non-emergency lines, and records requests.
The Virginia State Police also operate within Fairfax County and cover portions of the interstate system, including I-66, I-495, and I-95. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office handles courtroom security, civil process, and the jail. After any DUI arrest in Fairfax County, the officer's report, chemical test results, and all related documentation are submitted to the General District Court. Blood samples go to the Virginia Department of Forensic Science for analysis when a blood draw is ordered instead of a breath test.
Fairfax County's high population means DUI enforcement activity is extensive across its road network, covering major corridors like Route 7, Route 123, Route 50, and the Dulles Toll Road.
Virginia DUI Laws in Fairfax County
Virginia Code § 18.2-266 sets the standard for DUI charges. A driver can be charged if their BAC is at or above 0.08%, if they are impaired by alcohol or drugs at any concentration, or if they are under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher under § 18.2-266.1. The statute covers impairment from prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and alcohol, or any combination. It applies to every road in Fairfax County.
Virginia's implied consent law under § 18.2-268.2 applies statewide. Any driver in Virginia has consented to a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest. Refusing to take the test results in a 12-month civil license suspension, which is imposed even if the DUI charge is dismissed or results in a not-guilty verdict. On a second refusal within ten years, the refusal itself becomes a criminal misdemeanor. These rules are enforced by the Fairfax County courts the same as they are throughout Virginia.
The full text of Virginia's DUI statutes is published at law.lis.virginia.gov.
DUI Penalties and Record Impact in Fairfax County
A first DUI conviction in Fairfax County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The minimum fine is $250 and the court suspends the driver's license for 12 months. No mandatory jail time applies for a base first offense. However, BAC readings of 0.15% to 0.20% trigger a mandatory five-day jail term. BAC above 0.20% adds ten mandatory days. Judges in Fairfax County may impose additional jail time, fines, or probation beyond these minimums, particularly in cases involving accidents, injuries, or prior offenses.
Second offenses within five years carry a mandatory minimum of 20 days in jail and a $500 fine. The suspension period increases and an ignition interlock is required. Third offenses within ten years are Class 6 felonies tried in the Fairfax County Circuit Court, with a minimum of 90 days in jail and at least $1,000 in fines. Felony DUI convictions are permanent public records and result in loss of civil rights including the right to possess firearms.
Misdemeanor DUI convictions remain on the Virginia driving record for 11 years. They are visible to insurance companies and will typically result in significant premium increases. The court record through the General District Court is public and searchable online. You may appeal a ruling within ten days to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
VASAP and Diversion First in Fairfax County
After a DUI conviction, the Fairfax County General District Court refers defendants to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. VASAP evaluates each person and assigns an appropriate education or treatment program. Completion is required before driving privileges can be restored. Program fees run $250 to $300 and do not cover fines, legal fees, or interlock costs. Under § 18.2-270.1, most DUI offenders must install an ignition interlock device. VASAP monitors the data and reports to the court.
Fairfax County also operates the Diversion First program at fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/diversion-first. This program offers alternatives to incarceration for people who have low-level criminal contact and also have mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities. For eligible DUI cases that intersect with these issues, Diversion First can offer assessment and treatment support before or instead of formal prosecution. The program aims to break the cycle of repeated criminal justice contact by connecting people with the services they need.
Note: Diversion First availability depends on specific eligibility criteria. Not all DUI defendants qualify. Contact the Fairfax County Courts office for details on eligibility and how to apply.
Fairfax County DUI Records Resources
The Virginia statewide case portal at eapps.courts.state.va.us/gdcourts/ gives public access to Fairfax County DUI cases with details on charges, court dates, and dispositions.
The Virginia General District Court Online Case Information System allows anyone to search Fairfax County DUI cases by name or case number, see case status, and review charge details.
The Fairfax County Diversion First program offers an alternative pathway for eligible individuals with low-level offenses and substance use or mental health issues, diverting them from traditional criminal prosecution into assessment and treatment services.
Diversion First is a Fairfax County initiative designed to connect eligible defendants with treatment and support, reducing repeat criminal justice encounters for people whose offenses are linked to mental illness or substance use.
The Fairfax County Police Department at 12099 Government Center Parkway is the primary law enforcement agency making DUI arrests and submitting case documentation to the Fairfax County courts.
The Fairfax County Police Department processes DUI arrests throughout unincorporated Fairfax County and provides arrest records, incident reports, and charging documents that become part of the court file.
Nearby Cities
Several independent cities border or sit within Fairfax County's geography. Each has its own court system for DUI cases filed within city limits.
Nearby Counties
Fairfax County borders several Northern Virginia counties. Each county processes DUI cases through its own General District Court.