In Virginia, misdemeanor level drunk driving cases with juvenile offenders are typically heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and misdemeanor level drunk driving cases involving adults are typically heard in the General District Court, so most DUI / DWI cases that go to trial in Virginia are decided by a judge. However, if you are found guilty in either of those courts you have the automatic right to appeal the case to the Circuit Court for a new trial. At this new trial in the Circuit Court you have the right to have a jury trial. All felony DUI / DWI offenses in Virginia are tried in the Circuit Court, so you have the right to have a jury trial.
If my Virginia DUI / DWI case goes to trial, will it be decided by a judge or a jury?
In Virginia, misdemeanor level drunk driving cases with juvenile offenders are typically heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and misdemeanor level drunk driving cases involving adults are typically heard in the General District Court, so most DUI / DWI cases that go to trial in Virginia are decided by a judge. However, if you are found guilty in either of those courts you have the automatic right to appeal the case to the Circuit Court for a new trial. At this new trial in the Circuit Court you have the right to have a jury trial. All felony DUI / DWI offenses in Virginia are tried in the Circuit Court, so you have the right to have a jury trial.