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Select a Washington DC county to contact a skilled DUI / DWI lawyer in your area.
DUI in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. Counties: locate an DUI / DWI lawyer in your area.A Washington, D.C. drunk driving arrest is a serious matter with potentially harsh consequences – the accused driver faces fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. But an arrest doesn’t mean an automatic conviction. DUI cases can be fought and won with expert legal help. The skilled local attorney of 1.800.NOT.DRUNK and www.NotDrunk.com will provide a free consultation and outline an aggressive defense strategy designed to protect the driver’s rights and minimize the repercussions of a DUI arrest.
Washington DC drinking and driving arrests actually trigger two separate cases – in criminal court, and at the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles.
In the District of Columbia, DUI / DWI cases can be prosecuted under one or both of two theories. The first is the allegation that the motorist was too impaired to drive. Impairment can be proven through evidence such as driving patterns, physical appearance, field sobriety test performance, and chemical test results.
The second possible allegation in a Washington, D.C. DUI / DWI case is that the driver violated the District’s "per se" laws. Per se is another way of saying that the driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or greater. This allegation is pursued regardless of whether the driver displayed any signs of mental or physical impairment.
Washington D.C. also has an implied consent law – anyone who drives in the District has agreed to take a chemical test to determine BAC if arrested for driving under the influence. This means that in a DUI arrest, refusal to submit to chemical testing when lawfully requested by a peace officer can result in the loss of driving privileges for one year. Also, the refusal to submit to a blood or breath alcohol test following an arrest for DUI / DWI or a related drunk driving charge can be introduced at trial to show consciousness of guilt.
First-time DUI offenders may have the option of participating in a Washington DC drunk driving diversion program. However, there are certain risks and hazards that everyone should be made aware of before electing this solution to a DUI arrest. Washington D.C. recognizes drinking and driving convictions from other states, so that this option may not be available if the motorist has a DWI conviction elsewhere. Additionally, DWI diversion may not be available if the driver’s BAC was .20 percent or greater.
Washington D.C. DUI cases are significantly tougher for repeat offenders, and the "lookback" period for prior convictions is 15 years. This means that even if a driver is arrested for drunk driving with a prior conviction that is less than 15 years old, the new Washington D.C. DWI case will be treated as a second offense, with much stricter punishment.
DUI punishment in Washington DC can include fines that range from $300 to $10,000, and jail terms that can last up to 25 days. Washington DC has approved an ignition interlock program, which is an alcohol breath test device installed in the car to prevent it from being started unless the driver is alcohol-free.
In addition to the Department of Motor Vehicle Services case, the court can issue a license suspension against those convicted of DWI in the District of Columbia. Court suspensions can range from six months for a first offense, one year for a second offense, up to two years for a third or greater offense within 15 years.
Because the penalties for a Washington D.C. drunk driving conviction are so severe, it’s critical to have an expert defense lawyer protecting the driver’s rights. The skilled attorneys of 1.800.NOT.DRUNK and www.NotDrunk.com will provide a free consultation and outline a defense strategy designed to minimize or even eliminate the consequences of a District of Columbia DUI / DWI arrest.
DISCLAIMER: No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.