District of Columbia Driving While Intoxicated Law
In common with most of America, a DWI arrest in the District of Columbia will lead to two cases being brought against the defendant, a criminal case and a Department of Motor Vehicles case. If you have been arrested for DWI in the District of Columbia, you have limited time to retain your license. Therefore it is essential that you contact a District of Columbia DWI lawyer as soon as possible.
Charges for DWI in the District of Columbia can be prosecuted either on the basis of Blood Alcohol Concentration, which is currently set at a maximum of 0.08%, or through proving impairment through “field sobriety tests”, driving patterns or through the testing of breath, blood or urine. A skilled DWI lawyer will be able to handle each of these situations.
The District of Columbia has a 15 year look back period and any previous convictions for DWI will be taken into account when sentencing.
The District of Columbia also has enhanced sentences for those whose BAC far exceeds 0.08%.
| Conviction | Punishment |
| First | Maximum fine of $300. No minimum jail term; 5 days if BAC exceeds 0.2%; 10 days if more than 0.25%. Maximum license revocation of 90 days. |
| Second | 1 year suspension of license. Fine between $1000 and $5000. Minimum jail term of 5 days; 10 days if BAC exceeds 0.2%; 20 days if greater than 0.25%. At least 30 days community service. |
| Third | Fine of between $2000 and $10000. 2 year revocation of license. Jail term of no less than 10 days; 15 days if BAC exceeds 0.2%; 25 days if more than 0.25%. At least 60 days community service. |
Contact your Washington D.C. DUI lawyer