Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated Have Severe Consequences in Washington D.C.

Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated Have Severe Consequences in Washington D.C.

If someone makes the decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having too much to drink, they are violating the law and will be arrested when caught. The next step is determining which charge effectively reflects their intoxicated state.

The Differences Between DUI & DWI in D.C.

When arrested, that person’s blood alcohol content, their age, and type of license will determine how they are charged.

Whether the person is arrested for a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), the driver will receive 12 points against their license — resulting in an automatic suspension of driving privileges and license revocation.

The differences in the charges include:

• DUI
  • Blood alcohol content level of .07% or lower
• DWI
  • Blood alcohol content level of .08% or higher
  • Blood alcohol content level of .04% or higher when driving with a commercial driver’s license
  • Under the age of 21 with ANY measurable amount of alcohol

Additional penalties will be added to the DWI charges when the following components apply and can include mandatory jail time:

• The driver has a blood alcohol content level of .20% or higher
• The drive is under the age of 21 and used a false ID to acquire the alcohol

The Number of DUI/DWI Offenses Play a Role in the Consequences

Whether this is your first DUI or DWI offense or multiple arrests for the same charge will dictate the consequences you face going forward.

• First Offense
  • Minimum of six months license suspension
  • Maximum imprisonment: 180 days
  • Fines up to $1,000
• Second Offense
  • Minimum of two years license suspension
  • Mandatory imprisonment: 10 days
  • Maximum imprisonment: One year
  • Fines from $2,500 – $5,000
• Third Offense
  • Minimum of three years license suspension
  • Mandatory imprisonment: 12 days
  • Maximum imprisonment: One year
  • Fines from $2,500 – $10,000
• Refusal to Take a Sobriety Test, or Fourth or More Offense
  • Minimum of three years license suspension
  • Mandatory imprisonment: 45 days
  • Maximum imprisonment: One year
  • Fines from $2,500 – $10,000

In addition to the legally mandated fines, imprisonment, and civil suspension of driving privileges, the additional consequences of being arrested and charged with a DUI in Washington D.C.. can include:

• Canceled or increased auto insurance coverage premiums
• Community service
• Family conflicts
• Job suspension or loss
• Loss of trust in the community
• Personal and professional relationship trouble
• Probation

How Can Lotze Mosley Help Mitigate the Consequences of a DUI/DWI Arrest?

A DUI/DWI arrest in Washington D.C. can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial stress. Being physically placed under arrest, fingerprinted, and placed in a holding cell can lead to severe anxiety about your future and the fallout from making the mistake of driving after drinking.

Approximately 75% of all DUI charges in the United States end in a conviction without the proper representation. Hiring an attorney is an important step in countering the charges that are waged against you, even when it is your first offense.

Consulting with a Washington DC DWI attorney at Lotze Mosley will result in our firm uncovering the full circumstances of why you were pulled over, so we can apply the best representation available.

Some of our initial questions about your arrest will include:

• Were you pulled over with probable cause?
• Were you given a proper sobriety test?
• Were your rights violated in any way during the arrest?
• Was the blood alcohol collection equipment functioning properly?
• Did you participate in the screening process fully?

Our experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Washington D.C. are devoted to providing the best outcome available for your case. Each outcome will depend on our legal findings, and how they are applied to your unique circumstances.

We have delivered successes for our clients who were arrested for a DUI/DWI charge, including:

• Case dismissals
• Diversion programs for first-time offenders
• Decreased penalties and fines
• Probation instead of jail time
• Favorable sentencing for repeat offenders

Contact Our DUI Attorney in Washington D.C. at Lotze Mosley to Understand Your Legal Options

If you have been arrested with the charge of DUI or DWI in Washington D.C. do not face the prosecutor’s office alone. Allow our experienced attorney to review your case and deliver the best outcome available by calling (202) 393-0535 today. We want to protect your rights and provide solutions for your arrest before you enter the courtroom.

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• Maryland DUI Laws Updated as Noah’s Law Takes Effect This Month
• US Supreme Court Confirms DUI Defense against Warrantless Blood Tests
• Degree of Alcohol Impairment as DUI/OWI Defense in D.C.
• Defective Breath-Testing Device as DUI/DWI Defense
• Man Faces Murder Charges for DUI/OWI Crash
• Penalties for DUI in Maryland and Washington DC
• What Are the Terms of DUI Probation in Washington D.C. and Maryland?
• Can I Go to Jail for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Maryland?
• What to Do If Your High School or College Kid is Arrested for DUI in Washington D.C. or Maryland
• Do I Need to Tell My Employer I Was Arrested for Driving Under the Influence?
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• How Long Does A Maryland Or Washington D.C. Dui Stay On Your Record?
• Experienced Washington D.C. Suspended License Attorney