At Lotze Mosley, LLP, our Washington D.C. criminal defense attorney has represented more than 500 clients in criminal cases, including those involving individuals arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated (DUI//DWI).
Although the very nature of being arrested for a DUI offense may mean your judgment is impaired when you are read your rights, there are several things you can do after the arrest to ensure you do not make any mistakes that will harm your pending case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI/DWI Arrest
The very first mistake most people make when they are arrested for DUI/DWI — especially those who are experiencing their first encounter with law enforcement and have never been arrested for anything before — is to assume it is no big deal.
It’s crucial not to underestimate the gravity of a DUI/DWI charge. It’s a serious matter with potentially life-altering consequences. Taking proactive steps to protect yourself is essential, as failing to do so could result in an unnecessary DUI/DWI conviction.
Other common mistakes when facing a Washington D.C. DUI/DWI charge include:
- Ignoring the Consequences of a DUI/DWI Conviction
Another critical mistake to avoid when facing a DUI charge is overlooking the consequences of a conviction. While DUI/DWI charges always carry steep penalties, including:
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
Getting arrested for a DUI/DWI in Washington, D.C., does not mean you have been convicted. Getting legal help immediately after your arrest is paramount to a successful outcome.
- Choosing Not to Speak with an Experienced DUI/DWI Lawyer
Do not assume you can handle the case on your own. DUI/DWI laws are complex, and navigating the legal process without professional guidance can be challenging. Due to the significant risks of facing a DUI/DWI charge, it is critically important to have an experienced DUI lawyer on your side. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you in numerous ways, from obtaining the prosecution’s evidence to pursuing a resolution that avoids the inherent uncertainty of trial.
- Posting About Your DUI/DWI Case on Social Media
We’ve discussed why anyone charged with a crime should avoid discussing it on social media, including anyone accused of a DUI/DWI.
One of the most critical aspects of handling a DUI/DWI case is maintaining confidentiality. Regardless of the circumstances, it is vital to keep all details about your arrest and charges strictly between you and your DUI/DWI defense lawyer.
- Missing a Court Date
After you get arrested for DUI/DWI, you may have to appear in court multiple times unless we can get your charges dismissed or lessened before then. If you do have to appear in court, you must do so on the scheduled date and on time. If you miss a court date, you could be charged with failure to appear, which means a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest.
- Getting Arrested Again
When a DUI/DWI charge is pending, you need to do everything you can to avoid getting arrested again — for anything — but especially another DUI/DWI, as you will be charged as a repeat offender, which means you face enhanced penalties.
Contact Our Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
If you have been arrested on DUI/DWI charges, call (202)-393-0535 to speak with our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Lotze Mosley, LLP in Washington, D.C. We will protect your rights so you can make informed decisions about how your case unfolds so that you can get your life back on track.
