Washington DC DWI Lawyer

Experienced DC DWI Attorney

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Washington DC is a criminal charge that can incur various costs.  Every Washington DC driver should have a basic understanding of the penalties associated with a DWI conviction, and should consider enlisting the help of a reputable DC DWI attorney if accused of Driving While Intoxicated.

While the District of Columbia has three separate charges for alcohol-related driving offenses, Driving While Intoxicated carries the harshest penalties.  Any driver who is found to be driving on DC roads with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or above will be charged with a DWI.  This is true even if the individual’s driving was not affected by the alcohol in his or her bloodstream.

The DC police department utilizes several different tests for measuring a driver’s BAC.  Chemical tests are performed on a driver’s breath, blood, or urine, and field sobriety tests are usually performed on the side of the road when a driver is suspected of drinking and driving.  Any driver in DC who refuses to take a chemical test will be subject to additional penalties due to DC’s implied consent law.

Penalties for a DWI conviction vary depending on a range of circumstances, and increase if a driver has been previously convicted of an alcohol related driving offense.  The first DWI conviction is subject to a maximum jail sentence of 90 days, and/or a fine of up to $300.  If a driver is found to have a BAC of .20-.25, he or she will be imprisoned for a mandatory minimum of five days, while a BAC above .25 carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of an additional 10 days.  Other consequences include the loss of a driver’s license, the lifetime loss of the ability to obtain a commercial driver’s license, increased auto insurance premiums, and electronic monitoring.

If you have been charged with a DWI in DC, you should consider contacting an experienced Washington DC DWI lawyer.  Please call for a free consultation.