DC DUI Penalties
Washington DC Criminal Penalties
Washington DC DUI arrests give rise to two separate cases: 1) a criminal case that is prosecuted in the District of Columbia DUI criminal courts, and 2) an administrative Washington DC driver’s license case, which can result in the suspension of driving privileges by the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles.
For a first charge with a low BAC level and no prior convictions, your Washington DC DUI attorney may be able to arrange a deferred sentencing resolution, meaning that by completing a substance abuse class or a Traffic Alcohol Program, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
Charge
|
1st Conviction
|
2nd Conviction
|
3rd Conviction or More
|
DWI/DUI
|
Up to 90 days in jail.
$300 fine.
If BAC is at least .2 but less than .25, mandatory 5 days in jail. If BAC above .25, additional mandatory 10 days in jail.
If transporting a person 17 years of age or younger at time, additional minimum fine of $500 – $1,000 and 48 hours of community service (80 hours for subsequent offense). |
Mandatory 5 days in jail up to one year.
$1,000 – $5,000 fine.
If BAC is at least .2 but less than .25, additional mandatory 10 days in jail. If BAC above .25, additional mandatory 20 days in jail. |
Mandatory 10 days in jail up to one year.$2,000 – $10,000 fine.
If BAC is at least .2 but less than .25, additional mandatory 15 days in jail. If BAC above .25, additional mandatory 25 days in jail. |
OWI
|
Up to 30 days in jail.
$200 – $300 fine. |
Mandatory 5 days in jail up to one year.$300 – $500 fine. |
Mandatory 10 days in jail up to one year.
$1,000 – $5,000 fine. |
BAC Test refusal
1st offense:
- Up to 30 days in jail.
- Up to 1 year loss of license.
- $200 to $300 fine.
2nd offense:
3rd offense:
- Up to 1 year in jail.
- Up to 3 years loss of license.
- $1,000 to $5,000 fine.
Alcohol teaching and prevention programs and assessment and treatment for alcohol or drug dependence can be required for DUI offenders in Washington DC.
Washington DC DMV Sanctions
DWI/DUI Penalties
- 1st offense: 90 days to 6 months loss of license.
- 2nd offense: 1 year loss of license.
- 3rd offense: 2 to 3 years loss of license.
Underage Penalties
- $100 to $300 fine and loss of license for 90 days for possession of alcohol or using a fake ID for alcohol.
Attorney David Benowitz