Need information and help with a Washington DC DUI arrest?
An experienced District Of Columbia DUI Lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your caseIf you face an allegation of drunk driving in the Nation's Capital, you are probably concerned about losing your license, going to jail, and being branded a criminal. You may even have some sleepless nights worrying about how this charge will affect your family and your future. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the complexity of DC DUI law and process and intimidated by the prospect of going to court alone. You have every right to be concerned, because you face a charge that can result in jail time now, and a record that can haunt you for years to come. DC DUI Facts
For more information on the definitions of these two types of charges, read the article at Washington D.C. DUI Laws.
It is important to consider potential "collateral consequences" of a DC DUI conviction. These are penalties that are not part of any sentence, plea bargain, or diversion program. They include immigration issues and travel restrictions, professional and occupational license pitfalls and insurance difficulties that can reach into other, non-driving, types of insurance such as disability, life and health policies.  DC Implied Consent Law: In almost every Washington D.C. DWI arrest, the police will attempt to get a chemical sample from you to determine your alcohol or drug level. While you don't have to submit to the tests (in that they can't force you to), you will lose your license for at least one year if you don't cooperate and take the test. To learn more about the implied consent laws that govern license suspension, see the articles on Washington D.C. DUI driving issues.
There may be problems with the government's case against you Not every DC DUI case is as airtight as it may first seem. Did you know that chemical breath testing in District Of Columbia DUI cases is flawed? This is because they use an imperfect technology that is subject to mechanical, computer and human errors, and is influenced by external factors and biological factors that the machine can not adjust for. Also, before you plead guilty or agree to diversion, wouldn't it be nice to know if something went wrong in your case? What if there is a key witness who is not available, or who will say something different from what he or she is alleged to have said in the police report? What if a key officer is missing, retired or in trouble? If you don't find this out before you agree to anything in your case, you could forever lose your right to have the case dismissed. While it may not make sense to spend your hard-earned money to hire a DUI defense attorney in every case, there is no reason why you should be so neglectful as to not at least take advantage of the free initial consultation that many DC area drunk driving defense lawyers offer. That way, you will know what you are facing and can make a good assessment about whether an attorney can help you. A drunk driving charge in Washington D.C. is very serious. It is in your best interest to consult with a qualified DWI defense lawyer in the area as soon as possible. |
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In the District Of Columbia, drunk driving is commonly referred to by the acronyms "DUI" and "DWI." Driving under the influence is a criminal charge that can result in a long-term criminal record. The implications of such a record on your life and career should be considered very carefully before you make any important decisions about the direction of your case.
