DWI used to be charged separately from DUI, but it is now charged as a separate offense. DWI means that if the defendant has a blood alcohol content (BAC) or breath alcohol content (BAC) of.08 or greater at the time of testing, that BAC alone is evidence that the accused person was significantly impaired by alcohol. If the defendant had a urine alcohol content of.10 or higher, that is considered per se evidence of the defendant being significantly impaired by alcohol. This finding of impairment is not based on the findings of standardized field sobriety tests or other patrol officers observations.
What Happens To First Time Offenders in Washington DC?
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Once you are charged for the fist time with a drunk driving offense, your license in the District of Columbia would be revoked. You may also have to pay some fines that are much higher than your insurance premiums for your car. You may also be asked to stay in jail. Once you have been previously arrested for DUI within 15 years and you have been arrested all over again, your penalties and sanctions would then be much grave. You will have a criminal record that could make it difficult for you to find employment and the like.
Good news is that you can keep your record clean with the help experienced Washington DC DUI Attorneys Wait no longer and contact them now and you would be free from your DUI troubles.
DC DUI vs DC DWI
Penalties for DC drivers convicted of DUI have recently been increased. Drug or alcohol use can impair driving, and marijuana stays in the blood for days after use and could be used to convict someone if they show other signs of impairment.
DC DUI – Driving Under the Influence
DUI is defined as having a blood alcohol concentration of.07 percent or less. According to DC Code, a driver can be charged with DUI if the officer observes other signs of impairment from a structured field sobriety test and observations of the suspect’s driving behavior in addition to a BAC reading.
DC DWI – Driving While Intoxicated
DWI refers to a person who has a legally prohibited blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08 or higher. (In April 1999, DC adopted the.08 percent BAC standard for Driving While Intoxicated.) Without any structured field sobriety tests, the suspect can be convicted in court based solely on the results of the breath, blood, or urine tests.
DWI Penalties
The following sanctions are included in fines and penalties:
- First-time DWI offenders in Washington DC face fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
- Judges impose mandatory 10-day jail sentences for BACs greater than 0.20, 15-day sentences for BACs greater than 0.25, and 20-day sentences for BACs greater than 0.30 percent alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
- Second DWI offenses committed within 15 years of the first offense result in fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 and up to one year in jail, with a 10-day minimum jail term.
If they drive while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 17, they face additional minimum fines of $500 to $1,000 per child for the first and subsequent offenses. Judges must impose a five-day jail sentence for each restrained child and a ten-day jail sentence for each unrestrained child. - These fines and penalties apply even if drivers make no movement of their vehicles. Getting behind the wheel and inserting the keys into the ignition, according to the law, gives someone control of the motor vehicle.
Get DC DWI Help: Repeat Offenses for DUI Arrests
Two cases against drunk driving under the influence will be pursued in The District of Columbia First one is the criminal case, resolved in the court system. The second one is filed through the Department of Motor Vehicles, seeking the suspension of your driver’s license.
You are only allotted five days from the day of your arrest to request for a hearing with the DMV or you will immediately lose your driving privileges. Once you seek the help of a lawyer, your situation can be greatly improved and you might be able to successfully petition the DMV.
Drinking and driving at the same time is not at all tolerated by The District of Columbia that is why a mere presence of alcohol can already immediately result to sanction. A well known fact is that Washington actually has three offenses for drunk driving or DUI. Once the driver’s blood alcohol content reaches 08% or higher; a DWI or driving while intoxicated is charged is immediately On the other hand, when the BAC is under .08%; then an OWI is charged when the officer feels the driver is operating a vehicle while impaired.
However, in whatever case you may be faced with, whether or not you are intoxicated with alcohol know that you actually have the right to defend yourself. It is very much important to fight for your rights because the laws and DUI regulations in Washington D.C are very severe. If you wish, you may also seek the help of a professional who can guide you through your case and help you deal with it. Know for a fact that legal guidance can do a great deal of difference in addressing and settling your case therefore whether or not your are found guilty for drunk driving, the result or your sanction can be changed with their help.
Hire an Experienced Washington DC DUI Attorney
Washington D.C’s DUI attorneys, know the laws and regulations that apply to the district of Columbia DUI and also have great experience when it comes to hearing. These experienced DUI Lawyers have successfully defended numerous cases that have to do with DUI in Washington DC The lawyer has a unique understanding and anticipation of some prosecution tactics that will definitely give you an advantage to your defense.
Once you have been arrested for DUI, know that it is very important for you to act on it immediately if you want to have your case dismissed or not be troubled by it anymore. Once you are arrested, you can immediately contact a DUI attorney. There is no need to be concerned about your security because the information that you will provide is confidential and you don’t even have to pay for anything.