DC DUI Cases

DC statute says that a DUI is when someone is operating or in physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or a combination. Intoxication or the influence of alcohol is proven in several ways. The most direct way is through an analysis of alcohol in someone’s system. If someone blows a 0.08% in the breathalyzer, they are considered to be intoxicated irrespective of their demeanor and how coherent they may appear.

Also, someone’s blood alcohol level could be taken from a blood test or a urinalysis. If driver is over the blood alcohol limit, they are considered intoxicated in the eyes of the law. If there is no medical or biological test to determine the amount of alcohol, the government will try to prove it through circumstantial evidence, such as how someone was driving, their demeanor, their ability to communicate with law enforcement, and officer’s observations of the person. There are other sobriety tests that are performed, such as balancing on one leg, walking heel to toe, and following a light or other stimulus from side to side looking into their eyes.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you should reach out to an accomplished attorney who is experienced with DC DUI cases. A dedicated DUI lawyer could fight for you and possibly help you reach a favorable outcome to your case.

Enforcing DUI Laws in DC

DC DUI laws are enforced seriously. It is one of the most common types of criminal offenses in D.C. Almost everyone in D.C. is affected by DUI driving. DC DUI cases are taken seriously because DUIs are considered a public safety issue. Someone who is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could potentially cause much harm to others. These cases are a high priority for law enforcement as well as prosecutors.

Facing DUI Charges

DUI charges carry significant penalties and long-term repercussions. A defendant could be looking at jail time, fines, probation, and a driver’s license suspension. A criminal conviction could also lead to collateral consequences that could impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Usually, a DUI charge is a person’s first time facing criminal charges, so the court wants to communicate a message that the behavior is not acceptable and there are serious consequences to driving under the influence in DC.

How Are DUI Cases Handled in DC?

DUI cases are prosecuted by the D.C. office of the Attorney General. That is a D.C. local organization as opposed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which prosecutes other crimes.

In terms of the way these cases are handled, the court system, the prosecutors, and judges want to see how a defendant responds to the accusation. There may be diversion programs available to first-time DUI offenders. If a person participates in alcohol counseling, traffic safety program, community service, demonstrates an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the conduct, accepts responsibility, and does not engage in the behavior again, they are often able to avoid jail time and, in many cases, avoid a conviction.

These options may not be available for a subsequent DUI charge. The penalties for a second DUI charge are a minimum sentence of ten days in jail.

Call today you have any questions about DC DUI cases and how an attorney could help.