The District of Columbia’s DWI (Washington DC DUI) laws state that it is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher. This is considered as enough circumstantial evidence to prove that you are guilty of DUI charges. Also, if the arresting officer feels that you are showing signs of driving impairment regardless of your BAL result, you can still be guilty of DUI and you will be arrested. This driving impairment is based on your driving pattern as well as failure of the field sobriety tests. Furthermore, the District of Columbia also operates under a “zero tolerance” law for anyone under 21 years of age. This means that regardless of age, a person can be arrested by police officers once he is suspected for DUI.
DWI Arrests in the District of Columbia
If you are arrested for DWI within the boundary of Washing, D.C., you will have to face two serious cases: one with the Department of Motor Vehicle and another with the criminal court case. A case with a DMV is a battle for your right to drive, while the latter will determine your subsequent penalties and punishments. The DWI laws also require you to submit your BAL otherwise you could face harsher consequences in the criminal court hearing. This chemical test will determine the presence and the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine, which will conclude your case. If you want to argue your innocence, you will need the help of a qualified DWI attorney.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
If you are convicted for the first time for a DWI case, you can expect to face the following consequences as mandated by the state law:
Bear in mind that the District of Columbia keeps a 15-year record of your conviction. Your record will determine the number of times you are convicted for a DWI offense. If you are again arrested for the same offense, you sure would have to pay heavier charges.
License Suspensions for District of Columbia DWI
Besides facing charges that are mentioned earlier, a DWI conviction will also mean having your license revoked. The length of time for license suspension depends on the number of times you are charged with a DWI case:
Although you can refuse to undergo the BAL examination, always remember that there is always a tough consequence for your refusal. According to the DC DWI laws, you will automatically lose your license for at least one year if your do not submit yourself for the BAL test. The law, however, gives first time offenders the chance to be free from all charges provided that they will take the DWI diversion program. If you are a first time offender, you can talk to your lawyer in order to avoid making any regretful decision.
Insurance Consequences
Like in any other state, once you are convicted for a DWI case in the District of Columbia, you will have to face tougher choices pertaining to your insurance coverage. You insurance company may drop your coverage, or will have to increase your rate dramatically. Most insurance companies might also have to refuse to cover you because of your DWI conviction.