Looking for a DUI lawyer in Washington DC? You’ve come to the right law firm! DUI lawyers in DC will help you navigate through the complicated legal process. Lawyers have helped many clients rebuild their lives after a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), or OWI (Operating While Impaired) charge. Anyone can make a poor decision and, as you pursue a second chance, a Washington DC lawyer will represent you with compassion and fight for fairness during this trying time. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to obtain representation from the top DUI lawyers in Washington DC.
The Washington DC laws for Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated, and Operating While Impaired are constantly changing. Currently, a first time DUI offense can lead to a $1,000.00 fine and up to 90 days in jail. An attorney who is well versed in these laws is your best defense against these penalties.
Your DUI, DWI and OWI case can be broken down into certain components: The traffic stop, the field sobriety test and the blood/urine tests. The results of these events can determine your verdict and the severity of punishment in your case, and DUI attorneys in Washington DC will ensure your rights are protected throughout each of these processes:
- The Stop– Police officers may stop your vehicle at a designated DUI Checkpoint, or if they see your driving and believe it presents a problem. However you are stopped, the officer will look for signs you are intoxicated. Most likely, the officer will try to engage you in conversation and check for slurred speech or the scent of alcohol on your breath. From that point, you may be asked to perform a combination of Standard Field Sobriety Tests.
- Standard Field Sobriety Test– These tests evaluate your coordination, memory, and ability to follow instructions. All of these skills are inhibited by intoxication. However, as DUI attorneys in Washington DC understand that many factors can influence your performance on this series of tests, and if a test is not administered properly, the results may not be admissible in court and your attorney may work to have the charges dismissed. If you fail these tests, you may be arrested and your license may be suspended. From there, you will also likely be asked to submit to a blood and breath test.
- Blood/ Breath Testing– If you are in police custody on suspicion of drunk driving, you will be asked to submit to a breath test, or a blood sample can be taken if you are incapacitated. From this test, the police will determine if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is above a level of .08. Be aware that the weight of your charges can increase with a higher concentration and that being in a vehicle and having access to the keys, even when not in motion, is enough to garner an OWI charge. However, Blood Alcohol Concentration tests are imperfect and if they are not administered absolutely perfectly, your Washington DC criminal lawyer may be able to have the charges dropped.
Even if every evaluation is proven admissible in court, quality guidance from an experienced lawyer is still crucial. The minute you can, seek the help of a qualified lawyer. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, DWI or OWI charge, do not hesitate to contact criminal lawyers of Washington DC today.