Criminal defense
If you have a DUI conviction in DC, your license can be suspended for up to 1 year as a first time offender or up to two years for a second or subsequent offense.
A person can face an enhancement of having a child in the vehicle while driving under influence and face 5 days per minor if convicted of a DUI. A person can face an additional 5 days if the minor was not properly restrained at the time.
In DC, only DUI cases that ended in a dismissal are eligible to sealed four years after the dismissal date. DUI convictions can never be sealed in DC.
First time offenders in DC are not entitled to a jury trial for a DUI because the maximum penalty is 180 days in jail.
To reinstate your DC license or privilege to drive in DC after a DUI conviction, you must schedule a reinstatement hearing at DC DMV Adjudication Services when your revocation period has ended. At the hearing, you must show proof of completion of a state-approved traffic alcohol program, pay any outstanding fines or tickets, show proof of SR-22 high risk insurance, and pay a $98 reinstatement fee to be approved for reinstatement.
For a first-time DUI offender in DC, a person’s license or privilege to drive in DC can be revoked for 6 months. However, if a DUI offender refuses to take the breath, blood, or urine test, the DC DMV can revoke their license or privilege to drive in DC for one year.
You will receive 12 points and your DC license will be automatically revoked for six months for first-time DUI or OWI convictions.
The maximum penalty for a 2nd offender is 1 year and/or a fine of $2500-$500. There is a 10 day mandatory minimum jail sentence.
A DSA, Deferred Sentencing Agreement, is a diversion agreement that begins with a guilty plea by the defendant, but does not result in a conviction. The defendant can make a motion to the court to withdraw the guilty plea and dismiss charges if the agreed upon terms are successfully completed. If the defendant does not meet the terms of the agreement, then the defendant will be sentenced and convicted of a DUI.
Insurance rates typically will increase if your insurance provider learns of a conviction for DUI.