If you have been arrested for DUI/DWI, it is a good idea to contact a D.C. DUI Lawyer to fight the charges and put your arrest behind you. A good defense can help you get the best possible outcome. Even though a DUI charge can have devastating consequences, the first step is to fight the charges. An attorney who has experience fighting DUI cases will have the best chance of getting a favorable outcome.
OWI is the least serious offense
OWI is the least serious offense, but it is still a criminal offense. It carries much less serious consequences than DUI and DWI, but the prosecutor still has to prove that you were noticeably impaired while driving. The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of 180 days.
In DC, OWI is almost always charged along with Aggravated DUI, and prosecutors will automatically charge you with the lesser offense. It is also called a “wet reckless offense,” and it only applies to cases involving impairment. If you are arrested, you can get an OWI defense attorney to help you get out of this legal problem.
However, an OWI conviction comes with many other penalties, including a criminal record and social repercussions. An OWI conviction may affect your ability to obtain employment, obtain a commercial driver’s license, or even gain security clearance. It will also show up on your credit report. It could even prevent you from getting an education at certain colleges or universities.
Refusing to provide a breath sample
The penalty for refusing to provide a breath sample can be steep, especially in the District of Columbia. However, it is possible to reduce this penalty by hiring a DC DUI attorney. A DC DUI attorney can help you understand the consequences of refusing to provide a breath sample, and what your rights are if you are found guilty.
First, it is important to know that refusing to provide a breath sample is punishable by one year of disqualification. However, it is worth noting that states have varying laws regarding breath test refusal. For instance, in Arizona, refusing to provide a breath sample is punished by a mandatory ignition interlock device, while in Georgia, refusing to provide a breath sample can result in the use of an ignition interlock device.
Refusing to provide a blood sample
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Washington, DC, you should know that you have a right to refuse a blood sample. Under the Implied Consent Law, refusal to submit to a chemical test could result in additional civil punishments and your license being suspended for a year or more. Even though the results of a blood test are confidential, they can still be used as evidence in a DC DUI trial.
The refusal can be argued for several reasons, based on the driver’s conscious awareness of guilt. A well-documented religious objection may qualify as a valid exemption. If your refusal has no religious significance, you may be able to challenge the validity of the blood test.
Challenge admissibility of evidence
If you have been arrested for DUI and the evidence used to convict you is inadmissible, you can challenge the evidence at trial. An experienced DUI attorney knows how to challenge the admissibility of evidence. The attorney can challenge the police officer’s recollection, the basis for the arrest, and the searches and questioning that took place.
Getting a reduced sentence
Hiring a DC DUI attorney is essential if you face DUI charges in the District of Columbia. The penalties associated with DUI convictions can be life-altering and can put a defendant’s future and those of his or her family at risk. A DC DUI attorney can help you navigate the legal system and help you get a reduced sentence.
While most cases are settled out of court, if your case goes to trial, you’ll need an attorney who has tried similar cases. Only an experienced attorney can confidently present your case before a jury. It is imperative to find a reputable DC DUI attorney and get the best representation you can. Even though the arrest process is quick and complicated, having a skilled attorney on your side can make a difference in the outcome.