After August 1, 2012 the District of Columbia increased the penalty for DUI and the mandatory jail time for high blood alcohol content scores. Prior to being arrested for a DUI, each law enforcement agency will engage a person in a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) to determine if there is probable cause to arrest for a DUI/OWI. The law enforcement agency will either use a breathalyzer or take a urine sample to determine whether you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle.  In the District of Columbia, you will receive a notice of revocation from the DC Department of Motor Vehicles ("DC DMV") giving you notice of proposed revocation with regard to your driving privileges in the District.  In the State of Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration ("MVA") will give a notice of proposed suspension with regard to your driver's license, if you hold a Maryland driver's license.  In both instances, your should request a hearing to preserve your driving privileges as soon as you receive the notice.

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DUI/DWI/OWIs are not created equal across the United States.   Each state has their own laws and penalties if convicted of any of these offenses.  In nearly all jurisdictions, the penalty for a conviction for any of these offenses is increased for each subsequent conviction of a similar nature. We will advise you of those enhanced penalties and whether it will apply in your case.