Reader’s Question:

Is it true that unless I get an attorney for a DWI arrest right away, I can lose my license immediately? Also, how long will a DWI arrest last on my records if the arrest was made in Washington, D.C? Thanks!

Cooper

Washington, DC

It will be to your best interest to secure professional legal assistance immediately in the event that you are arrested for DWI. A qualified Washington, DC DWI Defense Attorney should be able to protect your driving privileges in these cases, at least for the moment. Remember, a skilled DWI defense attorney can make a world of a difference if you are facing a drunk driving charge in the District of Columbia, since these cases, if not handled carefully, can have devastating and long-term consequences on your record.

Washington, DC drunk driving cases will have a 15-year “look back” period within which the court can issue a license suspension ranging from six months on the first offense to up to one to two years on repeated offenses afterwards, and you can expect stricter punishments every time you get charged for DUI or DWI. In addition, it might be interesting to note that you can also be fined for drunk driving from $300 up to $10,000, not to mention the prospect of going to jail for about 25 days. District of Columbia can also order an ignition interlock program, where a breath test device installed in a car will prevent it from being started, unless the driver is alcohol free.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI advice, DUI lawyer