Washington, D.C., DUI/DWI/OWI Defense Attorney
Very few people need to know the differences between DUI, DWI and OWI, but this changes quickly once any of these drunk driving charges have been filed. In fact, DUI, DWI and OWI charges all vary in the severity of punishment that can be handed out by the District of Columbia and the leniency its judges can show. Knowing the differences between these violations can be helpful in understanding your situation and on deciding the proper course of legal action.
In Washington, D.C., DUI is the "classic" drunk driving law that predates Breathalyzers and other sobriety tests that are available to test blood alcohol concentration (BAC). There are many ways the city can prove DUI, including the familiar “walk-a-straight-line” test and the “stand-on-one-leg” test. If the city can successfully make a case that your ability to drive was "appreciably, perceptibly or noticeably" affected by alcohol to the slightest degree, you face a potential conviction for DUI. DWI, on the other hand, requires only a machine-demonstrated BAC of .08% or higher and nothing more.
OWI (operating while impaired) is similar to DUI, except that it allows you to request driving privileges for strictly occupational purposes.
DUIs and DWIs each bring a possibility of 90 days in jail, a $300 fine and $100 contribution to the Victim's Fund. The potential consequences of OWI are somewhat lower and can include up to 30 days in jail.
The following chart summarizes the penalties for multiple DUI, OWI and DWI offenses, which can be quite severe:
Thirty Years of DUI, DWI and OWI Legal Defense Experience
At the Public Information Center for D.C. Traffic Law, we have helped thousands of people accused of drunk driving violations in Washington, D.C. If you were pulled over without probable cause, we can argue that the evidence be suppressed. If you face jail time, we can question your BAC test results and the police procedures that produced them. If your driving privileges have been revoked, we can argue for their reinstatement.
Please note that in Washington, D.C. driving privileges are not automatically restored. The burden of proof of the renewed ability to drive is solely on driver. We can help you navigate the full range of legal consequences and legal options that accompany drunk driving charges.
Contact Us
If you have been accused of a DUI, DWI or OWI, lawyer John Spaulding can help clarify any confusion regarding your rights. Please call us for a free and full discussion of your case. We offer flexible payment plans, including interest-free payments spread over several months, are available for evening and weekend appointments and are conveniently located just west of Georgetown. Contact us at (202) 638-7500.
