Understanding Washington D.C.’s Core DUI Statutes

In the District of Columbia, the legal framework for impaired driving is primarily governed by Title 50 of the D.C. Code. Unlike some states, D.C. law distinguishes between “DUI” and “DWI,” creating two distinct avenues for prosecution. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to any defense strategy, as the prosecution can choose to pursue one or both charges based on the evidence collected during your arrest.

Over my career, I’ve seen countless cases where clients are confused by the charges filed against them. Let’s clarify the legal foundation. The two primary statutes at play are D.C. Code § 50–2206.11, which defines the offenses, and § 50–1905, the “Implied Consent” law, which has profound implications for every driver in the District.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) – The “Per Se” Offense

The most straightforward charge is a DUI. This is what’s known as a “per se” offense, meaning “by itself.” Under D.C. Code § 50–2206.11(a)(2), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. The law also creates a lower threshold for commercial drivers (0.04%) and a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under 21 (any measurable amount of alcohol).

The key here is the number. If a valid chemical test (typically a breathalyzer or blood test) shows your BAC is at or above the legal limit, the prosecution’s primary burden of proof is met. They do not need to prove you were swerving, slurring your speech, or exhibiting other signs of impairment. The chemical test result, in and of itself, is the evidence of the crime. This is why a significant part of a DUI defense often involves scrutinizing the administration and calibration of these tests.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) – The “Impairment” Offense

The second, and often more subjective, charge is DWI. As defined in D.C. Code § 50–2206.11(a)(1), DWI involves operating a motor vehicle while “under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or any combination thereof.” This charge does not rely on a specific BAC number. Instead, it relies on the arresting officer’s observations and other evidence that your ability to drive safely was impaired to an “appreciable degree.”

Evidence for a DWI charge can include:

• Erratic driving patterns (weaving, speeding, braking suddenly).
• The officer’s observations of your physical appearance (bloodshot eyes, flushed face, odor of alcohol).
• Your performance on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs).
• Admissions of drinking.
• Any other evidence suggesting your coordination, judgment, or motor skills were compromised.

A prosecutor may pursue a DWI charge even if your BAC is below 0.08%, or if you refused a chemical test altogether. It is a broader, more interpretation-based charge, which can make it both easier for the prosecution to bring and more vulnerable to a skilled defense.

The Power of D.C. Code § 50-1905: The Implied Consent Law

This is one of the most critical and misunderstood laws for drivers. D.C. Code § 50-1905 states that any person who operates a motor vehicle within the District of Columbia is deemed to have given their consent to a chemical test of their breath, blood, or urine if they are arrested for a DUI/DWI. You don’t sign a form; your consent is *implied* by the act of driving on D.C. roads.

Refusing to submit to this test after a lawful arrest is not a way to avoid consequences. In fact, it triggers a separate and immediate penalty: the D.C. DMV will automatically revoke your driver’s license for a full 12 months, with no possibility of a restricted or hardship license. This administrative penalty is separate from any criminal penalties you may face in court. It is a harsh consequence designed to compel compliance, and navigating a refusal case requires an immediate and strategic approach.

The DUI Legal Process: From Arrest to Adjudication

The journey through the Washington D.C. legal system for a DUI charge is a complex, multi-stage process involving both administrative agencies and the criminal courts. From the moment you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, every action and decision has significant legal weight. The key players in this process are the arresting law enforcement agency, typically the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Navigating this dual-track system—where your driving privileges and your criminal record are on separate but parallel paths—is one of the biggest challenges for those facing a DUI. As an attorney who has guided clients through this for over 20 years, I stress the importance of understanding the timeline and the role of each entity. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding a procedure can have irreversible consequences.

Step 1: The Traffic Stop and Arrest

It begins with a traffic stop. An officer from the MPD or another D.C. law enforcement agency must have “reasonable articulable suspicion” that you have violated a traffic law or are driving impaired. This could be anything from speeding to weaving across lanes. During the stop, the officer will observe your behavior, look for signs of impairment, and may ask you to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Based on the totality of these circumstances, they may establish “probable cause” to arrest you for DUI/DWI.

Step 2: Chemical Testing and The Implied Consent Warning

Following the arrest, you will be transported to a police station. Here, the officer must read you the Implied Consent Warning form (PD-29), which explains the consequences of refusing a chemical test. You will then be asked to submit to a chemical test—most commonly a breathalyzer test, but sometimes blood or urine if drugs are suspected or a breath test is unavailable. The result of this test (or your refusal) is a pivotal piece of evidence that will shape both the administrative and criminal cases against you.

Step 3: The D.C. DMV Administrative Hearing

This is the first critical deadline. After your arrest, the arresting officer will issue you a “Notice of Proposed Revocation.” You have a very short window—10 calendar days for D.C. residents, 15 for non-residents—to contact the D.C. DMV and request an administrative hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your license. If you fail to request this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended or revoked. This hearing is a civil proceeding, separate from your criminal case, and is presided over by a DMV Administrative Law Judge. The focus is narrow: Was the arrest lawful? Were you properly warned about implied consent? Did you fail or refuse the chemical test? Winning this hearing can be the first major victory in your case.

Step 4: The Criminal Case in the D.C. Superior Court

Your criminal case officially begins with an arraignment at the H. Carl Moultrie I Courthouse, which is the main building for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. At the arraignment, you will be formally charged and will enter a plea (typically “not guilty”). The case then proceeds through several potential stages:

• Status Hearings: These are procedural check-ins where your attorney and the prosecutor update the judge on the case’s progress, including discovery exchange and plea negotiations.
• Pre-Trial Motions: This is where a seasoned legal team makes its mark. We may file motions to suppress evidence, arguing that the traffic stop was illegal, the arrest lacked probable cause, or the chemical test results are unreliable. A successful motion can lead to the dismissal of charges.
• Plea Bargaining: In many cases, the prosecutor may offer a plea agreement to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving. Whether to accept a plea is a complex strategic decision that must be weighed carefully with your legal counsel.
• Trial: If no plea is reached, your case will proceed to trial. In D.C. DUI cases, you have the right to a trial by jury. The prosecution must prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” for a conviction.

Throughout this process, the roles are distinct. The MPD provides the evidence. The DMV controls your license. And the Office of the Attorney General for D.C. prosecutes the criminal case in the Superior Court. Successfully managing these interacting systems is paramount.

Consequences and Stakes of a D.C. DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction in Washington D.C. is far more than an inconvenience; it is a permanent mark on your criminal record with a cascade of severe and lasting penalties. These consequences, outlined in D.C. Code § 50–2206.14, are tiered based on the offense number and your BAC level. They include mandatory jail time, substantial fines, driver’s license revocation, and the required installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

When clients first sit in my office, their primary concern is often jail. While that is certainly a serious risk, the true impact of a DUI conviction extends much further. It can jeopardize professional licenses, security clearances—a major concern for federal employees and contractors in the D.C. area—and lead to dramatically increased insurance premiums. Understanding the full scope of these stakes is essential.

Criminal Penalties (Imposed by the Court)

The court-imposed penalties are directly tied to the specifics of your case. The statutory framework is as follows:

• First Offense (Standard DUI/DWI):
  • Jail: Up to 180 days.
  • Fines: $500 to $1,000.
  • License Revocation: A mandatory minimum of 6 months.
• First Offense (High BAC – 0.20% to 0.25%):
  • Jail: Mandatory minimum of 10 days.
• First Offense (High BAC – 0.26% to 0.30%):
  • Jail: Mandatory minimum of 15 days.
• First Offense (Very High BAC – Above 0.30%):
  • Jail: Mandatory minimum of 20 days.
• Second Offense (within 15 years):
  • Jail: Mandatory minimum of 10 days, up to 1 year.
  • Fines: $2,500 to $5,000.
  • License Revocation: A mandatory minimum of 1 year.
• Third Offense or More (within 15 years):
  • Jail: Mandatory minimum of 15 days, up to 1 year.
  • Fines: $2,500 to $10,000.
  • License Revocation: A mandatory minimum of 2 years.

Administrative Penalties (Imposed by the DMV)

These run parallel to the criminal penalties. Even if you are acquitted in criminal court, the DMV can still suspend or revoke your license based on the arrest itself.

• Test Failure (0.08% or higher): Automatic 90-day license suspension.
• Test Refusal: Automatic 12-month license revocation. This is a hard revocation with no eligibility for a restricted license.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): D.C. law mandates the installation of an IID for many convicted offenders. This device is a car breathalyzer that prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol. The required duration is 6 months for a first offense, 1 year for a second, and 2 years for a third. All costs associated with the IID are the responsibility of the driver.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the direct legal penalties, a DUI conviction carries a heavy social and financial burden. For the many professionals in the D.C. area, the stakes are even higher. A conviction can lead to:

• Employment Issues: Difficulty passing background checks, loss of a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or revocation of professional licenses (e.g., for doctors, lawyers, pilots).
• Security Clearance: A DUI can be a significant roadblock to obtaining or maintaining a government security clearance, as it may be viewed as demonstrating poor judgment or a potential vulnerability.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a DUI can complicate immigration proceedings, including applications for visas, green cards, or citizenship.
• Financial Strain: In addition to fines, you will face court costs, IID installation and maintenance fees, mandatory alcohol treatment program fees, and a sharp increase in your car insurance rates for years to come.

The SRIS DUI Stop Procedure Analyzer

In my experience, the foundation of a strong DUI defense is often built upon the procedural details of the traffic stop and arrest. Every action an officer takes is governed by strict legal protocols. Any deviation can be a point of leverage. To help our clients understand and recall these critical moments, we developed The SRIS DUI Stop Procedure Analyzer. This is not legal advice, but a structured guide to help you organize your recollection of events for discussion with your attorney.

Step 1: The Initial Stop

Consider the reason the officer pulled you over. The law requires “reasonable articulable suspicion.”

1. What was the stated reason for the stop? (e.g., speeding, broken taillight, weaving)
2. Do you believe you actually committed that traffic infraction?
3. What time of day and where did the stop occur? Were road and weather conditions poor?
4. Was this a standard traffic stop or a DUI checkpoint?

Step 2: The Officer’s Observations and Questions

Your interaction with the officer is key. Their report will detail their “observations.”

1. What were the very first questions the officer asked you? (e.g., “Have you been drinking tonight?”)
2. How did you respond to these questions? Did you admit to consuming alcohol?
3. Did the officer mention observing an “odor of alcohol,” “bloodshot eyes,” or “slurred speech”?
4. Were you asked to exit the vehicle? Did you have any difficulty doing so?

Step 3: The Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)

These are not pass/fail tests; they are divided-attention tasks designed to be difficult. Your performance, and how it was administered, is critical evidence.

1. Which tests were you asked to perform? (Common ones are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (eye test), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand).
2. Did the officer explain and demonstrate the instructions clearly before each test?
3. Were the tests conducted on a flat, dry, well-lit surface, free of debris?
4. Did you inform the officer of any medical conditions, injuries, or prescriptions that might affect your balance or ability to perform the tests?
5. Were you wearing inappropriate footwear (e.g., high heels, sandals)?

Step 4: The Arrest and Chemical Test

This is where implied consent laws come into play.

1. At what point did the officer place you under arrest?
2. Were you read your Miranda rights? (The right to remain silent, etc.)
3. At the station, did the officer read you the D.C. Implied Consent Warning form (PD-29) before asking for a chemical test?
4. Did you understand the consequences of refusing the test as they were explained to you?
5. If you took a breath test, were you observed for a full 15-20 minutes prior to the test to ensure you didn’t burp, vomit, or place anything in your mouth?
6. Were you given the results of the breath test?

By carefully thinking through these questions, you provide your legal counsel with the raw material needed to analyze the legality of every stage of your encounter and identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Strategic Defenses for a D.C. DUI Charge

A DUI arrest does not automatically lead to a conviction. The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A successful defense strategy involves a meticulous examination of the evidence and procedure to identify legal and factual weaknesses. Common and effective defenses often focus on the legality of the initial stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the reliability of the chemical test results.

Over two decades in D.C. courtrooms, I’ve learned that every case has a unique story and a unique set of potential defenses. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. A thorough investigation into the specific facts of your arrest is the only way to build a robust defense. Below are some of the primary avenues we explore when defending our clients.

Challenging the Initial Traffic Stop

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. For a traffic stop to be legal, the officer must have a “reasonable and articulable suspicion” that a crime or traffic violation has occurred. If the stop itself was unlawful, all evidence gathered as a result of that stop—including FSTs and chemical tests—can be suppressed and ruled inadmissible in court. This is often called the “fruit of the poisonous tree” doctrine. We scrutinize the officer’s stated reason for the stop. Was it a legitimate traffic violation, or was it based on a vague hunch or impermissible profiling? If we can demonstrate the stop was invalid, the case can be dismissed before it ever gets to the merits.

Contesting the Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests are highly subjective and prone to error. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established strict protocols for how these tests must be administered. Any deviation can render the results unreliable. We investigate factors such as:

• Improper Instructions: Did the officer fail to explain or demonstrate the tests according to the official manual?
• Unsuitable Conditions: Were the tests performed on an uneven surface, in poor lighting, or during inclement weather?
• Medical and Physical Factors: Did the officer fail to account for the driver’s age, weight, physical injuries, or medical conditions that could naturally impair balance or coordination?
• Officer Subjectivity: We challenge the officer’s interpretation of the “clues” of impairment, which can be highly subjective.

Scrutinizing the Chemical Test

The breathalyzer or blood test result is often the prosecution’s strongest piece of evidence, but it is not infallible. These are complex scientific instruments and processes that must be handled with precision.

• Breathalyzer Calibration and Maintenance: We subpoena the maintenance logs for the specific breath testing machine used in your case. We look for a history of malfunctions, missed calibration checks, or improper service.
• Improper Administration: D.C. police have a strict protocol for administering a breath test, including a 20-minute observation period to ensure the subject does not ingest anything, burp, or regurgitate, which could contaminate the sample with mouth alcohol. Failure to follow this protocol can invalidate the result.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like GERD (acid reflux) or diabetes, can create substances in the breath (mouth alcohol or ketones) that can be misread by a breathalyzer as ethyl alcohol, leading to a falsely high reading.
• Rising BAC Defense: Alcohol takes time to be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you consumed alcohol shortly before driving, your BAC could have been below the legal limit while you were operating the vehicle, only to rise above 0.08% by the time you were tested at the station an hour later. This requires careful analysis and sometimes expert testimony.

These are just a few examples. A comprehensive defense also involves reviewing police reports for inconsistencies, examining body camera and dash-cam footage, and interviewing any potential witnesses. The goal is to create reasonable doubt and demonstrate that the prosecution cannot meet its high burden of proof.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid After a D.C. DUI Arrest

In the stressful and confusing hours and days following a DUI arrest, it is easy to make mistakes that can severely damage your case. As your legal counsel, our ability to defend you is strongest when you have protected your rights from the outset. Here are the most common and damaging missteps I’ve seen clients make.

1. Talking Too Much: The most common mistake is trying to talk your way out of the situation. Remember your right to remain silent. Any admission of drinking (“I only had two beers”), any inconsistent statements, or any argumentative behavior will be recorded in the police report and used against you. Be polite, provide your license and registration, but do not answer questions about where you were going, where you came from, or what you’ve had to drink.
2. Ignoring the 10-Day DMV Deadline: Many people focus solely on the criminal charge and forget about the administrative license suspension. Failing to request a DMV hearing within 10 days (for D.C. residents) means you automatically lose your license for the prescribed period. This is a critical, time-sensitive deadline that cannot be missed.
3. Assuming Guilt and Giving Up: A high BAC result does not mean your case is hopeless. As we’ve discussed, there are many ways to challenge the evidence. Never assume you are guilty and that a conviction is inevitable. Pleading guilty at your arraignment without consulting a knowledgeable attorney means you forfeit any chance to fight the charges.
4. Treating it Like a Minor Traffic Ticket: A DUI is a serious criminal offense. The consequences are life-altering. Some individuals underestimate the severity, fail to take it seriously, and do not seek proper legal representation. This is a grave error that can lead to the maximum penalties.
5. Hiring an Inexperienced Attorney: DUI law in D.C. is a highly specific and technical field. The science behind BAC testing, the procedures for FSTs, and the nuances of D.C. Superior Court practice are unique. Hiring a lawyer who does not have significant, focused experience in D.C. DUI defense can be a major disadvantage. You need an advocate who knows the local prosecutors, judges, and legal landscape.

Glossary of Key D.C. DUI Terms

BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

The percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. In D.C., 0.08% is the per se legal limit for a DUI charge for non-commercial drivers over 21.

Implied Consent

The legal doctrine (D.C. Code § 50-1905) which states that by operating a motor vehicle in the District, a driver has automatically agreed to submit to a chemical test if arrested for a DUI.

Per Se

A Latin term meaning “by itself” or “in itself.” A per se DUI law means that having a BAC at or above the legal limit is, by itself, a crime, regardless of whether you showed signs of impairment.

Arraignment

The first court appearance in a criminal case. At the arraignment, the defendant is formally charged by the court and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

SFSTs (Standardized Field Sobriety Tests)

A battery of three tests (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg Stand) used by police to help determine if a driver is impaired. These are physical coordination and attention tests, not a direct measure of intoxication.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

A device installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to provide a clean breath sample before the engine will start. D.C. law mandates IID installation for many DUI offenders.

Motion to Suppress

A legal request filed by the defense asking the court to exclude certain evidence from being used at trial because it was obtained in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights.

Common Scenarios and Questions

Scenario 1: “I was pulled over at a DUI checkpoint in Georgetown. I felt fine but blew a 0.09%. Is there any way to fight this?”

This is a very common situation. A BAC just over the limit is highly defensible. First, we would examine the legality of the checkpoint itself. D.C. police must follow strict guidelines for setting up and operating a sobriety checkpoint. Was it properly announced? Was the method for stopping cars neutral and not based on profiling? Second, we would scrutinize the breath test. The machine has an inherent margin of error. A reading of 0.09% could potentially be within that margin. We would also investigate the 20-minute observation period and the machine’s maintenance records. A case like this is far from unwinnable.

Scenario 2: “I have a top-secret security clearance for my government job. I was arrested for a DUI after a work dinner. How will this affect my clearance?”

This is one of the highest-stakes situations for our clients in the D.C. area. A DUI arrest, even without a conviction, must often be self-reported to your agency’s security officer. A conviction is even more serious, as it can be seen as evidence of poor judgment and a potential character issue under Adjudicative Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The best way to protect your clearance is to aggressively fight the criminal charge to avoid a conviction. Securing an acquittal or a dismissal is the most favorable outcome. If that’s not possible, negotiating a plea to a non-alcohol-related offense, like reckless driving, can significantly mitigate the damage to your clearance review.

Scenario 3: “This is my second DUI charge. The first was 8 years ago. The police said the penalties are much worse. What am I facing?”

The officer is correct; the penalties escalate significantly for a second offense within a 15-year period. You are facing a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 days, with a maximum of one year. The fines increase to a range of $2,500 to $5,000, and your license will be revoked for a mandatory one-year period, followed by a required year with an Ignition Interlock Device. Given the mandatory jail time, the stakes are incredibly high. The defense strategy will be multifaceted, involving a rigorous challenge to every piece of the prosecution’s evidence, as the consequences of a conviction are so severe.

Frequently Asked Questions About D.C. DUI Cases

1. What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Washington D.C.?

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a “per se” charge based on having a BAC of 0.08% or higher. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is based on evidence that your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs, regardless of your specific BAC level.

2. Do I have to perform the roadside Field Sobriety Tests?

No, you do not. Unlike the chemical test at the station, performing FSTs is voluntary. These tests are subjective and often difficult to perform perfectly even when sober. You can politely decline to take them.

3. What happens if I refuse the breathalyzer at the police station?

Under D.C.’s Implied Consent law, refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest results in an automatic 12-month driver’s license revocation from the DMV. This is a separate penalty from any criminal case outcome.

4. Can I get a restricted or hardship license after a DUI?

It is difficult in D.C. If your license is suspended for a test failure, you may be eligible for a restricted license after a period. However, if your license is revoked for a chemical test refusal, you are not eligible for any type of restricted license during the one-year revocation period.

5. Will I definitely go to jail for a first-offense DUI in D.C.?

Not necessarily, but it is a possibility. A standard first offense carries up to 180 days in jail. However, if your BAC is 0.20% or higher, D.C. law imposes mandatory minimum jail sentences, starting at 10 days.

6. How long does a DUI stay on your record in D.C.?

A DUI conviction is a criminal offense and will remain on your permanent criminal record. It is generally not eligible for sealing or expungement in the District of Columbia.

7. I have an out-of-state driver’s license. How does a D.C. DUI affect me?

The D.C. DMV can only suspend your privilege to drive within the District. However, under the Driver License Compact, D.C. will report the offense to your home state’s DMV, which will then likely take its own action, such as suspending your license according to their state laws.

8. What is the “discovery” process in a DUI case?

Discovery is the formal process where your attorney obtains all of the prosecution’s evidence against you. This includes the police report, officer’s notes, body camera footage, breathalyzer maintenance records, and witness statements. Reviewing this material is essential for building your defense.

9. Can I be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana?

Yes. Even though recreational marijuana is legal in D.C., driving while impaired by it is illegal. Proving impairment by marijuana is more complex for the prosecution, as there is no per se legal limit like there is for alcohol, but the charge can still be brought as a DWI.

10. Why do I need a lawyer who specifically handles D.C. DUI cases?

D.C. has its own unique laws, court procedures, and administrative DMV rules that differ from neighboring Virginia and Maryland. A knowledgeable D.C. DUI lawyer understands these local nuances, is familiar with the prosecutors and judges at the D.C. Superior Court, and has experience challenging the specific methods used by the Metropolitan Police Department.

11. How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Washington D.C.?

The cost varies based on the complexity of the case, whether it’s a first or subsequent offense, and if it proceeds to trial. Most experienced DUI attorneys work on a flat fee basis rather than hourly, which provides clients with cost certainty. The investment in a seasoned legal professional is often a fraction of the long-term costs of a conviction.

12. What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

An IID is a small breathalyzer wired into your car’s ignition system. You must blow into the device before you can start your car. If it detects alcohol, the car will not start. Many D.C. DUI sentences require the installation of an IID for a period of 6 months to 2 years at your own expense.

13. Can a DUI charge be reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving?

Yes, this is a common goal in DUI defense. Negotiating a plea to a non-alcohol-related traffic offense like “wet reckless” or standard reckless driving can help avoid some of the harshest penalties of a DUI conviction, such as mandatory license revocation and an IID.

14. What if the officer didn’t read me my Miranda rights?

This is a common misconception. Miranda rights only apply to custodial interrogations (i.e., questioning after you’ve been arrested). If you were not questioned after your arrest, Miranda may not be an issue. If you were, any statements you made in response to that questioning could be suppressed, but it does not typically lead to an automatic dismissal of the entire case.

15. Is a DUI a felony in D.C.?

Generally, a first, second, or third DUI is a misdemeanor in Washington D.C. However, a DUI can be charged as a felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death to another person.