Free District of Columbia Drunk Driving Defense FAQs | Free District of Columbia Drunk Driving Defense Legal Documents

What Should I Do If I Am Stopped By Law Enforcement?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you are stoppedCooperate. Being stopped by the police is a bad enough experience as it is. Antagonizing the officer or being cute will only get him or her annoyed. Being human, the officer will be tempted to take that frustration out on you in subtle ways that will not find their way into the police report and that will be difficult for you to prove. If you are tempted to be sarcastic, remember that the officer has a gun readily available and you don't (or shouldn't). Cooperation has its limits, though. Do NOT volunteer any information about what you have been drinking, how much, or how long ago.

What Is The "Legal Limit"?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

The "legal limit" is the percentage of blood alcohol, usually determined by means of a breath test given on the scene, over which the statutes say you are intoxicated. In all three jurisdictions, that level is .08 per cent. This level means that if your BAC (blood alcohol content) is anything over that, you are presumed to have been intoxicated. If your BAC is lower than .08, you still can be convicted of an offense if the government proves that your driving behavior at the time demonstrated that your abilities were impaired.

What Happens If I Refuse To Take A Alcohol Breathalizer Or Chemical Test If Stopped By The Police And Arrested On A Dwi?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

In the District of Columbia, if you are not involved in a motor vehicle accident you may choose to withdraw your consent and refuse to take a breathalizer or chemical test. In this instance, no tests will be given. However, refusing such tests will cause your driving privileges in the District of Columbia to be automatically revoked for twelve months.

Is There A Way To Avoid A Dui, Dwi, Or Owi Conviction?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Yes. Completion of the diversion program will result in the prosecutor dropping the charge against you.

Will I Go To Jail If I Plead Guilty Or Am Convicted After A Trial?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

You might. Of course, the worse your driving record is, the more likely it is that a judge will consider a jail sentence. The one constant is loss of your license or driving privileges for some period of time. Under some circumstances you can get a restricted license, allowing you to drive to and from work or school, and to drive at work if your job requires it. In the District of Columbia, this is done administratively, and not by the judge.

Will A Conviction In The District Of Columbia Affect My Driver's License In Maryland Or Virginia?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Yes. The District of Columbia share driving record information with all other states.

What Should I Do If I Am Stopped For A Minor Moving Violation?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT

Often, if you are pulled over for a minor moving violation such as an illegal turn, the first thing the officer will say to you is "Do you know why I pulled you over?" There are some people who will tell you to play dumb at this point and say, "Why no, officer." After all, why incriminate yourself and make it easier for the officer in court? If you have a clean driving record, this can be the wrong approach. What you should do is say, "Yes, officer, that was pretty stupid of me." Once the officer runs your license through the computer and sees that you have a clean record, you stand a very good chance of being let go with a warning. If the case does go to court, the officer won't need your admission of guilt anyway. He or she will simply testify as to what happened. The purpose is to avoid ending up in court and having points on your license

What Are The Speed Limits In Washington Dc?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Unless Otherwise Posted
Absolute Interstate 55 mph
Ltd Access Rds 55 mph
Other Primary Rds 25 mph
Residential 25 mph

Are Radar Detectors Allowed?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

The use of RADAR detectors is prohibited.

How Are Speed Limits Enforced?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Enforced through use of: Pacing Yes
Radar Yes
Vascar No
Photo Radar Yes
Aircraft No
Laser No

How Can Tickets Be Paid?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Tickets can be paid by mail or in person.

Is Trial By Declaration Allowed?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

When Is A Jury Trial Allowed?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Speeding *Yes
Parking No
Equipment No
DWI Yes
*for 30+ miles over posted limit

What Is A Member Nonresident Compact?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Nonresident motorist receiving a ticket in a member state will receive the same treatment as resident motorists. If your state or the state you receive a ticket in is not a member, you may have to pay a cash bond before you can continue your trip.

What Is A Member Driver License Compact?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you receive a ticket, warning, etc. in another state and your state is a member, you state will be notified about the ticket.

When And Where Do I File Accident Reports?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage must be reported immediately to the local authorities and (if the accident results in death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $250) within 5 days to the Bureau of Motor Vehicle Services, 65 K Street NE, Room 200, Washington, DC 20002.

What Are The Resident Insurance Requirements?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

Compulsory insurance law and financial responsibility law with future prooftype. Minimum limits: $25,000/50,000/10,000. The District of Columbia has unsatisfied judgment funds law and uninsured motorists law.

What Are Some Other Regulations?

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT

The BAC level is .08%.
Firearms are prohibited in the vehicle unless they are being transported to or from lawful recreational firearmrelated activity. Firearms transported for this purpose should be unloaded and inaccessible.
Studded tires are permitted from October 15 to April 15.
Tire chains are not required.
The District of Columbia has a seat belt law with primary enforcement for all occupants.
The District of Columbia has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 17 years of age. Children under age 3 must use approved car safety seats.
The District of Columbia has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law for any person operating or riding a motorcycle.
Registration must be carried in the vehicle. Insurance card is not required to be carried in the vehicle.