Who Is Considered a First-Time DUI Offender?
Many party people and happy-hour heroes think DUIs only occur in movies. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. People get pulled over by police and face dire consequences for driving under the influence (DUI) in Washington DC. If those flashing lights are yet to give you a reality check, here is what you should know about being a first-time DUI offender and facing DUI charges.
Who Is a First-Time DUI Offender in DC
Picture this: You are cruising through DC with the windows down for the first time after a couple of drinks—bam, you are slapped with a DUI. In the eyes of Washington, DC law, you have officially become a first-time DUI offender if this is your first time driving under the influence.
However, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does not matter. While the legal BAC limit is 0.08% in DC, that does not mean you will not make it to the first-time DUI offenders club if your BAC is lower.
“Even when your BAC is between 0.04% to 0.079%, the jurisdiction of DC law can still be invoked if an officer has other signs of impairment from observations of the driver’s behavior and a structured field sobriety test,” says attorney David Benowitz of Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm.
Common Punishments for First-Time DUI Offenders
If you take that unfortunate ride into first-time DUI territory in DC, the city is not playing around with penalties.
For example, if you are 21 and above and your BAC is 0.08% or more, fines can go up to $1,000! Plus, you could cool your heels in the slammer for up to 180 days; not exactly how anyone envisions their best life.
But wait, there is more. You could also be staring down the barrel of a license suspension for up to six months. The silver lining? Some folks qualify for a restricted driver’s license. This little gem lets you keep rolling, but only for critical stuff like getting yourself to work or attending alcohol education programs.
But slipping through the cracks and scoring that restricted privilege has conditions attached; it often requires an ignition interlock device on your car.
Also Read: What You Need to Know About Estate Planning Law
How a DUI Conviction Can Flip Your Life Upside Down
Beyond the obvious hits to your wallet and freedom, being convicted of a DUI can toss a wrench into the gears of your daily life in ways that are not always front-page news.
For instance, lots of employers run background checks, and they are not exactly handing out brownie points for driving under the influence. Education opportunities get sketchy, too; scholarships and grants might as well have ‘Access Denied’ stamped on them when a DUI pops up in your history.
Additionally, some countries see a DUI conviction as an engraved invitation to deny you entry, which crashes your dreams of international jet-setting. Canada is particularly famous for this; they will roll down the proverbial welcome mat only to yank it away if they spot that little blemish on your record.
Do not forget car insurance. They are notorious for skyrocketing post-DUI convictions. That is why it is always a good idea to strap on the armor of legal counsel when faced with DUI charges. After a night of partying, there are many different ways to get home that do not involve driving drunk. Call a friend, take public transport, or ensure to have a designated driver when going out.
