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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About DUI's
Washington DC DUI Lawyer
Facing DUI charges in Washington DC is a serious matter and one that should not be handled alone. Having an advocate in your corner who knows the local laws and system can be an invaluable asset as you face potential fines, the loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. DC DUI lawyer Jason Kalafat can help ensure you understand the proceedings against you and have someone looking out for your best interests.
A DUI charge refers to “Driving Under the Influence” of alcohol or drugs. Unlike a DC DWI charge, DUI charges can be levied against you even when your blood alcohol content (BAC) registers below the legal limit of .08 if there are other indications that you are driving under the influence of alcohol. This means it is within the officer’s discretion to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol and subject to arrest.
How does an officer determine you are under the influence?
A DC DUI arrest can come after a police officer considers numerous factors regarding your apparent level of intoxication and its affect on your driving. The officer may use your appearance, your speech patterns, the scent of your breath, your balance or your actions to determine whether you are under the influence. They might also conduct field sobriety tests such as the Walk-and-Turn or One-Leg-Stand.
In addition to all of these potential factors, a DC police officer may have initially stopped you because of a traffic violation. How you were driving can also play a significant role in your DC DUI case. Swerving, over-correction, speeding, and nearly any other traffic offense can be presented as evidence of your intoxicated state.
Having a DC DUI attorney on your side ensures your rights are being protected at every stage of the process. A DC DUI lawyer can make sure you understand the charges you face, your potential penalties if convicted, and any options you might have for a plea bargain or other alternatives. From challenging the evidence against you to ensuring the court understands your side of the story, your DUI defense lawyer is there for you when it might seem like no one else is.
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