Scrofano Law PC
Trusted DC DUI Lawyer
Arrested for DUI in Washington, DC? We’re Here to Help
Getting arrested for DUI in DC is a serious matter. You’re facing criminal charges, possible jail time, fines, and a suspended license. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your record and your future.
As experienced DC DUI lawyers, we know what it takes to fight these charges. We’ve helped clients challenge the evidence, avoid harsh penalties, and move forward. Whether it’s your first arrest or not, we’re here to guide you through every step.
At Scrofano Law, we don’t take shortcuts. We listen to your side, dig into the details, and build a defense tailored to your situation. If you want a DC DUI lawyer who takes your case seriously — and works with you to reach a fair outcome — you’re in the right place.
What Makes DUI Charges in DC So Serious?
In Washington, DC, a DUI conviction can carry:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- License suspension or revocation
- Mandatory jail time in repeat or aggravated cases
It’s also the only misdemeanor in DC that can include mandatory minimum jail sentences under certain circumstances.
That’s why hiring an experienced DC DUI lawyer immediately after an arrest is crucial.
Understanding DC DUI, DWI, and OWI Charges
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
This applies when your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs — even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit.
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)
A DWI charge is based on a BAC of 0.08% or higher (or 0.10% via urine testing). Higher BAC levels can result in enhanced penalties, including longer mandatory jail time.
OWI (Operating While Impaired)
This is the least severe of the three charges. OWI requires only noticeable impairment, even without a high BAC. Prosecutors often rely on observations such as:
- Slurred speech
- Odor of alcohol
- Poor performance on field sobriety tests
Administrative Penalties After a DUI Arrest
In addition to criminal penalties, the DC DMV can take administrative action against your license. This can include:
- License suspension, even before your court case is resolved
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Reinstatement fees and DMV hearings
Important: You only have ten days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension if you have a DC driver’s license. If you have an out of state driver’s license, you have fifteen days from the date of arrest to request a hearing. We can represent you at that hearing and fight to preserve your driving privileges.
Standard Penalties for DUI, DWI, and OWI Offenses in DC
First-Time Offense
- Jail time: Up to 180 days
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Probation: Common alternative, unless mandatory minimum applies
Second Offense (within 15 years)
- Mandatory jail: 10 days minimum, up to 1 year
- Fine: $2,500 – $5,000
- Increased penalties for higher BAC
Third Offense
- Mandatory jail: 15 days minimum
- Fine: Up to $10,000
OWI Convictions
- 1st offense: Up to 90 days in jail, $500 fine
- 2nd offense: 5-day mandatory minimum jail sentence
Our DC DUI Attorneys Are Here To Help
Why Choose Scrofano Law as Your DC DUI Lawyer?
We know what’s at stake when you’re charged with DUI in DC. Here’s how we help:
- Immediate case evaluation
- Representation at both court and DMV hearings
- Challenge of test results and probable cause
- Negotiation with the prosecutor for reduced charges or diversion
- Take the case to trial when no agreement is reached
We’ve defended hundreds of DUI cases in Washington, DC. Our reputation, courtroom experience, and commitment to our clients make us the firm people trust when their future is on the line.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in DC
- Do not admit guilt or answer questions without a lawyer.
- Request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
- Call an experienced DC DUI attorney immediately.
We’ll evaluate your case, preserve evidence, and protect your rights from the start.
Special Situations That Carry Harsher Penalties
Not all DUI charges are treated the same. According to DC Code § 50–2206.13, enhanced penalties apply when specific aggravating factors are present — including high blood alcohol levels, the presence of drugs, and prior convictions.
Here’s a breakdown of how the law increases penalties under specific conditions:
High Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
If your BAC is above a certain level, the law requires mandatory jail time, regardless of your prior record.
- First Offense BAC Enhancements:
- Second Offense BAC Enhancements:
- Third Offense or Higher BAC Enhancements:
- Presence of Controlled Substances
- Repeat Offenders
- Long-Term License Revocation for Repeat Offenders
- BAC of 0.20 or higher (blood/breath) or 0.25+ (urine): 10-day mandatory minimum jail sentence
- BAC over 0.25 (blood/breath) or 0.32+ (urine): 15-day mandatory minimum
BAC over 0.30 (blood/breath) or 0.39+ (urine): 20-day mandatory minimum
- BAC of 0.20 or higher: Additional 15 days in jail (on top of the 10-day base minimum)
- BAC over 0.25: Additional 20 days minimum
BAC over 0.30: Additional 25 days minimum
- BAC of 0.20 or higher: Additional 20 days minimum
- BAC over 0.25: Additional 25 days minimum
- BAC over 0.30: Additional 30 days minimum
If your blood or urine tests positive for certain drugs — including cocaine, morphine, PCP, methadone, or any Schedule I controlled substance — you may face:
- First offense: 15-day mandatory minimum
- Second offense: 20-day mandatory minimum
- Third offense: 25-day mandatory minimum
This applies whether the drug was legally prescribed or not.
DC takes repeat DUI offenses seriously:
- Second DUI: Minimum 10 days in jail
- Third DUI: Minimum 15 days
- Fourth or more: Add 30 days to the sentence for each additional conviction
If you’re convicted of a DUI in DC, your driver’s license will be revoked. You can apply for reinstatement only after you serve your revocation period, which can be from six months to up to two years depending on the circumstances, and even then, you must meet several requirements including completion of a traffic alcohol program and, in some instances, purchase of high risk car insurance,to restore your driving privileges.
Bottom line: These enhancements can drastically increase your jail time — sometimes by weeks. That’s why working with an experienced DC DUI lawyer who understands the law and how to push back against the prosecution’s case is critical.
If you’ve been charged with DUI and any of these aggravating factors apply, don’t wait. Call Scrofano Law at 202-630-0949 to speak with a defense attorney who knows how to fight back.
Let’s Build Your Defense — Together
Deciding to fight a DUI charge is the first step toward moving on with your life. You don’t have to do it alone. At Scrofano Law, we are committed to guiding you through every part of the process with experience, integrity, and personal attention.
Contact us today to speak with a DC DUI lawyer who will take your case seriously from day one.
Our Practice Areas
DUI
In the Washington, DC area, there are three types of “Drunk Driving” offenses. Each type requires different defense elements and carries a different sentence if convicted. You should contact a DC drunk driving lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Fake ID Charges
If you have been caught using a fake ID at a Washington, DC bar, night club, or liquor store, and charged with misrepresentation of age, you are probably worried about what this means to your future. We’re here to help.
Drug Charges
In the District of Columbia, drug charges can be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount and type of controlled substances involved. If you are facing drug charges in DC, our attorneys are prepared to defend you.
School Discipline
Whether you are the parent of an elementary through high school student, or attending a Washington, DC college or university, suspension, expulsion, or academic termination can have serious consequences on future success. Having a lawyer representing you during any school hearing can greatly increase the chance of a successful outcome.
Theft
A Washington, DC Theft charge involves wrongfully obtaining or using the property of another with intent to deprive the other of a right to the property or to take the property for his or her own use. Our attorneys have experience defending those with theft charges throughout DC.
Burglary
First-degree burglary involves breaking and entering, or entering without breaking, any dwelling with intent to enter and steal any property or commit any other crime, if anyone is home at the time of the burglary. Whether you face first-or-second-degree burglary charges, our attorneys can help.
Expungement
Traffic Violations
In Washington, DC, traffic violations may be civil infractions that could result in fines and points on your driver’s license, or they may be considered crimes depending on what a motorist is accused of doing. Our DC DUI lawyer specializes in traffic violation defense for a wide range of offenses.
Assault
In the District of Columbia, “assault” generally refers to the use of force (hitting, punching, kicking, stabbing, etc), or threatening to use force on another person. If you have been charged with a DC assault, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking charges in Washington, DC carry a maximum sentence of a $300 fine and a 90 day suspension of your driving privileges if convicted. If you are under the age of 21 and arrested for underage drinking in Washington, DC, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
White Collar Crime
In DC, white collar crimes such as Fraud and Embezzlement usually involve theft of money that was already placed in the defendant’s control. These crimes are taken very seriously in the District of Columbia, so you should never face the prosecution without an attorney.
Robbery
Robbery is a serious DC felony charge. If you have been arrested on suspicion of robbery or armed robbery, you should contact a DC criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Guns and Weapon Charges
Washington, DC has what many criminal defense lawyers believe to be the toughest gun control laws in the nation. When facing gun and weapon charges, our attorneys have your back.
Sex Crimes
202-630-0926
Contact a Dedicated Washington DC DUI Lawyer
If you or somebody you know has been charged with a DUI in DC, contact Jason Kalafat of Scrofano Law at 202-630-0949 today to start developing an effective defense.