Traffic violations and DUI attorney in Washington DC
Have you been charged with driving under the influence in Maryland, Virginia or the Washington DC area?
Have you been pulled over for driving under the influence, cited for a serious traffic offense, or questioned in connection with an automobile collision? If so, it is important that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible, as any admission or statement to law enforcement may be used against you in a court of law. Although you may be innocent, you may be presented with costly fines, license suspension/loss, increased insurance rates, and worst of all…jail time.
It is estimated that out of about 200 million licensed drivers in the United States, over 40 million get pulled over each year for some type of traffic violation, with about 2 million being alcohol/drug-related stops.
The Iwashko Law Firm provides competent consultation and representation regarding DUI and other serious traffic-offense charges. Once retained, our attorneys will investigate and challenge the charges against you to seek a positive case outcome, or if necessary negotiate a favorable plea that mitigates the criminal and other penalties sought against you.
We represent clients in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, and offer free confidential consultations over the phone or in-person. Since the procedures in each jurisdiction vary, our attorneys offer advice and representation catered to the location where your offense occurred.
What are some of the serious driving offenses for which jail time may be a penalty in the Washington DC area?
- DUI (driving under the influence)
- DWI (driving while intoxicated)
- OWI (driving while impaired)
- Reckless driving (weaving or speeding excessively)
- Hit-and-run (leaving the scene of an accident)
- Driving recklessly or impaired, resulting in accident, injury, or fatality
- Driving without a license
- Driving after license suspension
Should I refuse to take a breathalyzer test?
The short answer is NO. Although you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test, many jurisdictions mandate automatic license suspension for a predetermined time period if a driver pulled over for DUI refuses to take a breathalyzer. Also, refusal of the test may violate your state’s implied consent laws, and therefore, you could even face jail time. At the minimum, refusing to submit to the breathalyzer test will most likely demonstrate probable cause, thereby making it more difficult to negotiate favorable terms prior to trial.
