Felony DUI Lawyer Anacostia — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony DUI in Washington, D.C., under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 is a serious offense with mandatory jail time for repeat offenders. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for felony drunk driving charges in Anacostia. If you are facing a third offense DUI charge, contact a felony DUI lawyer Anacostia immediately. Our team is available 24/7 for a consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code Council
What Is a Felony DUI in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., a DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, certain aggravating factors or prior convictions can lead to enhanced penalties that carry the weight of a felony. The primary statute governing DUI is D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 (Operating While Intoxicated). A third or subsequent DUI offense within a 15-year period triggers mandatory minimum jail sentences, making the defense strategy critical. A felony drunk driving defense lawyer Anacostia understands that these cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) at the DC Superior Court.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the DUI laws, refer to the D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 (official D.C. Council website). All criminal DUI/OWI cases are heard at the DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Avenue NW).
Local Court Process for a Felony DUI Case in Anacostia
An arrest for a serious DUI in Anacostia typically involves the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Your case will be arraigned at DC Superior Court. For a third offense DUI charge, the prosecution seeks mandatory jail time. The local procedural fact is that you have only 15 days from arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the administrative license suspension—a process separate from your criminal case.
- Secure representation from a felony DUI lawyer Anacostia immediately after arrest.
- File a request for a DMV administrative hearing within 15 days to protect your driving privileges.
- Attend your arraignment at DC Superior Court and enter a plea.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions to challenge the stop, arrest, or chemical test evidence.
- Engage in case negotiations with the Assistant U.S. Attorney, aiming to reduce charges or secure a favorable plea.
- Prepare for trial if a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Felony-Level DUI in D.C.
In Washington, D.C., a third DUI offense within 15 years carries a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail, with a maximum of one year, and fines up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUI – First Offense | Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days | Up to $1,000 | 6-12 month revocation | Alcohol education program |
| DUI – Second Offense (within 15 yrs) | Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days min; up to 1 year | Up to $5,000 | Revocation during incarceration + 1 year | Ignition interlock device required |
| DUI – Third Offense (within 15 yrs) | Misdemeanor* | Mandatory 15 days min; up to 1 year | Up to $10,000 | Revocation during incarceration + 2 years | Ignition interlock, vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*While classified as a misdemeanor, a third DUI carries felony-level penalties including mandatory jail and high fines, necessitating a felony DUI lawyer Anacostia.
Our Firm’s Experience in D.C. Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have documented case results across our service areas. Mr. Sris has personally amended state law, demonstrating a deep commitment to advocacy. For a third offense DUI charge lawyer Anacostia, our team leverages this extensive background to build strong defenses.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of favorable outcomes. In one case in DC Superior Court, we secured a dismissal for a client facing a misdemeanor sex abuse charge. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For a felony drunk driving defense lawyer Anacostia, this track record underscores our commitment to vigorous representation.
Felony DUI Defense Serving Anacostia
Our Arlington location serves Anacostia and all of Washington, D.C., and is approximately 3 miles from DC Superior Court, accessible via I-395 and I-295. We are your local felony DUI lawyer near Anacostia and the DC Superior Court.
We serve clients in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, U Street, Logan Circle, Foggy Bottom, Navy Yard, Petworth, Brookland, Anacostia, Southwest Waterfront, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Available 24/7 for phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
FAQs: Felony DUI Defense in Anacostia
Is a third DUI a felony in Washington, D.C.?
No, but it is treated with felony-level severity. A third DUI offense within 15 years in D.C. is still classified as a misdemeanor under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11. However, it carries a mandatory minimum 15-day jail sentence, fines up to $10,000, and a multi-year license revocation, which are penalties commonly associated with felonies.
Who prosecutes DUI cases in Anacostia?
All criminal DUI cases in Washington, D.C., are prosecuted by federal attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC). They handle cases at the DC Superior Court, not a local district attorney’s office. This is a key difference from other jurisdictions.
What is the difference between DUI and OWI in D.C.?
D.C. law distinguishes between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Operating While Impaired (OWI). DUI requires proof of a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or being appreciably impaired. OWI has a lower burden of proof, requiring only that alcohol or drugs impaired your ability to operate the vehicle to any extent. Both are serious charges.
Can I get a DUI expunged in D.C.?
It depends. D.C. allows record sealing for certain misdemeanors, including DUI, under D.C. Code § 16-803. Eligibility depends on the case outcome (e.g., dismissal, acquittal) and waiting periods for convictions. A felony DUI lawyer Anacostia can advise on your specific eligibility and file the petition in DC Superior Court.
What happens if I refuse a breath test in D.C.?
Refusing a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) in D.C. triggers an automatic 12-month driver’s license revocation through the DMV, separate from any court penalties. This administrative penalty is often more severe than the suspension for a test failure, making it a critical decision point after an arrest.
Related Pages: D.C. DUI Lawyer Hub | Criminal Defense Lawyer Washington, D.C. | Traffic Lawyer Washington, D.C.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.