DC Criminal Traffic Lawyer
While driving under the influence (“DUI”) and leaving after colliding cases (“LAC”) are common charges filed in traffic court in the District of Columbia, several other traffic crimes constitute arrestable offenses.
Driving without a valid permit can give rise to three potential charges.
In the District of Columbia, there are three driving offenses that involve driving without a valid license. The charges are No Permit, Operating after Suspension (“OAS”), and Operating after Revocation (“OAR”). The charge of No Permit carries a maximum penalty of 90 days or a $300 fine while Operating after Suspension (or Revocation) carries a maximum penalty of 1 year and/or a $5,000 fine. The difference between the 2 is more about what the government can prove than what the specific conduct is.
In addition to driving without a valid license offenses, several additional traffic offenses can get you arrested. In DC, there are crimes for reckless driving, fleeing law enforcement, and speeding over 30 miles per hour. These are offenses where in addition or in lieu of giving you a citation, the police may actually put you in handcuffs and arrest you.
Reckless Driving and Speed Over 30
Other common arrestable traffic offenses include reckless driving and speeding over 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Both offenses are misdemeanors. Both offenses carry 12 points and result in loss of driving privileges in DC if convicted. The maximum penalty for reckless driving is 3 months in jail and/or a $300 fine. For speed over 30 miles per hour, the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and/or a $300 fine. The prosecutor will sometimes offer diversion in these types of cases. In some instances, the government may offer something called a “deferred sentencing agreement.” In a deferred sentencing agreement, the person charged must plead guilty. The court then defers sentencing for a period of 6 months to 1 year. During that time, if the person charged jumps through some hoops—like pay fines or take a traffic safety course or completes community service—at sentencing the government will not oppose the withdrawal of the guilty plea. It is basically like a contract with the government and if the person completes the agreement, the government will dismiss the case.
In some limited cases, the government may offer a deferred prosecution agreement. That is similar to a deferred sentencing agreement with one key difference—the defendant does not have to plead guilty. In those cases, the government simply postpones the prosecution and allows the defendant to jump through some hoops—community service, take a traffic safety course, etc. If the defendant successfully completes the conditions and does not get rearrested, the government dismisses the case.
Who Prosecutes Traffic Offenses?
In the District of Columbia, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (“OAG”) prosecutes criminal traffic offenses. Because DC is not a state, many offenses are actually prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The OAG is the local prosecuting agency that the DC City Council funds. Because they have limited jurisdiction over prosecuting crimes in DC, they often treat traffic offenses seriously.
Other OAG Offenses
Other common traffic offenses include possession of an open container of alcohol (“POCA”) in a vehicle or out in public. Since marijuana decriminalization passed in 2014, the OAG now prosecutes smoking marijuana in public offenses in traffic court. Like POCA, smoking marijuana in public carries a maximum penalty of 90 days and/or a $500 fine. Drinking in public, disorderly conduct, and fleeing are also common traffic crimes charged in DC Superior Court. Fleeing is a serious traffic offense that carries a maximum penalty of 180 days and/or a $1,000 fine and 12 points with DC DMV if convicted. There is also a felony charge for fleeing where someone is injured, or property is destroyed. That offense, like all felonies, is prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Hiring a DC Criminal Traffic Attorney
Going to court for a criminal case can be a scary thing. Most people who have never been arrested have no idea what to expect in the criminal justice system. Accordingly, its important to hire a qualified DC criminal traffic attorney to help you navigate the system. At Scrofano Law PC, we have represented hundreds of people in DC charged with criminal traffic offenses.
If you are arrested for a criminal traffic offense, it is important you speak to a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can advise you as to your rights. Contact Scrofano Law PC today for a consultation.
Learn about traffic crimes like DUI and Reckless driving in Virginia.
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