DUI Attorney DC

Brynn Law: The DUI Attorney DC Can Count on to Fight for Its Rights

Brynn Law: The DUI Attorney DC Can Count on to Fight for Its RightsDUI Attorney DC

Getting a DUI is a serious crime. If charged, you’ll need the services of a DUI attorney DC residents can trust at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. We are dedicated to protecting your rights, and making sure that your due process is properly handled. We can provide you with accurate information and advice when facing the possibility of a conviction.

Did you know…

  • …that if you drive anywhere in DC, you’re submitting to what is called “implied consent.” This means that a law enforcement office is within his or her rights to pull you over and administer a DUI test if they are under the suspicion that you are intoxicated. If you fail to submit to this DUI test, your license can be suspended.
  • …that if there is an accident, and the police suspect one or both of the drivers involved were driving under the influence, the officer is within his or her rights to have blood and/or urine samples taken under “implied consent”, regardless of whether the driver consents to the test.
  • …that a person is considered driving under the influence (DUI) if s/he has a blood alcohol count (BAC) of .05 or greater.
  • …that depending on the level of intoxication at the time of a blood and/or urine test, you could be facing mandatory jail time. For this reason alone, it’s important to hire an attorney. 

Strategies We May Use for Your Case

DUI defense cases are not always the easiest to win. But, this does not mean that your case is impossible to win. We understand the nuances of a DUI case, and have strategies we can use to protect you as your trial goes on. With so much at stake, including your freedom, jail time, fines, and a revocation of your driver’s license, it only makes sense that you would hire an attorney that is seasoned in criminal defense. You can trust that we have probably represented people just like you, who may have made a mistake and need someone to guide them through the legal process.

After consulting with you about your case, we may suggest using these strategies as a way to successfully defend you:

  • Scrutinize Police Reports: We will request getting copies of police reports and then review them for inconsistencies or errors that law enforcement committed. 
  • Assess Video and Audio Evidence: We will take a look at evidence gathered from the officer’s squad car, including the video recording of them pulling you over. If the video halts or the conversation with you was not recorded, then your statements may be suppressed so they cannot be used against you.
  • Use Negotiation Skills: If your DUI case does not get dismissed at the hearing pretrial, we can negotiate with the prosecution to see if we can agree on a plea bargain.  We have vast experience working with local prosecutors and bringing to light the mistakes and inaccuracies about their case against our clients. 
  • Review the DUI Test Procedure: An attorney can review how the officer performed the field sobriety test after pulling you over. Did the officer have an actual reason for halting your vehicle? Did the officer have a suspicion about you that was reasonable? Police cannot just pull someone over for no reason. To be lawfully stopped, you must have been exhibiting a driving behavior that was unsafe, and which led to the officer stopping your vehicle. Furthermore, we can assess whether the breathalyzer the officer used was properly functioning and correctly calibrated before the test. 

When people get arrested for a crime, they may quickly forget that they are innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution has to bring forward evidence to show why you should receive a charge, it isn’t automatic upon your arrest. Many people accidentally self-incriminate through what they say to the officer during and after the arrest. The best thing you can do is refrain from answering any questions that are not mandatory (such as your name and contact information), and then asking to contact an attorney before police questioning.

The Possible Repercussions of a DUI Conviction

The circumstances surrounding a DUI conviction will vary on a case-by-case basis. It also varies by state. For this reason, only a DUI attorney in District Of Columbia who is familiar with your case is qualified to tell you what consequences you are facing. However, as a general rule, if you are found guilty of a DUI, regardless of the jurisdiction in which you reside, you’re facing heavy penalties.

In every state, a DUI conviction promises up to six months in jail as well as a significant fine. The details depend on a number of variables, a few of which have already been mentioned. In addition, the driver’s DUI history will significantly affect the outcome. The following general information may apply in your case, though an attorney can provide you with specifics:

First Time Offender

Under most circumstances, those who are convicted of a DUI for the first time face less punishment than repeat offenders. However, they will likely be subject to:

  • Serving a minimum jail sentence, typically one to three days. Some states do not require this, but an attorney motorists hire under similar circumstances can advise you.
  • A substantial monetary fine.
  • May have to attend a required DUI school.
  • License suspension of up to one year.
  • Possible ignition interlock which is not free and is designed to prevent you from driving while intoxicated.
  • Up to three years of probation, which if violated, will result in mandatory jail time.
  • Permanent DMV record for a DUI.

At Least One Prior DUI Conviction or High BAC

If someone is convicted of a DUI and they have at least one prior conviction on the same charge, their sentencing will be significantly more serious. This is also true if the arresting officer submitted a field test and the BAC was far above the legal limit. An attorney will know if your BAC reading is considered excessive.

  • More likely than not you will be forced to attend DUI school to learn ways to avoid getting additional convictions, and the consequences of driving under the influence. Among them is the very real possibility of seriously injuring or even killing innocent people. In addition, as an attorney might warn you, a drunk driving conviction is a serious criminal offense, but manslaughter charges are even worse.
  • Those who are convicted of a DUI multiple times, or those whose BAC was considered excessively high, may have to purchase or rent an “interlock ignition device” and install it in their car (if they have one and are legally allowed to drive it). In many cases, a judge will allow them to use their car to commute to and from work or the grocery store. However, they must have the device to ensure they are not driving under the influence. These devices are expensive and they are also not cheap to install. For as long as your sentence lasts, you might have one. If you are caught driving someone else’s car, disabling the device, or having someone else blow into it, you will face serious legal consequences.

What can a DUI attorney do for you?

An attorney from Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is your greatest defense to any DUI charges levied against you. We know and understand the process, including these three major factors, that will give you a leg up in obtaining the best possible outcome for you specific case:

  1. Case Assessment: We understand that each case is different. We at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., will review your case and determine what your particular case requires — and, more specifically, what risks (i.e., the investiture of time and money) are involved in defending your case. Whenever an attorney takes on your case, he or she is assuming some level of risk. We can handle even the most complex of cases. Frederick J. Brynn is pleased to provide you with an honest assessment of your case before we begin representing you.
  2. Pleas: Many cases brought before a criminal court do not go to trial. A plea bargain is a sentencing agreement struck between both sides that brings a resolution to a criminal case. Frederick J. Brynn, PC, prides itself on being a law firm residents can rely on to reach a beneficial plea bargain for their clients.
  3. Managing the legal process: The legal process is an arduous one, and going in and out of courtrooms can be a hassle. At Frederick J. Brynn, PC, we take on the daily case management on your behalf. Frederick J. Brynn, PC, is prepared to handle your case and manage the entire process every step of the way.

At our law firm, we are constantly striving for perfection and working hard to make sure your rights are properly looked after. We can imagine how scary this time may be for you, as you wonder whether you will receive a DUI charge and how this may affect your current life and future. For more information, and to speak with a DC DUI attorney residents have confidence in, call Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., today.

 

 

DUI Attorney DC

If you are faced with a DUI charge you already know that you are going to need to find the right DUI attorney for you. A DUI charge can change your life in drastic ways and you would want to be spared from as many consequences as possible. This is where finding the DUI attorney that fits your needs is important, as finding one can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. 

Finding a lawyer is going to take some work and we here at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C know how important it is to put that work in. If you are unsure of where to start then take a look at what we consider to be a seamless way to find the right lawyer for you. 

What Makes a Great DUI Lawyer 

Extensive DUI Experience and Training 

Technically you can hire anyone with a license to practice law to defend you. However, you are going to want someone who specializes in DUI cases and has had years of experience with these types of cases. Why? When you have someone who understands what they are doing they are able to give you a better chance of making the consequences as minimal as possible. A lawyer who focuses on criminal law may not have the experience needed to work your case.  You wouldn’t hire a plumber to do your electrical work so why would you hire someone who doesn’t specialize in DUI law to defend you in court for a DUI?

A Good Track Record 

Now, just because someone specializes in DUI law doesn’t mean they are right for you.  You want to know that who you choose is going to have a good chance of winning cases. Ask your attorney about their track record and what percentage of cases do they win. If the attorney is rarely winning cases then you should look elsewhere for your needs. 

Spotless Ethical Record 

It shouldn’t have to be stated but while your DUI attorney may be the best in town if they have a history of malpractice or being sanctioned by the State Bar then you are in trouble. Judges tend to look down on attorneys with spotty ethical records. How can you know though if this is your first time working with an attorney? 

You will need to visit the website of your State Bar and from there you will get to see if your attorney is in good standing or not. 

Communication Skills

No matter what you are going to want a DUI attorney with great communication skills. Take note of how they talk to you, are they explaining everything? Do you feel like they aren’t listening to you? Do they make you wait days for responses?  A good attorney is going to be able to present and argue your case in the clearest way possible and make sure you understand what is going on. 

Are you in need of a DUI attorney that has the experience needed to handle your case with the care it deserves? Here at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C you can trust that our attorneys will handle your case with care and make sure you understand what is happening along the way. 

If you’re facing charges after being accused of driving under the influence, it may be in your best interest to contact a DUI attorney DC drivers trust. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is dedicated to protecting the rights of clients. Regardless of what law enforcement officials may be saying, your charges can be fought, and with a reputable DC DUI attorney on your side, they could even be reduced or completely dropped. To speak with one of our lawyers, please call The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. now.

Understanding Driving Under the Influence

DUI laws vary from state to state; however, the legal age to drink — which is 21 — is consistent across the entire country. If you are under the legal age and have any amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine, you could be charged with a crime. If you are 21 years or older the consumption of alcohol is legal, but operating any type of personal motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher is illegal. If you’ve been pulled over and are facing these accusations, you might be charged with a DUI. When this happens, it’s advisable to find out what a DUI attorney DC offers has to say.

What are some miscellaneous DUI consequences?

Every DUI case is inherently different, but one thing that is certain is that a guilty charge will come with some penalties and repercussions. In general the legal penalties will depend on whether or not you have any previous offenses, your cooperation with police, as well as on any aggravating circumstances. Aside from possible jail time, fines and fees, license suspension, probation, and a record, there are several consequences that are often forgotten yet could be just as detrimental to a person’s life.

Rise in Insurance Rates

A drunken driving charge can remain on a person’s record for many years. If the insurance company discovers this charge, there is a chance that they will increase your monthly rate. If your license is suspended, the carrier could cancel the policy altogether. When you speak with a DUI attorney DC provides to drivers, you may want to discuss this concern to find out what your options may be.

Revocation of Other Licenses

There are special concerns to being charged with a DUI when you also hold an air pilot’s license. It is required by federal law to report the DUI to the FAA. As soon as you do, there is a risk of temporarily or permanently losing it. If you have a pilot’s license, it’s prudent to have a DUI attorney in DC on your side.

Difficulty Entering Canada or Moving Across State

A convicted DUI charge is considered to be an admissible offense under Canadian law. When a person has a DUI on their record, there is a chance of being denied entry into Canada until they have been rehabilitated. Although the likelihood of this happening is slim, it is not something you would want to risk, especially when a DUI attorney DC respects might help to avoid altogether.

It is also possible for anyone with subsequent convictions (DUI or otherwise), and planning to move to a new state, to be required to get written permission from the local probation department.  Being denied could result in the inability to move.

Time is of the Essence

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, the sooner you retain a lawyer, the better the outcome of your case may be. To schedule a consultation with a DUI attorney DC has to offer, please call The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C at (202) 888-0953.

DUI Attorney Resources:

Understanding Driving Under the Influence

Tips for Overcoming a DUI Charge