District of Columbia: dui penalties
First-offense DUI penalties: jail, fines, license suspension, ignition interlock, how long priors count, and when a DUI becomes a felony.
From a statute-cited table| Jail (1st offense) | None mandatory; up to 180 days |
|---|---|
| Fine | Up to $1,000 |
| License suspension | 6 months |
| Ignition interlock | Required to drive during suspension |
| How long priors count | 15 years |
| When it becomes a felony | No felony DUI |
After an arrest, the deadline to ask for a license (DMV) hearing is short, often 7 to 30 days. Check the notice you were given.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in District of Columbia.
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How we checked this
Figures come from a statute-compiled 50-state table cross-checked against Nolo, NCSL, MADD and IIHS data, with conflicts re-checked in June 2026. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.