Mandatory jail time in DC for a DUI can I serve on weekend
Charged with a second or third DUI in DC, can the mandatory time be served on the weekend?
Repeat DUI in DC- Can Mandatory Jail Time be served on weekend? This is one of the questions we hear from repeat offenders for Driving under the influence (DUI) in the District of Columbia. The short answer is “no.” The law in the District of Columbia says a Judge cannot impose weekend time for repeat DUI offenders. In other words a Judge can not say “serve the mandatory jail time on the weekend.” The law takes away the Judge’s discretion and requires a straight sentence (10 days in jail etc.) Remember there is mandatory jail time for DUI repeat offenders or offenders with high breath scores DUI in the District of Columbia.
So how do you get around mandatory jail time
Obviously the best alternative would be try to get the case dismissed or win at trial. If the case can not be dismissed or won at trial, there may be away around mandatory time for repeat DUI offenders. This is where an experienced DUI attorney in the District of Columbia comes in handy. The prosecutor and defense can agree to treat the DUI offense as a 1st offense and impose the mandatory jail time but agree that the person serve it on the weekends. This requires considerable negotiation with the prosecutor and showing the weaknesses in their case.
Conclusion
So if you are repeat offender for DUI or have High breath scores for DUI in the District of Columbia, contact an attorney that regularly practices DUI law in DC.