Felony DUI Lawyer Navy Yard — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony DUI charge in Navy Yard, DC, under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 is a serious offense with severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for felony drunk driving and third offense DUI charges in Navy Yard. Our team understands the unique procedures at DC Superior Court. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your case and potential defenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code § 50-2206.11
In Washington, D.C., a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or OWI (Operating While Impaired) becomes a felony under specific aggravating circumstances. A felony DUI lawyer Navy Yard is essential to handle the heightened stakes in DC Superior Court. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to building a strong defense strategy for your case.
DC Felony DUI Law and Penalties
DC law categorizes most first and second DUI offenses as misdemeanors. However, a DUI escalates to a felony under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 based on prior convictions or specific circumstances. You need a dedicated felony DUI lawyer Navy Yard if you are facing a charge due to a third or subsequent offense within a 15-year period, or if the incident involved serious bodily injury to another person. A felony conviction carries consequences far beyond a misdemeanor, including longer potential incarceration and a permanent criminal record.
In Navy Yard, DC, a felony DUI conviction can result in a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail for a third offense, fines up to $10,000, and a multi-year license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUI – 3rd Offense (within 15 yrs) | Felony | Mandatory 15 days min; up to 1 year | Up to $10,000 | Revocation for 2+ years | Permanent criminal record, mandatory alcohol treatment, possible vehicle forfeiture |
| DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Civil liability for damages, permanent record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
handling a Felony DUI Case in DC Superior Court
Your case will be heard at the DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. The process begins with an arraignment, where the charges are formally read. As your felony DUI lawyer Navy Yard, we immediately begin investigating the arrest details. We scrutinize the traffic stop’s legality, the administration of field sobriety and chemical tests, and the calibration records of breathalyzer equipment. For a third offense DUI charge lawyer Navy Yard representation, we also examine the validity and timing of your prior convictions, as this is a common defense point.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: We analyze police reports, BAC results, and prior record details to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- DMV Hearing Request: You must request an administrative hearing with the DC DMV within 15 days of arrest to fight the automatic license suspension.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained from an unlawful stop or faulty testing procedures.
- Negotiation & Strategy: We engage with prosecutors to seek a reduction to a misdemeanor or explore diversion programs, if applicable.
- Trial Preparation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial before a DC Superior Court judge.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has a documented history of handling complex criminal cases. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep knowledge of DC court procedures. We understand that a felony DUI charge threatens your freedom, driver’s license, and future. We commit to a case-specific approach, meticulously preparing every aspect of your defense.
For a third offense DUI charge lawyer Navy Yard clients can rely on, our firm leverages the experience of attorneys like Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every legal avenue is explored.
Local Defense for Navy Yard Residents
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.
Our Arlington location serves Navy Yard and all of Washington, D.C., and is approximately 3 miles from the DC Superior Court, accessible via I-395. We are a local felony DUI lawyer near Navy Yard and the Judiciary Square Metro. We serve clients throughout DC’s neighborhoods, including Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and Southwest Waterfront. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Felony DUI Lawyer Navy Yard FAQ
Is a third DUI always a felony in DC?
Yes. Under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11, a third DUI offense within a 15-year period is charged as a felony. This carries mandatory jail time and severe penalties, making representation by a felony DUI lawyer Navy Yard essential.
What’s the difference between a DC DUI and OWI?
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) requires proof of impairment or a BAC of 0.08% or higher. OWI (Operating While Impaired) has a lower BAC threshold of 0.05% but still requires proof of impaired operation. Both can be charged as felonies under aggravating circumstances. A felony drunk driving defense lawyer Navy Yard can explain the nuances of your specific charge.
Can I refuse a breath test in DC?
You can refuse, but DC’s implied consent law means refusal triggers an automatic 12-month driver’s license revocation through the DC DMV, separate from any court case. This administrative penalty is often challenged at a hearing requested within 15 days.
Who prosecutes DUI cases in Washington, D.C.?
Criminal cases in DC, including felony DUIs, are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC), not a local district attorney. All cases are heard at the DC Superior Court.
What happens at a DC DMV hearing for a DUI?
The hearing is an administrative process to contest your license suspension. It is separate from your criminal case in Superior Court. An attorney can argue against the suspension based on the legality of the stop or the validity of the chemical test refusal.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.