Washington DC DUI Lawyer

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals charged with driving under the influence and related offenses. A DUI charge can have serious consequences—including license suspension, fines, or even jail time. We understand how stressful this situation is and how much is at stake. Our goal is to help clients understand their rights, assess the evidence, and take the right legal steps to protect their future.

DUI Lawyer Washington DC

A DUI arrest happens when law enforcement believes someone was operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This can include driving above the legal blood alcohol content limit, refusing a breath test, or showing visible signs of impairment. Penalties may increase if it’s not a first offense, if there was an accident, or if a child was in the vehicle.

People charged with DUI often feel like their lives are suddenly on hold. It’s common to worry about losing your job, facing higher insurance rates, or having a permanent mark on your record. In some cases, even a first-time offense can lead to long-term consequences—especially if it’s not addressed quickly and correctly.

Our Washington DC DUI lawyer helps by reviewing the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, arrest process, and any breathalyzer or blood test results. If there are errors in procedure or evidence, it may be possible to reduce the charges or dismiss the case entirely. Legal defense in DUI cases isn’t just about the courtroom—it’s about helping clients make informed decisions and avoid penalties that affect work, family, and everyday life.

We regularly assist with:

• Challenging probable cause for the traffic stop
• Examining the accuracy and maintenance of testing devices
• Identifying violations of constitutional rights during the arrest
• Representing clients during license hearings and court appearances

Even if a conviction seems likely, we work to negotiate alternatives such as diversion programs, reduced charges, or minimized sentencing when possible.

Why Experience and Insight Matter in DUI Defense

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve helped clients from all backgrounds defend themselves against DUI charges. We understand how law enforcement handles these cases and know how to find weak points in the prosecution’s argument. Whether it’s a breath test that wasn’t properly administered or a report that doesn’t match the facts, we know where to look.

Our team’s attention to detail and courtroom experience allows us to pursue the best outcome for each client. One case involved a first-time offender who faced license suspension after refusing a breath test. After reviewing the arrest footage, we demonstrated that proper warnings weren’t given. The case was resolved without a conviction, and our client kept their license.

We take the time to understand what matters most to each person we represent—whether that’s avoiding jail time, keeping a job, or maintaining driving privileges—and work toward those goals every step of the way.

Speak With Our DUI Lawyer Who Can Help

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, the decisions you make now can affect your future. A Washington DC DUI lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand your legal options and build a defense that protects your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Types of DUI Lawyer Cases We Handle

Being charged with a DUI can impact more than your license—it can affect your job, your reputation, and your future. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent people facing DUI-related offenses across a wide range of circumstances. Whether it’s a first-time arrest or a more serious charge with additional penalties, our team understands what’s at stake and how to help. We work closely with each client to understand the facts and create a defense strategy that protects their rights.

First-Time DUI Charges

Many people facing their first DUI charge have never had any contact with the legal system before. This can make the process feel especially overwhelming. A first-time offense still carries serious penalties, including possible license suspension, fines, and mandatory alcohol education classes. If a breath or blood test was taken, the prosecution may try to use that result to secure a conviction quickly.

We work to evaluate the traffic stop, field sobriety test, and any chemical test results. In some cases, we find that:

• The stop was made without legal justification
• The breath test device was not properly maintained or calibrated
• The officer did not follow correct testing procedures

If any part of the arrest process was handled incorrectly, we may be able to seek dismissal or reduction of the charges.

Repeat Offenses or Elevated Charges

Second or third DUI offenses carry harsher penalties, including longer license suspension periods and the possibility of jail time. These cases often involve prior convictions within a set time frame. The court typically views these charges more seriously, but that doesn’t mean a strong defense can’t make a difference.

We handle cases where clients are accused of:

• A second DUI within ten years
• Having a prior out-of-state DUI on their record
• Failing a court-ordered ignition interlock requirement

We also look into how previous cases were handled and whether they were validly considered in the new charges.

DUI Involving Accidents or Injuries

DUI charges involving an accident—especially one that leads to injury—can bring added legal consequences. These cases may involve separate charges such as reckless driving, leaving the scene, or causing bodily harm. In these situations, the stakes are even higher.

We work to clarify what caused the crash, who was at fault, and whether alcohol or drugs were actually the deciding factor. If the evidence doesn’t support the claims being made, we build a case to challenge those assumptions.

Drug-Related DUI Charges

Driving under the influence isn’t limited to alcohol. Impairment from marijuana, prescription drugs, or illegal substances can also lead to DUI charges. These cases are often more subjective, as there may be no clear breath test involved. Instead, the prosecution may rely on officer observations, blood test results, or field sobriety tests.

We analyze whether the procedures were followed and whether the presence of a substance actually led to impairment. Just having a medication in your system doesn’t automatically mean you were too impaired to drive.

Legal Support Tailored to Your Situation

Each DUI case is different, and we take the time to understand what matters most to the people we represent. A Washington DC DUI lawyer lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can review your case and explain the best options available. Whether you’re hoping to avoid jail time, keep your license, or protect your record, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

6 Steps Our Lawyer May Recommend After an Arrest

A DUI charge can be one of the most stressful experiences someone faces. The arrest, the confusion about next steps, and the potential penalties make it hard to know what to do first. At Cohen & Cohen, we help people take immediate, informed action to protect their rights and improve their outcome. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, here are key steps to consider in the hours and days that follow.

Stay Silent About the Incident

After a DUI arrest, emotions are high. It’s natural to want to explain or justify what happened—but anything said to officers, friends, or online can be used later in court. Whether or not you believe you were impaired, the less said publicly, the better. Avoid:

• Discussing the arrest on social media
• Contacting others involved in the stop
• Offering explanations to law enforcement without legal advice

Staying quiet protects you from accidentally giving up information that can hurt your case.

Request a Copy of the Police Report

The police report includes key details about your arrest, including the officer’s account of why you were stopped, what field sobriety tests were given, and any results from a breath or blood test. This report becomes the foundation of the case against you.

You have the right to request a copy, which can later be reviewed for accuracy or legal issues, such as:

• Lack of probable cause for the stop
• Errors in how testing was conducted
• Contradictions between statements and actual video evidence

Getting this early can help your attorney start building a defense quickly.

Document What You Remember

The details you remember may not make it into the police report. Writing down your version of events while they’re still fresh can help fill in gaps later. Include where you were stopped, what the officer said and did, and how any testing was handled.

Be sure to include:

• The timeline of events from the stop to your release
• Whether you were read your rights
• Any conditions that could have affected sobriety testing

This information can become valuable when questioning the officer’s judgment or challenging test results.

Attend All Court Dates

Missing a court date after a DUI arrest can lead to additional charges, fines, or a warrant for your arrest. Make sure to track the dates listed on your release paperwork and any notices you receive in the mail. Showing up on time and being prepared reflects positively and keeps your case moving forward.

If you’re unsure about a date or location, reach out to your legal team right away. Being proactive helps avoid mistakes that could make the situation worse.

Avoid Driving if Your License Was Suspended

If your license was taken after the arrest, don’t assume you can drive until your case is resolved. Driving with a suspended license can lead to additional charges and penalties, making your situation even more serious.

Ask your attorney whether you’re eligible for a restricted license or temporary driving privileges and follow their advice closely.

Speak With Our DUI Lawyer Early

The sooner you speak with a legal professional, the more options you may have. A Washington DC DUI lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can help you understand your situation, examine the evidence, and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help protect your rights and future.