Felony DUI Lawyer Adams Morgan — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony DUI in Washington, D.C., under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11, is a serious criminal offense carrying up to 10 years in prison for a fourth or subsequent offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for felony drunk driving charges in Adams Morgan. Our felony DUI lawyer Adams Morgan team handles complex cases, including third offense DUI charges. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Washington, D.C. Felony DUI Law
In Washington, D.C., a DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor for first, second, and third offenses. However, a DUI can be elevated to a felony under specific, severe circumstances. The most common path to a felony charge is a fourth or subsequent DUI offense within a 15-year period. Under D.C. Code § 50-2206.11, a fourth DUI is classified as a felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail and up to 10 years in prison, along with fines up to $10,000. Other aggravating factors that can lead to felony-level penalties include causing serious bodily injury or death while driving under the influence.
Last verified: March 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code Council
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of the DUI statute, refer to D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 (official D.C. Council). Criminal traffic cases, including felony DUI, are heard at the DC Superior Court.
Local Court Process for a Felony DUI Charge
A felony DUI case in Adams Morgan follows a formal criminal process in DC Superior Court. Prosecutors treat these cases with high priority due to the potential for severe penalties. The court’s docket for felony matters moves deliberately, with multiple pre-trial hearings.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the felony DUI charge and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your felony DUI lawyer Adams Morgan will engage in discovery, review evidence (like breathalyzer calibration logs), and file pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Motion Hearings: The court will hear arguments on motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Plea Negotiations: Your attorney will negotiate with prosecutors, potentially seeking a reduction to a misdemeanor or favorable plea terms.
- Trial or Disposition: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in DC Superior Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, a separate sentencing hearing will determine the final penalty, including prison time, fines, and a lengthy driver’s license revocation.
Potential Penalties for Felony DUI in D.C.
In Washington, D.C., a felony DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence, years of prison time, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth DUI (within 15 years) | Felony | 10 days to 10 years | $2,000 – $10,000 | Revocation for life (possible hardship reinstatement after 5 years) | Mandatory alcohol treatment, ignition interlock device, permanent felony record |
| DUI Causing Injury | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Revocation | Potential civil liability for damages |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in D.C. Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our deep familiarity with DC Superior Court procedures and personnel is a key asset in building a strong defense for a felony drunk driving charge.
Case Results for Serious Charges
Our approach to felony DUI defense is informed by a history of handling serious criminal matters. For example, our attorneys have successfully defended clients facing charges like misdemeanor sex abuse in DC Superior Court, achieving dismissals. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. While every case is unique, this experience demonstrates our capability to manage high-stakes litigation, a skill directly applicable to defending a third offense DUI charge or felony DUI.
Felony DUI Defense Near Adams Morgan
Our Arlington location serves Adams Morgan clients facing charges at DC Superior Court. We are approximately 3 miles from the courthouse, accessible via I-395 and I-66. We provide felony DUI lawyer services near Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Columbia Heights.
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) 273-4104
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Felony DUI Lawyer Adams Morgan FAQ
What makes a DUI a felony in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. A DUI becomes a felony in D.C. primarily if it is your fourth or subsequent offense within 15 years, or if the incident caused serious bodily injury or death. A felony DUI lawyer Adams Morgan is essential to challenge the evidence supporting these aggravating factors.
Can a third offense DUI be charged as a felony in D.C.?
It depends. A third DUI is typically a misdemeanor under D.C. law. However, a third offense DUI charge lawyer must be prepared, as prosecutors may seek felony penalties if there are extreme aggravating circumstances, such as a very high BAC or a prior felony DUI conviction from another jurisdiction.
What are the defenses to a felony DUI charge?
Defenses can include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy and calibration of breath or blood testing equipment, the chain of custody for evidence, and the officer’s observation of impairment. A felony drunk driving defense lawyer Adams Morgan will investigate all procedural and factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Is there a mandatory jail sentence for a felony DUI conviction?
Yes. A conviction for a fourth DUI in D.C. carries a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail. The judge has discretion to impose a sentence up to 10 years in prison. An experienced felony DUI lawyer Adams Morgan will work to have charges reduced or dismissed to avoid these mandatory penalties.
How does a felony DUI affect my driver’s license?
A felony DUI conviction results in a lifetime driver’s license revocation. You may petition for a hardship reinstatement after five years, but it is not guaranteed. This severe consequence underscores the need for immediate representation from a skilled felony DUI lawyer Adams Morgan.