Question 1

What is the statute of limitations for criminal defense in District of Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Murder has no statute of limitations. Most felonies must be prosecuted within 6 years. All misdemeanors must be charged within 3 years. Certain sex offenses have extended periods of up to 15 years. (D.C. Code § 23-113)

Question 2

What is District of Columbia's law on record sealing (second chance amendment act)?

Accepted Answer

Effective March 2025, the Second Chance Amendment Act expanded eligibility for record sealing. Eligible convictions can be sealed after waiting periods. Arrests not leading to conviction can be sealed or expunged. DUI/OWI convictions remain ineligible for sealing. (D.C. Code § 16-803 (as amended by D.C. Law 24-284))

Question 3

What is District of Columbia's law on expungement based on actual innocence?

Accepted Answer

A person may file a motion to expunge a criminal record based on actual innocence, with no waiting period required. The court must find by a preponderance of the evidence that the movant is actually innocent. (D.C. Code § 16-802)

Question 4

What is District of Columbia's law on dui/owi penalties?

Accepted Answer

First offense DUI: up to $1,000 fine and/or 180 days incarceration. Second offense: $2,500-$5,000 fine and/or up to 1 year, with a 10-day mandatory minimum. Mandatory minimums increase with BAC above 0.20. The legal limit is 0.08 BAC (0.04 for commercial, zero tolerance for under 21). (D.C. Code § 50-2206.13)

Question 5

What is District of Columbia's law on right to counsel?

Accepted Answer

Persons charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment who cannot afford an attorney have the right to appointed counsel through the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. (D.C. Code § 11-2601 et seq.)

Criminal Defense Laws in District of Columbia.

Statute of Limitations

Key District of Columbia Statutes

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