Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Aqaba

About DUI & DWI Law in Aqaba, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

DUI and DWI refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while impaired. In Aqaba, as elsewhere in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, these matters are treated seriously by police and prosecutors. Traffic law and criminal law apply to impairment-related driving incidents. Enforcement typically involves roadside stops, sobriety checks, breath or blood testing, and subsequent criminal or administrative action if limits are exceeded or impairment is evident. Aqaba is a special economic zone with significant tourism and commercial traffic, but national traffic and criminal rules generally govern DUI and DWI enforcement and penalties.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer when you are stopped, tested, arrested, charged, or involved in an accident where impairment is alleged. A lawyer can advise and represent you at every stage - at the police station, during criminal proceedings, at administrative hearings about your driving licence, and in insurance disputes. Common situations in which people seek legal help include: after a positive breath or blood test; when accused of causing an injury or death while impaired; when authorities claim you refused testing; when your licence is suspended or revoked; when a foreign national faces potential deportation or travel restrictions; and when evidence or procedure appears flawed and you want to challenge the charge.

Local Laws Overview

Jordanian law criminalises driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs and provides for administrative and criminal sanctions. Key practical points to understand in Aqaba are the following. Enforcement and testing - police may stop drivers on suspicion of impairment and may use field sobriety assessments, breathalyser devices and, where necessary, blood tests. Refusing tests can carry penalties and may be treated as evidence of guilt in some circumstances. Procedure after arrest - a traffic incident or arrest is documented by police, then referred to prosecutors who decide whether to file criminal charges. Courts handle trials and sentencing. Penalties - punishments can include fines, imprisonment, licence suspension or revocation, vehicle impoundment, and other administrative measures. Repeat offences or cases involving injury or death attract more severe penalties. Ancillary consequences - a DUI or DWI conviction can lead to a criminal record, higher insurance costs, employment problems and, for non-Jordanians, immigration or deportation consequences. Special local considerations - Aqaba is a hub for tourism and commercial transport, so interactions with authorities can be fast and may involve multiple agencies. Language and procedural support - expect official procedures to be conducted in Arabic; if you are a non-Arabic speaker, request an interpreter and inform your lawyer or consulate promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Aqaba?

Often the terms are used interchangeably to mean driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Local authorities focus on impairment and legal limits rather than the English labels. Whether called DUI or DWI, the practical issues are the same - suspected impairment, testing, and potential criminal and administrative penalties.

What happens if I am stopped on suspicion of drunk or drugged driving?

Police may ask for identification, vehicle documents and may perform a field assessment for signs of impairment. If suspicion remains, you may be asked to submit to a breath test or be taken for a medical sample such as a blood test. Refusal can lead to penalties or be used against you. If arrested, you will be processed and the incident documented by police for prosecutor review.

Can I refuse a breathalyser or blood test?

Refusal is risky. Jordanian authorities treat refusals seriously and may impose administrative or criminal consequences. In some cases, refusal is itself an offence or may lead to other charges. Consult a lawyer immediately if you have been asked to submit to testing or refused testing.

What penalties could I face if convicted of DUI or DWI?

Penalties vary with the level of impairment, whether the offence is a first or repeat incident, and whether an accident caused injury or death. Possible penalties include fines, imprisonment, licence suspension or revocation, vehicle impoundment, and mandatory rehabilitation or medical testing. Convictions can also affect employment, insurance and immigration status.

What if I caused an accident while impaired?

Causing an accident while impaired increases the seriousness of charges and potential penalties. If injuries or fatalities occur, criminal charges may be severe and could include significant prison time. It is especially important to obtain legal representation immediately to protect your rights, review the evidence and participate in investigations or court proceedings.

Can I challenge the accuracy of a breathalyser or blood test?

Yes. There are lawful avenues to challenge testing procedures, device calibration, evidence chain of custody, the qualifications of the officer or medical personnel, and the circumstances under which a sample was taken. A lawyer experienced in DUI and DWI cases can identify procedural errors or technical weaknesses that may help your defence.

Will a DUI or DWI conviction appear on my criminal record?

Yes. Convictions are part of your criminal record and can have long-term effects on travel, employment, and licensing. For non-Jordanian residents or visitors, a criminal conviction can lead to visa, residency or deportation consequences. Talk with your lawyer about the potential for record-reduction remedies where applicable.

What should I do at the scene if I am stopped or involved in an incident?

Prioritise safety and compliance with lawful instructions. Do not admit guilt. Provide identification and necessary documents. You may politely decline to answer detailed questions about drinking or drug use and instead state that you will speak to a lawyer. If medical attention is needed, seek it immediately and ensure records are preserved. Take note of witnesses, times and relevant details and try to obtain a copy of the police report through your lawyer.

I am a foreign national - what special steps should I take?

If you are not a Jordanian citizen, contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible for consular assistance. Inform them if you are arrested or detained. Consular offices can help with language support, advise on local procedures and may provide a list of local attorneys. Keep your passport and immigration documents safe and provide copies to your lawyer as needed.

How soon should I hire a lawyer and how do I choose one?

Engage a lawyer as soon as possible - ideally immediately after an arrest or as soon as you learn you are under investigation. Choose a lawyer experienced in traffic and criminal law in Jordan and with specific DUI and DWI experience. Ask about courtroom experience, success with similar cases, fee structure and availability. If you are in Aqaba, consider counsel who understands local courts and enforcement practices in the region.

Additional Resources

Public Security Directorate - Traffic Department - the national body responsible for traffic enforcement and roadside testing. Ministry of Interior - oversees public security and administrative policies that may affect traffic and criminal procedures. Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - for local regulations and administrative matters in Aqaba. Jordan Bar Association - for information about licensed lawyers and how to find legal assistance. Local courts in Aqaba - handle criminal trials and administrative hearings. Hospitals and medical laboratories - handle blood testing and toxicology reports. Embassies and consulates - for non-Jordanian nationals who need consular assistance. Your motor insurance provider - to report incidents and learn how coverage and claims may be affected. Legal aid organisations or local law firms - for case assessment and representation.

Next Steps

1. Ensure immediate safety and follow lawful instructions at the scene. Seek medical attention if needed. 2. Do not admit guilt and limit voluntary statements - say you will speak to a lawyer. 3. Contact a qualified local lawyer with DUI and criminal experience in Aqaba - engage counsel promptly. 4. If you are a foreign national, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance. 5. Preserve evidence - ask your lawyer to obtain the police report, breath or blood test records, medical records, dashcam or CCTV footage, witness statements and any calibration or maintenance records for testing devices. 6. Notify your insurance provider - but consult your lawyer before making detailed statements. 7. Attend all hearings and cooperate with your lawyer - there are strict deadlines for appeals and administrative processes. 8. Follow legal advice about negotiating plea offers, seeking dismissal, or preparing for trial. 9. Keep written records of all communications, receipts and documents related to the case. 10. If eligible, discuss potential post-conviction remedies with your lawyer - rehabilitation programs or record management options may be available depending on circumstances.

Finding experienced legal counsel quickly is the most important step. A local lawyer will explain how the law applies to your situation, outline your options and represent your interests before police, prosecutors and courts in Aqaba and beyond.