Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Córdoba

About DUI & DWI Law in Córdoba, Argentina

This guide gives a practical introduction to driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) issues in Córdoba, Argentina. Traffic rules and penalties for driving under the influence are governed by a mix of national traffic law, provincial rules and criminal law when accidents or injuries occur. Penalties can include administrative sanctions - fines, license suspension and vehicle impoundment - and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution under the Penal Code for negligent injuries or death. If you face a stop, test or charge, local procedures and deadlines matter a lot - so informed and timely action is important.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People facing DUI or DWI matters often need legal help for several reasons:

- To understand whether the case is administrative, criminal or both, and which procedures apply.

- To challenge the legality of a police stop, the validity of a breathalyzer or blood test, or the calibration and chain of custody for test equipment.

- To represent you at administrative hearings that can suspend your driving privileges or impose fines.

- To negotiate with prosecutors where criminal charges for negligent injury or death may apply, and to prepare a criminal defense if necessary.

- To protect employment or professional licenses that may be affected by a conviction or administrative record.

- To advise foreign drivers about immigration, cross-border consequences and interaction with insurance companies.

- To help obtain evidence - witness statements, video, medical and laboratory records - and to meet short procedural deadlines.

Local Laws Overview

Key points to keep in mind about Córdoba and Argentine law related to DUI and DWI:

- Legal framework - Argentina has national traffic legislation that sets baseline rules for driving under the influence. Provinces, including Córdoba, implement their own regulations and administrative procedures that can add requirements or stricter limits.

- Blood alcohol measurement - Alcohol levels are usually measured as grams of alcohol per liter of blood (g/L) or as blood alcohol concentration. Many jurisdictions apply a 0.5 g/L threshold for ordinary private drivers. Provinces commonly set stricter or zero-tolerance rules for commercial drivers, novice drivers and drivers of public transport vehicles. Check the provincial rule that applies in your case.

- Administrative sanctions - If you exceed permitted alcohol limits or commit an infraction, authorities can impose fines, suspend or cancel a driver license, require attendance at educational programs, and temporarily impound the vehicle. Administrative procedures are typically handled by provincial traffic authorities or local administrative courts.

- Criminal liability - If intoxicated driving causes injury or death, criminal charges may be brought under the Penal Code for negligent bodily harm (lesiones culposas) or culpable homicide (homicidio culposo). Criminal proceedings can lead to imprisonment, criminal records and broader legal consequences.

- Testing - Police commonly use breath tests at the roadside and may request blood tests at medical facilities. The legality and proper administration of tests - including informing the driver of the right to request independent testing and ensuring chain of custody - can be important in defending a case.

- Refusal - Refusing alcohol or drug tests usually has legal consequences: administrative fines, license suspension and other sanctions. In some cases, refusal can be used as evidence against a driver in criminal proceedings. Specific consequences depend on provincial rules.

- Short deadlines - Administrative appeals and criminal processes have strict procedural deadlines for challenges and appeals. Missing a deadline can limit your options to contest evidence or sanctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical legal alcohol limit for drivers in Córdoba?

Limits can vary by category of driver. Many Argentine jurisdictions set a general limit around 0.5 g/L for private drivers, with stricter or zero-tolerance limits for professional drivers, commercial transport and novice drivers. Provincial rules in Córdoba may impose specific limits - consult a local lawyer or the provincial traffic authority to confirm the exact limit that applies to your situation.

What happens if I am stopped and fail a breathalyzer?

Failing a breathalyzer can lead to immediate administrative measures - fines, temporary suspension of your driver license and vehicle impoundment - and could trigger further investigation. If the stop resulted from a traffic accident with injury or death, you may also face criminal charges. You will usually receive a record of the test and instructions about administrative hearings and deadlines.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer or blood test?

Refusal is possible but usually has consequences. In Córdoba, as in many jurisdictions, refusing a breath or blood test often results in administrative sanctions such as fines and license suspension, and may be used against you in criminal proceedings. It is important to know the specific provincial rules and to consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you refused a test or are considering refusing one.

Will I go to jail for a first-time DUI?

Not always. Simple administrative DUI violations generally lead to fines and administrative suspensions. Jail time is more likely if the incident involves criminal charges - for example, if intoxicated driving caused serious injury or death, or if there are aggravating factors like repeat offenses or extremely high alcohol levels. A lawyer can explain probable outcomes based on the facts of your case.

How long can my license be suspended?

Length of suspension depends on the severity of the infraction, prior record and provincial rules. Suspensions can range from a few months up to several years for serious or repeat offenses. Administrative hearings commonly set the period and conditions for reinstatement, such as completion of alcohol education programs or medical testing.

Can test results be challenged?

Yes. Common challenges include questioning the legality of the stop, the manner in which the test was administered, calibration and maintenance records for breathalyzer equipment, chain of custody for blood samples, and the qualifications of the personnel who performed the test. Prompt legal action is important to obtain records and expert review.

What should I do right after an arrest or citation?

- Stay calm and cooperate while protecting your rights - provide identification but avoid making self-incriminating statements.

- Ask for and keep copies of the police report, test results and any administrative notices.

- Record contact information for witnesses and take photos of the scene if safe to do so.

- Seek medical records if a blood test was taken at a hospital.

- Contact a local lawyer quickly - procedural deadlines can be short.

Will a DUI affect my employment or professional license?

Possibly. Employers and professional licensing bodies may have rules that allow discipline or job consequences if you are charged or convicted. If you drive as part of your job, administrative suspensions can directly affect employment. A lawyer can advise on notification obligations and possible defenses to mitigate employment impact.

Do foreign drivers face different rules?

Foreign drivers are subject to the same traffic and criminal laws. Consequences may include fines, license suspension and vehicle impoundment. International issues can arise if your home country’s license is involved - for example, whether a suspension will be recorded internationally. If you are a foreign national, consult a lawyer who understands cross-border or immigration implications.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost and can I get legal aid?

Costs vary with complexity. Simple administrative representation may be less costly than a full criminal defense. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation to outline likely fees. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, public defense services - the Defensoría or Public Defender Office - and free legal orientation from the Colegio de Abogados (Bar Association) may be available depending on your financial situation.

Additional Resources

When seeking help or information in Córdoba, consider contacting or consulting the following types of organizations and bodies - they can provide official procedures, referrals and resources:

- Provincial traffic authority or transport department - for administrative procedures, fines and license reinstatement requirements.

- Policía de la Provincia de Córdoba - road police or Caminera for police reports and incident records.

- Ministerio Público Fiscal de la Provincia de Córdoba - for information on criminal prosecutions.

- Juzgados de Faltas and local administrative courts - for appeals and administrative hearings.

- Defensoría General de la Provincia de Córdoba or Public Defender Office - for legal aid and public defense services.

- Colegio de Abogados de Córdoba - for referrals to qualified criminal and traffic lawyers and for legal orientation services.

- Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA) and other driver organizations - practical advice and advocacy for motorists.

- Medical and forensic laboratories - for copies of blood test reports and chain-of-custody documentation when tests were administered.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a DUI or DWI matter in Córdoba, follow these steps:

- Preserve documents - obtain and keep copies of the police report, breathalyzer or blood-test records, administrative notices, and any medical reports.

- Record details - write down the timeline of events, officer names and badge numbers, witness names and contact details, and any observations about the testing procedure.

- Contact a local lawyer quickly - choose a lawyer experienced in traffic and criminal defense in Córdoba. Ask about experience with DUI cases, likely strategies and fee structure.

- Be mindful of deadlines - administrative appeals and criminal procedures have strict deadlines. Your lawyer will advise immediate deadlines and steps to protect your rights.

- Avoid discussing the case publicly - do not post details on social media and avoid statements that could be used against you.

- Consider independent testing and expert review - if a blood test was taken, a lawyer can help obtain samples or lab records for independent analysis or expert opinion.

- Prepare for administrative hearings - attend scheduled hearings, complete any required educational programs and gather evidence or witnesses in your favor.

If you are unsure where to start, contact the Colegio de Abogados de Córdoba or the provincial Defensoría for a referral to a competent local attorney who handles DUI and DWI matters.