Washington Drunk Driving Defense

Attorney Offices by Municipality

Arlington

Cahoon Law Office: If you have been charged with a DUI, or any type of drunken driving charge in Washington State , it is important to call a lawyer immediately - as waiting too long could result in a loss of your driver's license. A large portion of Mr. Cahoon's practice is devoted to representing people charged with driving under the influence (DUI/DWI). Getting a DUI can cause serious problems. These are commonly referred to DUI, DWI, or "drunk driving" cases. In these cases, he will help you fight for a dismissal or reduced charge (such as negligent or reckless driving) when appropriate. When an agreement can't be reached with the prosecutor, then he will fight for you at trial and seek a not guilty verdict. As part of the Washington State DUI law, he will handle your Department of Licensing hearing and fight for your driving privilege.
Calhoun Law Offices: DUI or "Drunk Driving" charges are among the most serious charges that District and Municipal Courts handle. Mandatory jail time and loss of driver's license are only part of the risks you face when you are charged with this type of crime. You need a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these types of charges. Most people do not realize that being stopped for a DUI also means you'll often be fighting for your right to drive even before your DUI case sees the inside of a courtroom. A Department of Licensing hearing is typically held sixty days after you are stopped by the police and if you do not take the right steps, your license can be suspended or revoked.

Auburn

Bellevue:

Bellingham

Bothell

Phillip Sayles: Being accused of Driving Under the Influence in the State of Washington is one of the worst things that can happen to an individual.Ê A DUI conviction can not only bring about jail time, probation, and substantial fines, but it can also lead toÊa license suspension or revocation.Ê Accusations like this can negatively effect both your family and work environment.Ê Don'tÊletÊthis charge ruin your life.
Rory Patrick McManama: For a first offense your driver's license could besuspended for up to two years and you could be sentenced to up to a year in jail. Don't face the charges alone.

Bremerton

Coupville

Terry Smith: If you do not request that hearing within 30 days from the date of your arrest. Department of Licensing (DOL) will send a letter to you telling you that your license will be suspended on or before the 60th day after your arrest.

Edmonds

James Conley: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

Ellensburg

Enumclaw

Everett

Federal Way

Blair & Meeker: DUI charges can happen to the best of us. If you or a family member is charged with a crime, it is essential to obtain representation as soon as possible. During a time of extreme stress, it is difficult to make decisions than have life-long consequences.
Clement Law Office: Most drivers who are cited for drunk driving try to get accepted into a program called "deferred prosecution". In these cases, the driver essentially has to admit to the drunk driving. Prosecution is deferred, however, as long as the driver successfully completes a strict 2-year drug or alcohol treatment program. Deferred prosecution is available only for those who believe that their drunk driving was caused by alcoholism or a mental health problem. You can qualify for deferred prosecution only once in five years.

Fife

Andrew Makar: If you have been charged with DUI, a drug charge, or any other felony or misdemeanor criminal offense, you have to ask yourself what kind of defense attorney will take the time to understand what my real-life needs are. In the Seattle-Tacoma area, there are hundreds of lawyers who will tell you that they are experienced attorneys. But experienced in what? Passing a bar exam?
Steven Levy: ASSERTION OF RIGHTS
- I will provide my driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
- I will sign a citation, if any, then I want to leave immediately.
- I will not answer any questions without my attorney present.
- I do not have to do "Field Sobriety Tests" and I refuse to do them.
- I do not consent to and do not want to be recorded.
- I do not consent to my person, car or other property being searched.
- If I am arrested I want an attorney now. I do not waive my legal rights.
- If you want me to take a breath or blood test, I want to talk in private to my attorney first (by phone is ok).
- If my attorney cannot be reached I want to talk with privacy to a public defender or some other attorney.

Freeland

Terry Smith: You have 30 days from the date of your arrest for a DUI to request a hearing from the Department of Licensing. The purpose of that hearing will be to determine the status of your License to Drive pending the outcome of your case.

Gig Harbor

Kennewick

Jensen Law Offices: If you are charged with a crime, you need a good lawyer. While you can represent yourself, the prosecutor will not have any concern that you will go to trial. Even if you set the matter for trial they will not believe you will be successful. A good lawyer will be able to present a good defense and even if there is not a viable defense the lawyer will be able to cause and excessive use of resources that will cause the prosecutor to negotiate in goodfaith.

Kent

Kingston

Jeanette Dalton: If youve been arrested for a DUI in Washington State: After arresting you and processing you at the station, the police officer may have chosen to release you or to book you into the county jail. If the officer gave you a Citation, then you will have a mandatory court appearance date listed on that Citation. This will usually be the next business day following the issuance of the Citation. If booked, you will also have received a date and will appear before a judge, usually within 48 hours or the next business day. That first date is called a Preliminary Appearance. If the court has no paperwork yet, then you will likely be released, but you may receive a Summons and Notice to Appear at a later date. If there is paperwork, then the court will decide whether there is probable cause to sustain the charge and will also set Conditions of Release and another court date. These conditions can include the posting of bail, and restrictions on you such as: not consuming or possessing alcohol, not driving without an ignition interlock, etc. Arraignment: this is where the court will formally charge you with the crime and ask you what plea you want to enter. You should also be advised of all of your constitutional rights at this time and should be given an opportunity to talk to an attorney before you enter your plea. Once you have entered your plea, the court again decides what Conditions of Release should be imposed and then will set another court date. After this your case proceeds to a disposition. This takes time, generally between 2 to 6 months or more. If you are convicted, or you plead Guilty, the PENALTIES FOR A DUI can be very serious, including the possibility of additional sanctions from the Department of Licensing. You are entitled to have a good lawyer, one who will fight to retain your drivers license and keep you out of jail.

Kirkland

Karlie Valdez: Recently arrested for DUI? You have 30 days to request a DOL Hearing! A failure to do so will result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
Schoen Parnell: Getting arrested for a DUI or other criminal charges can be very intimidating if you are not confident in your DUI defense attorney. I have gone to trial hundreds of times in the last eight years and negotiated countless plea bargains. I vigorously defend my clients and their rights.

Lacey

Christy Todd: In Washington State, a driver over 21 years of age who has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher within two hours after driving is presumptively guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. A driver under 21 years of age who has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but less than 0.08, is presumptively guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. In addition, a driver under 21 years of age may face an additional charge of Minor in Possession/Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor. Pleading guilty to a DUI or being convicted of a DUI has implications for maintaining a driver's license.

Lakewood

Benjamin & Healy: There are generally two ways of committing DUI in Washington. First, if a persons breath test reading is .08 or higher. To convict a person using this method the prosecutor is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the breath test reading was accurate and the breath test machine was functioning properly. Repair and maintenance records often demonstrate the machine is faulty. The machines database may indicate it was not functioning properly at the time of the arrest. If retained, our expert witness can testify as to the breath test machines inherent unreliability. Second, if there is no breath test reading the prosecutor must prove a person was under the influence of or affected by alcohol at the time of driving. This method requires the prosecutor to prove (normally by having the officer testify as to his observations of the driver) that the persons driving was affected to any appreciable degree by alcohol consumption. It is important to remember that you are presumed innocent and the government is required to prove to the jury that you committed DUI beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence used to convict is normally the police officers observations of your driving, contact with you, and field sobriety tests. The officer will normally only point out what you did wrong, not what you did right (which evidences sobriety).

Longview

Lynnwood

Mercer Island

Harvey Grad: Drunk Driving Defense - the "right to drive" is a privilege which is governed by the individual states. Traffic violations are a mix of regulatory and penal (criminal) offenses based on violations of state statutes and city ordinances relating to the operation of vehicles, specifically driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances which impair the ability to drive.

Monroe

Mt. Vernon

Howson Law Office: It is a crime to drive an automobile on the public highways of the State of Washington with an alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit. The legal limit in the State of Washington is "0.08." This is a very low standard, considering that the average person can reach the legal limit with only a couple of drinks Despite this legal limit, you must also keep in mind that you can be arrested for and convicted of DUI at an alcohol concentration below the legal limit, as long as the prosecution can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your ability to drive was affected to any appreciable degree. Many people believe that they have satisfied their obligation to give a breath sample by blowing into the portable breath test device that is commonly given by the police officer at the scene of the traffic stop. This misconception is a serious mistake. The Law is satisfied only when you blow into the breath test machine that is located at a police station. Refusing to submit to the portable breath test machine will not impact your driver's license BUT refusing to submit to the breath test machine at the police station will result in serious licensing consequences and may adversely impact the defense of the DUI charge. A driver who refuses to take a breath test faces a number of adverse consequences. The most serious is a one-year license revocation for a first refusal within seven years, or a two-year license revocation for a second or subsequent refusal within seven years. There is no possibility of getting an occupational license. The fact that a person "refused" is admissible in the DUI trial. The prosecutor can, and usually do, argue that the reason the driver refused testing was because the defendant knew he or she was drunk and would fail the test. Additionally, a test refusal can increase the fine and jail sentence of a person convicted of DUI as well as result in additional and longer license suspensions based on the conviction. Since many arrested for DUI have never faced the dilemma of having to decide whether to take an official breath or blood test, it is in your best interest to exercise your Constitutional Right to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options prior to deciding to giving a breath test, regardless of the time, day or night.

Mukilteo

Oak Harbor

Olympia

Port Orchard

Tracy Flood: Make sure your rights are respected regardless of the offense...

Port Townsend

Redmond

Price & Associates: Have you been arrested and charged with driving under the influence? Maybe it's your first offense. You misjudged how much you had to drink or the effect the alcohol had on you. To save face, you decided to go to court alone. When you got there, however, you felt lost and intimidated. You needed someone to guide you through the criminal justice system, someone who thoroughly understood the DUI laws in Washington and would protect your rights.
Magnuson Lowell P.S.: Highlights/Results DUI Defense A client was visiting friends and watching a ball game during the weekend. They were doing what many sports fans do while watching a game: eating snacks and having a few beers. During the game, he had a couple beers. On the way home, he was pulled over for speeding. Then he was asked to step out of the car. The officer had the client perform some field sobriety tests and blow into a handheld breathalyzer. The breathalyzer registered over .10. The client was baffled by the result because he knew had only two beers over several hours. After his arrest, he took another breathalyzer at the station. The result was .076. The client retained Olaf Hansen to represent him against the charge of DUI. Olaf noted that the police report indicated that the client was only speeding and that the car's tire touched the lane divider just twice in two miles. Additionally, the report confirmed that the client passed the field sobriety tests. Based upon these issues, Olaf was able to obtain a reduction of the charge from DUI to a traffic infraction.

Renton

Jerrilynn Hadley: Although the State of Washington already has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, legislation is afoot to make these laws even tougher÷converting a third DUI conviction into a felony offense. If you have been arrested for DUI or a related offense, it is extremely important for you to obtain the assistance of an experienced and dedicated DUI attorney who has a thorough understanding of drunk-driving laws, can realistically assess your situation, and who is dedicated to your most vigorous criminal defense.
Jerrilynn Hadley: Although the State of Washington already has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, legislation is afoot to make these laws even tougherconverting a third DUI conviction into a felony offense. If you have been arrested for DUI or a related offense, it is extremely important for you to obtain the assistance of an experienced and dedicated DUI attorney who has a thorough understanding of drunk-driving laws, can realistically assess your situation, and who is dedicated to your most vigorous criminal defense. DUI Drivers License Suspension In some cases, people are not formally charged with DUI (elsewhere known as DWI) until several months after the initial traffic stop. It is important to understand, however, that the system may move immediately to suspend your drivers license. You only have a few days after the initial DUI citation is issued to petition for a hearing in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles to avoid suspension your license. Do not delay in contacting an attorney.

Richland

Christopher Swaby: Please do not make any decisions about any legal matter without consulting with an attorney first.

Seattle

Shelton

Linda Callahan: Washington State has one of the nation's toughest DUI laws. The penalties for this gross misdemeanor can be more severe than for some felonies. Some form of confinement is mandatory. Jail or the loss of your license could cost you your job or career. Your family finances may suffer from heavy fines, insurance increases and costly requirements, such as expensive ignition interlock devices on every vehicle you drive, and expensive alcohol treatment programs. These programs also entail frequent attendance at counseling sessions and AA meetings. Further, you will remain under the court's jurisdiction for a 5-year probationary period.

Silverdale

Greg Memovitch: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
Tyner King & Thimons: Driving under the influence or "DUI" affects many individuals who have never had any prior contact with the criminal justice system. It is very important to remember that if you have been accused of a DUI or any crime, trying to minimize the situation by offering an explanation to law enforcement or the court is a bad idea. When you are accused of a crime the prosecutors interests are adverse to your own. Exercise your right to remain silent. A DUI is a criminal matter and as with any criminal matter you will need legal representation. A DUI in Washington state is classified as a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a five thousand dollar fine. If convicted of a DUI you can add to any potential jail and fines; a drivers license suspension, probation, a requirement to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and you could be restricted to operating vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device. Unlike many other misdemeanors the offense of DUI carries many legislative required mandatory minimums. This means the court is required to impose upon a conviction certain minimums regardless of the circumstances of the case.

Snohomish

Harris, Joseph: What is a SR-22? Simply, it is a form which must be filed by the insurance company to the state (Department of Motor Vehicles) stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a particular individual. An SR-22 is an official documentation required to redeem a suspended drivers license and get your car registered at the local DOL (DMV). A SR22 Filing is a form issued by an insurance company which removes a suspension order placed by the DMV's office on your driving privilege. The most common reason for an SR22 filing is when you are arrested for Driving Under Intoxication (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The filing provides a guarantee to the state that an insurance company has issued at least minimum liability coverage for the person making that filing and that the insurance company will notify the DMV should the insurance ever lapse for any reason. Typically it is required when insurance is provided to an individual who was in an accident or was convicted of a traffic offense and was unable to show financial responsibility OR if a judge has ordered an SR22 for other reasons (in some states). SR-22 isn't a type of insurance, but rather proof that you have certain types of insurance (based upon the financial responsbility laws of your state).
Richardson Law Group: DUI There are strict and harsh consequences for drunk driving in Washington and the penalties continue to become increasingly severe.

Spokane

Surrey, BC

Gosal & Associates: Washington State and British Columbia have the strictest laws on Impaired driving/DUI in North America. With the per se legal limit being lowered to .08, the fight against DUI laws is increasingly harder, but not impossible. Even if the breath ticket claims that your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was over .08, you may have several defences. Contact a lawyer without delay. At arraignment or first appearance, always please Not Guilty, until you have consulted with a lawyer. You can always change your plea afterwards.
Dean White: DUI charges often seem hopeless, but these charges can be defeated or reduced. It takes an experienced and determined criminal defense attorney to succeed, but the criminal charge is only half the issue. Once you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence by the State of Washington, the State, through the Department of Licensing, may also begin proceedings to suspend or revoke your driving privilege. You have a right to a hearing, however.

Tacoma

Unknown

John Fuhrman: Washington has recently passed some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. The first advice I would give to any prospective client is: don't drink and drive! The mandatory jail time, fines, costs and the loss of your driving privileges to say nothing of the risk to your own life and potentially those of others, is to great a price to pay. Cab fare seems like a real bargain when you consider what your risking. However, if you've received this advise too late, it's important that you have competent and aggressive representation as the stakes in DUI case are high if you happen to be a defendant
Steven Levy: ASSERTION OF RIGHTS
I will provide my driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.

I will sign a citation, if any, then I want to leave immediately.

I will not answer any questions without my attorney present.

I do not have to do "Field Sobriety Tests" and I refuse to do them.

I do not consent to and do not want to be recorded.

I do not consent to my person, car or other property being searched.

If I am arrested I want an attorney now. I do not waive my legal rights.

If you want me to take a breath or blood test, I want to talk in private to my attorney first (by phone is ok).

If my attorney cannot be reached I want to talk with privacy to a public defender or some other attorney.

I will submit to a breath or blood test. If I am requested to take a breath or blood test I also want an additional legal blood test.

If I am not under arrest, I want to leave. Please tell me so I may lock my car and walk away. Thank You.

Vancouver

Wenatchee

Woods & Brangwin: If you've been charged with DUI, hire someone with the skill and dedication to thoroughly analyze your case.
Cassel, Beuhler & Murdock: It can happen to the best of us. You make a mistake, or an error in judgment. You shouldnt have to pay for it for the rest of your life. To avoid the lasting repercussions, you need a good criminal defense team to protect your rights and advance your defenses.

Yakima

Adam Moore: A conviction on DUI/DWI charges will result in fines, driver's license suspension or revocation, and possibly jail. In addition, your insurance company may increase your rates to an unmanageable level. In defending against an impaired driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant, including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you, even if they are police officers. Consulting an experienced attorney ... can make all the difference.

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