Everett DUI Lawyers
- Brett Nagel:
If you have been arrested for DUI or Physical Control in the State of Washington, you need the facts from an experienced DUI attorney. Here is an overview: First, a DUI prosecution consists of two parts: (1) a civil hearing where the department of licensing (DOL) tries to take away your license; and (2) a criminal case where the State of Washington seeks a conviction, jail time, and the penalties outlined below.
Maximum:
DUI is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $5,000 fine. A conviction for DUI could cause you to lose your drivers license and require you to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car.
Minimums:
Mandatory minimum penalties also apply. This means that if you are convicted of DUI, a judge must sentence you to at least a specified amount of jail time and fine. These penalties are imposed in addition to any Department of Licensing penalties. The mandatory minimum penalty that applies to your case depends upon: (1) your breath test level or refusal; and (2) the number of times you have been convicted of DUI or a charged reduced from DUI in the past seven years.
For example, if you are convicted of DUI and you provide a breath sample of between .08 and .149, the judge must sentence you as follows:
* 1 day in jail;
* $350 fine (usually approximately $1,400.00 with costs and assessments); and,
* 1 year of ignition interlock
The court may also order alcohol or drug treatment and make you attend a victim impact panel. You will also need high risk auto insurance (SR 22) for three years. These minimum penalties increase significantly if you have prior DUI convictions, refused the breath test, or provided a breath sample over .15. Consult an experienced Washington DUI attorney for advice specific to your case.
- Deno, Millikan, Dale, Decker and Petersen:
A charge of Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated or
Driving while you are impaired by either alcohol or drugs can have
perhaps the most serious consequences likely to face a person these
days. The charges are serious, and the consequences extreme. A person
charged with this offense needs careful, caring legal defense to avoid
or minimize, if at all possible, the consequences of a conviction of
this crime.
A serious traffic offense may cause significant costs and economic harm
depending on the charge, with possible jail time, fines and penalties
and suspension of driving privileges. All of these charges may result
in increases in insurance premiums and the possible loss of insurance
coverage and the ability to drive a car. For serious traffic offenses,
you should seek legal advice. Our attorneys who are experienced in
handling traffic matters are available to discuss, advise, and where
appropriate, to represent you in your defense or to attempt to minimize
the consequences of a conviction.
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