Brought to you by Colorado DUI Drunk Driving Defense

Everett DUI Lawyers

1. Jones, Mike: DUI Penalties: Washington has some of the harshest DUI penalties and consequences in the nation. In addition, our statutes include mandatory minimum penalties that prevent the judge from suspending the entire penalties. The first DUI conviction has mandatory court expenses of at least $4,000.00 and a third conviction involves mandatory court expenses of at least $24,000.00. With the spread of computers and digital records, we are experiencing a flood of consequences beyond the traditional court penalties. The maximum court expenses may reach $89,000.00. Conviction always includes these mandatory consequences: Jail Time Electronic Home Monitoring Fines and Costs ($866 - $8,771) Breath Test Assessment ($125) Probation and Probation Fees (up to $6,000 @ $100/month) Alcohol Treatment Programs ($290 - $6,500) Ignition Interlock Device ($1,020 - $10,200) Special High Risk Insurance (SR-22) ($25 - $100/month for 3 yrs.) Increased License Fee ($150/issuance) Typical Total Mandatory Court Costs ($3,851 - $22,461) Courts may impose other statutory charges: Police Response Fees (up to $1,000) Bail Expense (typically 10% to bondsman) Jail Booking Fees (up to $100) Daily Jail Fees (up to $100/day) Warrant Fees (up to $100/warrant) Municipal Filing Fees ($25 - $100) Possible Extra Court Costs ($0 - $37,800) Other costs or consequences: Attorney Fees Expert Witnesses Charges Lost Wages Lost Jobs or Job Opportunities Lost Rental Opportunities Credit Impairment and/or Increased Interest Inability to Rent a Car Permanent Criminal Record Inability to Travel Internationally (Canada) Restitution (for any damages or injuries) Required Permission for Interstate Travel (2nd offenses) Community Service Psychological Stress and Anxiety It is easy to see that the costs of your DUI will far exceed your anticipated attorney fees and that an experienced attorney will save you far more than his fee.
2. Ashlock & Howard: Q: What is "blood-alcohol concentration" or "blood-alcohol level"? A: Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is the level of alcohol in the bloodstream from drinking alcoholic beverages. BAC readings are used in court as evidence in drunk-driving cases. The most common method of measure is a breath test, although blood and/or urine testing is sometimes done. A result of .08 or higher may establish a presumption of intoxication. The details of the .08 BAC presumption laws vary among the states, but all 50 states have adopted .08 as their official intoxication level, in large part because of a federal threat of otherwise withholding highway funds. Q: Can I refuse a Breathalyzer¨ test? A: Every state has its own version of an implied consent law providing that a driver impliedly consents to alcohol testing just by the act of driving. In many states, a refusal to take a breath test is itself a criminal violation subject to stiff penalties. For example, refusing a breath test might result in automatic drivers-license suspension or revocation. If you are ultimately found guilty of a drunk-driving offense, there may be additional penalties because of the test refusal, such as a stiffer sentence. Your test refusal may also be used as evidence against you in a drunk-driving case. Q: Are breath-test results always accurate? A: Some courts allow the defendant in a drunk-driving case to challenge the scientific accuracy of breath tests in general, whereas others may allow challenges based on the particular circumstances of a test, such as improperly calibrated equipment or inadequately trained officers. If the test results are inadmissible or can be challenged, the case will probably have to be proven based on other evidence, such as eyewitness testimony and field-sobriety test results. Q: What if I lose my license but continue to drive? A: If a person whose license has been revoked or suspended due to drunk driving chooses to drive without a valid license and is pulled over, he or she stands to suffer more serious consequences, including possible fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of his or her vehicle or extension of the license revocation/suspension. The more prudent course of action is to rely on friends and family for rides or use public transportation during a license revocation or suspension. Q: How can I get automobile insurance after a drunk-driving conviction? A: Although your rates will likely be higher, your insurer may continue to insure you even after a conviction. A subsequent clean-driving record may result in lower rates in the future. If your insurer drops you as a result of the conviction, another insurance company may be willing to accept the risk. In fact, some companies specialize in offering nonstandard insurance to drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving, but the rates are much higher. Another possible source of insurance for high-risk drivers may be state insurance programs created for just these types of drivers. Q: What is the punishment for drunk driving? A: Drunk-driving convictions carry serious penalties that vary some among the states. Although courts may go easier on first-time offenders, even in first-offense cases the possible sentences usually include stiff fines and jail time. If the circumstances warrant it, however, the court may choose less-restrictive options or a combination of options, including probation, diversion programs, community service, alcohol awareness education, abuse counseling, ignition interlock systems, home monitoring, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment or in-house alcohol treatment. For subsequent offenses, the likelihood of imprisonment and the steepness of fines usually increase and in all cases the loss of driving privileges-at least temporarily-is almost guaranteed. Q: How can I get to work if I cannot drive? A: Many drunk-driving offenders are forced to rely on public transportation or rides from friends, family or co-workers for transportation to and from work during periods of license suspension or revocation. In some states, an offender may be granted a hardship license, sometimes called a limited license or probationary license, allowing him or her to drive just to and from work, school or medical appointments. Some states require an alcohol evaluation as part of the limited license application. If an offender with a hardship license is caught driving outside of its strict limitations, further penalties may be imposed. Q: What is the best way to beat a drunk-driving charge? A: The best way to avoid being convicted of drunk driving is to not drink and drive. Use a designated driver, call a taxi, call a friend or don't drink alcohol if you are going to need to drive within a few hours. For some people, even one drink can impair their driving abilities. However, if you have been charged with driving under the influence, an experienced drunk-driving defense lawyer can work to improve the outcome of your case. Q: If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer? A: Even if you did unsafely drink and drive, experienced legal counsel may be able to help minimize your legal problems and maximize your opportunities to move ahead toward a brighter future. A criminal defense attorney helps to equalize the balance of power between the defendant and the prosecution and works to preserve the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all criminal defendants.
3. Russell & Hill: Traffic Violations Everett Traffic Violations and DUI/DWI Attorneys I-5 and other area freeways, highways and streets serve as important and convenient routes for residents of the Everett area, as well as travelers headed towards Oregon, Seattle and Canada. However, people moving in and through the area are sometimes surprised to find themselves facing serious traffic violation charges, including DUI and DWI. Punishments for Traffic Violations, DUI and DWI Charges Whether you live in the Everett area or were passing through from Oregon, Canada or elsewhere, if you face traffic violations, consequences can be considerable: * If you are convicted of DUI or DWI, your driver's license will be suspended. * You may face jail time of up to one year. * A criminal record can threaten both your current job and your ability to obtain future employment. * If you are an American citizen, you will not be allowed to enter Canada. * If you are Canadian, your charges may be complicated by the fact that DUI and DWI charges are felonies in Canada. * You may lose your commercial driver's license. * Your security clearance in private and government facilities may be revoked. * You may face military sanctions. Traffic Violations, Speeding and DUI/DWI Charges ¥ We Can Help Speeding, traffic violations charges and DUI/DWI charges are based on complicated police procedures conducted by police officers who often lack the proper training.
4. Lawrence, Scott: The field of criminal law is becoming increasingly scientific and technical. In no area is this more true than in DUI cases. You need an attorney that understands the Òevidence,Ó the law and your needs.
5. Cogdill Nichols Rein Wartelle Andrews: Washington State DUI cases Consequences of a DUI arrest may include a suspended license, fines and expenses, and a jail sentence. Washington State DUI cases Consequences of a DUI arrest may include a suspended license, fines and expenses, and a jail sentence. Our attorneys will handle all aspects of the criminal and DMV administrative issues, working to have charges reduced or dismissed, and assisting with reinstatement of driving privileges. In the event of a guilty plea or conviction, the lawyers will work with the judge to develop options that will help our client avoid jail, including deferred prosecution and drug and alcohol treatment programs. DUI and drug possession Ñ professional implications If convicted of DUI, drug possession, or refusing a breathalyzer, professionals may face loss of their professional licenses, airline pilots may lose flight privileges, and commercial truck drivers may lose their CDLs. As your counsel we are able to provide comprehensive DUI defense services. Our employment law attorneys will work together with our criminal defense lawyers to see that all issues are thoroughly addressed. Felony DUI in Washington State Ñ prior offenses In Washington State, Driving under the Influence (DUI) or Physical Control of a Motor Vehicle under the Influence may be a felony offense under some circumstances, an offense more serious than vehicular assault. DUI/physical control becomes a felony if the person charged has four or more prior offenses in the past ten years or has been convicted of vehicular assault or vehicular homicide at any time. Prior offenses include negligent driving, reckless driving, or reckless endangerment if initially charged as an alcohol offense. When handling a charge of DUI, defense attorneys at CNRWA may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charge to a non-alcohol related offense.
6. Denes & Denes: Federal Charges Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, HobbÕs Act Extortion, Possession and Delivery of Controlled Substances, Conspiracy and RICO Violations, Bank Robbery, Tax Offenses, Immigration and Unlawful Re-entry, Public Corruption and Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Software and Copyright Piracy, Internet Solicitation, Pornography Possession and Distribution and Supervised Release Violations. Washington State Charges Possession and Distribution of Controlled Substances, Murder, Robbery, Assault and Battery, Sex Charges, including , Gun Possession, Theft, Forgery, Domestic Violence, Felonies, Misdemeanors, Violations of Probation, DUI/DWI, Solicitation, Prostitution, Bond and Preliminary Hearings.
7. Jones, Michael: DUI Penalties: Washington has some of the harshest DUI penalties and consequences in the nation. In addition, our statutes include mandatory minimum penalties that prevent the judge from suspending the entire penalties. The typical first DUI conviction has mandatory court expenses of at least $3,851.00 and a third conviction involves mandatory court expenses of $22,461.00. The maximum court expenses may reach $89,000.00. With the spread of computers and digital records, we are experiencing a flood of consequences beyond the traditional court penalties. Conviction always includes these mandatory consequences: 1. Jail Time 2. Electronic Home Monitoring 3. Fines and Costs ($866 - $8,771) 4. Breath Test Assessment ($125) 5. Probation and Probation Fees (up to $6,000 @ $100/month) 6. Alcohol Treatment Programs ($290 - $6,500) 7. Ignition Interlock Device ($1,020 - $10,200) 8. Special High Risk Insurance (SR-22) ‰ÛÒ ($25 - $100/month for 3 yrs.) 9. Increased License Fee ($150/issuance) Courts may impose other statutory charges: 1. Police Response Fees (up to $1,000) 2. Bail Expense (typically 10% to bondsman) 3. Jail Booking Fees (up to $100) 4. Daily Jail Fees (up to $100/day) 5. Warrant Fees (up to $100/warrant) 6. Municipal Filing Fees ($25 - $100) Other costs or consequences: 1. Attorney Fees 2. Expert Witnesses Charges 3. Lost Wages 4. Lost Jobs or Job Opportunities 5. Lost Rental Opportunities 6. Credit Impairment and/or Increased Interest 7. Inability to Rent a Car 8. Permanent Criminal Record 9. Inability to Travel Internationally 10. Restitution (for any damages or injuries) 11. Required Permission for Interstate Travel (2nd offenses) 12. Community Service 13. Psychological Stress and Anxiety It is easy to see that the costs of your DUI will far exceed your anticipated attorney fees and that an experienced attorney will save you far more than his fee.