Spokane DUI Lawyers

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Spokane DUI Lawyers

Cronin, Dennis: mediation, criminal defense, family law, appellate and civil rights law
Grigaliunas Legal Services: A DUI charge in Washington is a serious matter. It can affect your job, your family, and your reputation. Many DUI arrests are not justified. Police often emphasize DUI enforcement, which means some people will be arrested who are not legally guilty of the offense. Many cases can be fought and won, and many others can be resolved by a reduction to a lesser charge. The individual facts of each case will determine the outcome of the case.
Partovi Law: Services You've probably heard to read the phrase, ÒAttorney and counselor at law.Ó That is because lawyers are far more than simply legal technicians and can play many different roles depending on the types of cases a lawyer handles. Although I have handled other types of cases from time to time, my practice currently focuses mostly on three types of cases: Criminal Defense, Family Law and Personal Injury. Criminal Defense A criminal case is one in which you are accused by the government of violating a specific, written law which prohibits certain conduct. In nearly every case, your intention is the difference between guilt and innocence. In a criminal case, the government is given the authority to take away your freedom and your money. It can often ask a judge to order you to do or not do a wide variety of things while the case is open. Thus, regardless of the evidence against you, you have to live under the CourtÕs orders during the case. This is a difficult way to live and much can be done to change it with the proper advocacy. In a criminal case, you have many rights which come directly from the Constitution. Your rights exist because once you have been accused of a crime, the deck is immediately stacked against you. When you are accused, whether itÕs because you associated with the wrong person or because your ex is trying to get back at you or because you made one poor decision, the unfortunate fact tends to be that people who are tasked with sitting in judgment too often presume you are guilty simply because you are accused. I can tell you from a decade of experience that is often a false presumption. Worse yet, the people who presume your guilt are utterly indignant when they find themselves similarly accused. ItÕs just human nature: not something to get upset about, but something crucially important to deal with properly.
Phelps, Christian: Criminal DUI Defense If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, you face mandatory jail time and significant fines. For many people, the most significant penalty is the suspension of their driving privileges, which could lead to job loss. Even after your driver's license is restored, you will likely face expensive high-risk insurance rates and have an ignition interlock installed on your car. There are multiple defenses to a DUI/DWI charge: * The officer may have lacked probable cause to stop you * There may be insufficient evidence of impairment * The officer may have failed to follow proper procedures * The officer may not have been certified to operate the Breathalyzer machine * The Breathalyzer machine may not have been properly calibrated
Smith, Gerald: Differences between Felonies and Misdemeanor Charges In either state or federal court, an offense may be either a felony or misdemeanor. A misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of not more than one year in jail or prison, while a felony is punishable by any term of imprisonment up to life or the death penalty. In federal court, misdemeanors are further classified as Class A, B, or C misdemeanors. Others are classified as infractions, referred to as "petty offenses." Felonies range from Class A felonies down to Class E felonies. The State of Washington has similar classifications. State law felonies in Washington are prosecuted in Superior Courts of each county, while District Courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanors. Many municipalities have Municipal Courts in which misdemeanor offenses committed within the city limits are prosecuted. In addition to the more severe prison terms, felonies also carry with them the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote and hold office, to serve on a jury, and the right to possess a firearm. Indeed, being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious offense which, by itself, can result in a return to prison for many years.
Wallace Law Office: DUI/DWI: Traffic violations can have serious criminal consequences, particularly when a driver is accused of driving under the influence. A conviction on DUI or DWI charges may result in fines, the revocation or suspension of your driver's license, and possible jail time. 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. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in such a difficult case.
Hodgson, Mark: * Traffic violations, such as speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license * All major felonies * Misdemeanors, such as theft, trespassing, vandalism, disorderly conduct and prostitution * DUI/DWI * White collar crime, including fraud, embezzlement, bribery and identity theft
Bingaman, David: a DUI can result in a license suspension; a $5,000 fine; hundreds in court fees; one year in jail; five years of probation; and alcohol classes.
Note, Timothy: DUI Defense in Spokane The crux of many drunken driving prosecutions is the police officerÕs observations. He or she will note if you were behaving in a way that made him or her suspect you were impaired. * Driving very slowly or at uneven speeds * Crossing the center line of the highway * Swerving from one side of your lane to the other * Hesitating while going through a green light * Running a red light These actions can be taken to be suspicious behavior and may be cause a police officer to stop you on suspicion of DUI. But the observed behavior can also be explained by the driver being distracted or overly tired. There are some situations where a driver may appear intoxicated when he or she is not. There are other circumstances that can account for slurred speech, red eyes, or odd behaviors observed by the police during the DUI stop. * Lack of sleep * Allergies or irritated contact lenses * Stress due to personal circumstances * Nervousness over being stopped by police * Physical impairments other than intoxication * Food recently eaten Chemical breath tests or breathalyzer test Handheld devices that measure a driverÕs blood alcohol content (BAC) have become popular in recent years. During a traffic stop, an officer can ask you to submit to a breath test. Unfortunately, handheld breathalyzer machines are not always accurate. If the machine is not maintained properly nor recently calibrated and tested for accuracy it may produce false results. The results may also be skewed because of food recently consumed or other non-alcoholic products.
Rasmussen, Aaron: Washington State has some of the strictest Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws in the nation. A conviction for DUI will result, at a minimum, of the following penalties: * a mandatory license suspension * at least one day of mandatory jail time * a mandatory alcohol/drug evaluation and completion of the recommended treatment * attendance at a Victim's Impact Panel * fines, restitution and court costs Driving under the influence is generally a gross misdemeanor; however, if you have four or more qualifying offenses (DUIs, Physical Control, etc), or if you have ever been convicted of vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, then it is a class C felony. The penalties you face increase depending on the number of prior DUIs you may have, and the amount of alcohol in your system as determined by the breath test. Generally, the penalties are higher if your BAC (Blood-Alcohol Content) is above 0.15, and they are higher still if you refuse to take the breath test at all. Should I request a hearing to review the suspension of my driver's license? Yes! Losing your driver's license is often times the harshest consequence for a person convicted of DUI. In today's society people rely on their cars to get to work, church, school, the doctor, and countless other destinations. What most people don't know is that you can lose your license even if you are never convicted. If you are arrested for DUI and your BAC is above 0.08, the Department of Licensing will suspend your license administratively for at least 90 days, even if you are never convicted of DUI. And if you refused to take the breath test, the administrative suspension will be for at least 1 year. To save your driver's license you must request a hearing with the Department of Licensing within 30 days of your arrest. You should have received paperwork instructing you on how to request this hearing when you were arrested. You can also request a hearing on-line at the Department of Licensing website. You should talk to an attorney as soon as you can after you have been arrested, so that your attorney can assist you at the administrative hearing and fight to save your driver's license. Should I take a breath test? This is the most common question that people have. The answer is yes Ğ usually. There are some situations where you may not want to take the breath test, but they are the exception. The penalties for DUI increase if you refuse to take the breath test. If you take the test, your attorney may be able to get the results of the test suppressed. You should ask to speak to an attorney immediately after you have been arrested, to evaluate your specific situation. The police must take reasonable steps to put you in contact with an attorney. If you don't know the name or phone number of an attorney to call, you should ask to speak to the public defender. The police are not required to wait indefinitely while you try to contact an attorney before they ask you to take the breath test. This is the most common question that people have. The answer is yes Ğ usually. There are some situations where you may not want to take the breath test, but they are the exception. The penalties for DUI increase if you refuse to take the breath test. If you take the test, your attorney may be able to get the results of the test suppressed. You should ask to speak to an attorney immediately after you have been arrested, to evaluate your specific situation. The police must take reasonable steps to put you in contact with an attorney. If you don't know the name or phone number of an attorney to call, you should ask to speak to the public defender. The police are not required to wait indefinitely while you try to contact an attorney before they ask you to take the breath test. I blew under the legal limit, so why was I arrested? Many people believe that they have to ÒblowÓ above a 0.08 on the breath test in order to be charged with DUI. That is not true. You can also be charged and convicted of DUI if your ability to drive a motor vehicle has been impaired by alcohol or other intoxicating drugs. In other words, if you have consumed any alcohol or other drugs (including prescription medication) and the police have evidence that your driving was impaired as a result, they can charge you with DUI. No. Even if you took a breath test and were found to be over the legal limit, your case is not lost. There are many ways an attorney can try to get the breath test excluded from evidence. Don't give up! The higher the breath test, the more you need the services of an attorney who understands the science behind the breath testing machine. The technical requirements for administering the breath test are complicated and the officials in charge of running the breath test program have been extraordinarily sloppy in the recent past, leading to a stunning number of breath tests being excluded from evidence. Even if the jury is told about your breath test, a good attorney can help a jury understand how unreliable the breath test is.
Bradshaw Law Group: Drunk driving is one of the most common criminal offenses, but that does not make the charges any less severe or potentially damaging to your way of life. If you are careless in preparing your DUI defense, it can have a lasting effect on your mobility, your employment situation, and your ability to provide for your family, even years after your arrest has occurred. Even a first-time DUI or DWI conviction will lead to mandatory jail time or home monitoring, hundreds if not thousands in fines, a suspension of your license, an ignition interlock ("blow and go") requirement, high risk insurance requirement, probation, and likely even a court ordered alcohol evaluation and follow up treatment. In addition to the court consequences, a DUI or DWI that was the result of a BAC at or above 0.08 or a refusal of the test will result in an administrative action by the Department of Licensing to suspend or revoke your license. However, should you fail to request a hearing within 20 days to challenge your suspension, the Department of Licensing will automatically suspend or revoke your license. At The Bradshaw Law Group, we handle your DUI criminal matter and your Department of Licensing administrative suspension hearing for one flat fee. Remember, the administrative suspension of your license is separate from and consecutive to any criminal suspension. Even if the criminal case is dismissed, you still face an administrative suspension. DUI defense is not only a rapidly evolving area of the law, but it is also a highly complex and scientific field as well. At The Bradshaw Law Group we go to great measures to ensure that we look under stones that may be difficult to move. We investigate and attempt to obtain all relevant evidence, including the police reports, the BAC DataMaster records, toxicology reports, the certifications of all law enforcement and equipment involved, and witness statements, just to name a few.
Brian Whitaker: Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious charges you can face. DUI defense is a complex area of law, changing almost every year.Ê You needÊan attorney who is not only experienced, but keeps up with those changes as well.Ê Ê Ê Numerous issues should be investigated to defend your case, including the nature of the stop, contact with law enforcement, and the breath test. The laws impose mandatory fines and jail time,Êas well asÊlicense suspensions. Your insurance company may raise your rates, Ê There are also numerous post-conviction concerns that you need to be aware of, including the possibility of electronic home monitoring, alcohol treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock system. Ê You need an experienced attorney who knows how to get you through this process and can answer your questions before, during, and after it's done.
Ronnie Rae:
A single charge of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) could change your life forever. It could cost you jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and possibly even the loss of future job opportunities. The truth is that a DUI charge does not always result in an automatic conviction. There are many ways to challenge a DUI. Protect yourself against the serious consequences and make sure you know your rights. You should also understand the criminal law process before going to court. Ronnie Rae will help to answer all your questions and help you achieve the best outcome possible for your DUI charge.
If you are pulled over for a DUI, you have rights that you may exercise at the time. Although you may not exhibit any signs of drunk driving such as swerving, stopping or starting prematurely, or turning with a wide radius, police officers can still pull you over for something such as a broken tail light, and question you about whether youÕve been drinking. Below you will find a comprehensive guide of what to do if you are pulled over for driving under the influence, and what the court process will entail in the future.
1. Rights of the Accused
  1. What Police Officers May Not Tell You
2. After a DUI Arrest
3. Department of Licensing Hearing
  1. Occupational DriverÕs License
4. DUI Penalties
Rights of the Accused
An officer may pull you over for any number of reasons, although roadblocks and stopping you on suspicion without any visible evidence is not legal. If you are pulled over for driving under the influence, you should know your rights.
What Police Officers May Not Tell You
At the time of your arrest there are several decisions you have to make. You also have rights to protect you during this time. However, officers seldom inform their suspects of these rights.
1. You Do Not Have To Answer Any Questions
If you are pulled over for driving under the influence of alcohol, you do not have to answer any questions without a lawyer present. Officers may not always inform you of this right. For example, they may ask if youÕve been drinking and how much youÕve had to drink.
Although you are not required to answer this question, it may behoove you to tell the officer youÕve had one or two beers if that is the case. In this situation, that may explain the smell of alcohol. However, you should never lie. If you lie during your arrest, it could hurt your credibility later in court. If you feel uncomfortable answering the question, it may be better to politely decline to answer and seek the advice of a lawyer.
2. You May Refuse a Field Sobriety Test
Taking a portable breath test or submitting to field sobriety tests such as the one-leg stand or the heel-to-toe test on the roadside is voluntary. Most officers, however, will not share that information with you. If you do refuse the portable breath test, officers will usually arrest you for DUI. A refusal will not be admissible if your case goes to trial, and you will not lose your license because you refuse a roadside test.
You will have to take an official breath or blood test at the police station to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Do not confuse this test with the portable breath test in the field, because if you refuse to submit to a test at the station you will automatically lose your license for one year.
3. You Do Not Have To Consent To Any Search
If the police ask to search your person, property, or vehicle they will need a warrant, except in the following circumstances:
1. They may search you or your vehicle if you are arrested.
2. They may search you and the immediate area for weapons.
3. They may search you in emergency situations, or if they have cause to believe evidence may be destroyed before a warrant is obtained.
4. They may search your car if they are placing it in impound.
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After a DUI Arrest
After a DUI arrest, there will be a substantial number of legal issues to consider. Below, you will find the legal steps we will take during the trial process. In any situation, you should not just enter a plea of guilty for convenience. Let Ronnie Rae negotiate your case for you, and guide you through the legal process.
Arraignment
You will be required to appear at the arraignment hearing. There are three key purposes to this hearing: to advise the defendant about any charges against them, to present conditions of the defendantÕs release (which may include posting bond), and to ensure that the defendant is aware of all of his or her rights. Your arraignment date will be given to you on your citation on the day of your arrest, or your court summons may arrive by mail. You will also be given a future court date at your arraignment.
Pre-Trial Conference
There may be more than one pre-trial hearing. Your attorney will present your case to prosecutors during and between your hearings to negotiate a resolution. By pointing out holes in the prosecutionÕs case, or raising likely arguments, your lawyer may be able to reduce your charges or come to another favorable resolution.
Motions Hearing
If your attorney and prosecutors cannot come to a resolution that is favorable to you, defense council will file to suppress certain pieces of evidence against you, or to have charges dropped. The prosecutor may also request that evidence against you be introduced at this time. Successful DUI cases often depend on this very important part of the process.
Readiness Hearing
If negotiations fail entirely, this is the final meeting where both sides of a case come together to discuss whether theyÕre ready to go to trial. Pleas can still be entered and negotiated right up to this part of the legal process.
Trial
You have the right to a trial by a six-member jury. You may also choose to waive that right and hold your trial before a single judge. However, the prosecution has the option of filing for a trial by jury even if you request to hold your trial before a judge.
Plea
If you reach an agreement with the prosecutor, you will not go to trial, but instead you will enter your plea. ItÕs possible you will plead guilty to lesser charges.
Sentencing
If you are found guilty or enter a plea of guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. In Washington, the penalties for DUI could include jail time, community service hours, fines, home monitoring by electronic devices, treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, installing an ignition interlock on your vehicle, and more. Sentences are based on your prior record and the percentage of alcohol in your blood at the time of arrest.
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Department of Licensing Hearing
A DUI charge is unique because it carries with it not only the possibility of jail time and fines in criminal court, but the Department of Licensing (DOL) may also take away your license. Very seldom will the outcome of one decision affect the other. Even if your DUI charges in court are reduced or dismissed, the Department of Licensing may still suspend your license.
From the time of your arrest, you have 30 days to contact the Department of Licensing and request a hearing. This should be a top priority because if you donÕt request the hearing within the allotted time, the DOL will automatically revoke your license.
Your hearing will most likely be a phone conversation between you, your lawyer, and a DOL examiner, and will be held less than 60 days from your arrest. These are difficult conversations and often take extremely strong arguments to succeed. We have the experience to represent you in these hearings. Contact Ronnie Rae, Attorney at Law for a free consultation today.
If you do lose your license for any period of time, you will need to get high-risk SR-22 insurance before you can get your license back. This type of insurance is usually more expensive.
Occupational DriverÕs License
If your license is suspended, you may apply for an occupational driverÕs license to use for transportation to and from work or school, to a healthcare facility, to any destination in order to provide care for a dependent, to participate in community service, or to a substance abuse program. There is a waiting period to obtain one of these licenses if you are convicted of a DUI. You will not be able to obtain one for 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second conviction, and the first year after any subsequent DUI convictions. There is also a $100 fee to apply for your occupational driverÕs license. If your application is denied, this fee will not be refunded.
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Penalties for DUI
In the state of Washington, you may face up to one year in jail and/or $5,000 in fines for your first DUI conviction. The minimum penalty for DUI is 24 consecutive hours in jail, and $823 in fines, with a minimum of five years probation. Your license will also be suspended for up to 90 days. Additionally, an ignition interlock device will be applied to your vehicle for one year following your mandatory license suspension. Those that have more than one DUI conviction on their record will face harsher penalties.
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Contact a DUI Attorney Today
Decisions made at the time of your arrest can affect the outcome of your case. If youÕve been arrested for DUI, you need reliable legal counsel as soon as possible. Contact Ronnie Rae today for a free review of your case.
Robert & Cossey: Drunk driving happens despite the best-laid intentions. You stop after work for a quick happy hour drink on the way home and the next thing you know, you are facing a DUI or DWI charge. Unlike many other crimes, drunk driving can affect people of all walks of life and lifestyles, including those who rarely drink. Being charged with drunk driving is an embarrassing situation, and it can have significant consequences. You face possible jail time, fines, court costs, and increased insurance costs. Your job can even be in jeopardy.
Peter March: Having the best criminal attorneys on your case makes a difference, and so does hiring a good criminal lawyer who knows the courts in Washington as well.
Thomas Cooney: Law enforcement officers make serious mistakes in reports and errors in investigations. So, if ticketed, arrested or searched, obtain relief from the often illegal action of police.
Peter Dahlin: Have Your Rights Been Violated?
Scott Stabb: DUI /DWI laws in Washington State change often, with current blood alcohol levels being .08 for adults and .02 for minors. Even if under legal limit, law enforcement may still arrest you and charge you with DUI. You may be found guilty of DUI without a blood test if the court finds you were "affected" by alcohol and/or drugs. If your blood alcohol level was above .14, or if you refuse the BAC test, you can be subject to higher penalties. You are also subjected to higher penalties if you have been previously convicted of DUI. Whether is your first offense, third offense, or fourth and more, you should get and experienced Spokane DUI lawyer immediately.
John Cooney: DWI / DUI Lost your license? Can no longer get to work? Suffering financial loss?
Stiley, Madel & Cikutovich, PLLC: You were stopped by the police. Now you're facing a jail sentence, a maximum one year in jail, drivers license suspension and numerous fines. What should you do? You need legal advice and fast.
Daryl Rodrigues: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about DUI.
Crary, Clark & Damanico: Driver's Rights Card

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