Being charged with a DUI can derail your life, making the first actions you take absolutely critical. From the moment of arrest, the clock starts ticking on protecting your driving privileges and building a strong defense.
The Bellevue DUI lawyers of NextLaw provide invaluable guidance during this stressful time, taking swift measures to request vital hearings, prevent you from inadvertently incriminating yourself, and begin crafting a personalized legal strategy.
With over two decades of experience in DUI law and a commitment to your rights, our Bellevue criminal defense lawyer give you the best chance of avoiding conviction and minimizing long-term consequences. When you need legal help, Call Dan Next.
Steps to Take Immediately After a DUI Charge
Being charged with a DUI can be unnerving, but taking swift and deliberate action is crucial to protecting your rights and driving privileges. Here are the important steps you can take immediately:
Request a Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearing Within 7 Days
In Washington, your driver’s license is automatically suspended 30 days after a DUI arrest unless you request a separate DOL hearing within the first 7 days. This hearing allows you to contest the suspension, preserving your ability to lawfully drive while your case proceeds.
Requesting this hearing within the short 7-day window is absolutely critical. Missing the deadline waives your right to the hearing and results in an automatic license suspension you can do little about. Our firm will swiftly file the hearing request on your behalf.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Apart from providing basic identifying information if stopped, you have the constitutional right to politely refuse to answer any further questions from law enforcement.
Making casual statements that could potentially incriminate you or discussing details of the incident could hamper your defense down the line.
Remain respectful, but clearly state you will not answer any questions until you have a Bellevue DUI attorney present. This prevents you from making regrettable statements that prosecutors could use against you.
Avoid Social Media and Discussions of the Incident
In today’s digital world, anything you post online about your DUI charge could potentially be used as evidence. Avoid all social media posts referring to the incident, even obliquely. Don’t discuss any specifics with anyone other than your lawyer to ensure your communications are protected.
Retain a DUI Lawyer Immediately
As soon as possible after your arrest, retain the legal counsel of an experienced and respected DUI defense firm. We can begin requesting all evidence, working to protect your license, and building a compelling defense strategy tailored to your unique situation right away. Our client testimonials speak to our success.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Bellevue, call 253 238 2558
What Are Some Possible Defenses for a DUI Case?
You are not automatically convicted just because you are facing DUI charges. An effective Bellevue DUI attorney can investigate and raise a number of possible defenses to counter the state’s case. Here are a few of the most typical defense strategies:
Challenging the Traffic Stop
For a DUI charge to be valid, the initial traffic stop must have been conducted legally with proper reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If the officer lacked sufficient grounds to pull you over, any evidence obtained could be dismissed as inadmissible.
Questioning Field Sobriety Test Accuracy
Standardized field sobriety tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are highly subjective. Many factors like medical conditions, age, and environmental circumstances can lead to inaccurate results unfairly interpreted as intoxication.
Disputing Dräger Alcotest 9510 Calibration and Administration
Dräger Alcotest devices must be properly calibrated and maintained, with strict procedures followed during administration. Deviation from protocols or evidence the device was faulty could undermine blood alcohol content (BAC) readings.
Identifying Rising Blood Alcohol Level
If a BAC test wasn’t conducted immediately after driving, a rising blood alcohol defense could argue your level was actually below the legal limit while operating the vehicle based on absorption rates.
Challenging Probable Cause for Arrest
To justify an arrest, the officer must have had probable cause to believe the driver was impaired and operating under the influence. Lack of documentation or proof of impairment could dispute the lawful grounds for arrest.
Exposing Mishandled Blood Sample Testing
With blood tests, issues like improper collection, storage, handling, or lab contamination could render results inadmissible as evidence of intoxication.
Bellevue DUI Lawyer Near Me 253 238 2558
How We Can Help
A skilled Bellevue DUI lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Challenging the traffic stop and arrest
- Scrutinizing breath/blood/field sobriety tests for errors
- Investigating mitigating factors
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Representing you in court with a strong defense strategy
- Handling administrative license suspension proceedings
- Advising on long-term consequences to minimize impacts
The consequences of a DUI can upend your life. With in-depth legal experience, we tirelessly protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
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Contact a Bellevue DUI Law Firm for a Free Consultation
The most effective defense in your specific case depends on the unique circumstances and evidence involved. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced DUI lawyer who can identify the most promising opportunities to attack the charges and avoid a conviction whenever possible.
From challenging the initial stop to questioning the accuracy and legality of chemical tests, we leave nothing to chance in building a comprehensive defense strategy aimed at the best possible outcome. Remember, a DUI stays on your record for life.
The sooner you have a capable DUI lawyer working in your best interests, the better your chances of minimizing the potential consequences and protecting your rights. Schedule a free consultation with NextLaw today to get started.
Call or text 253 238 2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form