Were you arrested for allegedly driving under the influence? Operating a vehicle while intoxicated can result in serious penalties, including a suspended license, time in jail or prison, and expensive fines associated with the crash.
This is a jarring situation to find yourself in, and the possibility of being convicted for what you’ve been charged with can feel overwhelming. As stressful as these circumstances are, a Burien criminal defense lawyer from NextLaw can advocate for your rights moving forward.
Founded in 2024, our law firm is home to attorneys who have 100 years of combined experience. As a team, we have handled more than 150 jury trials. We have what it takes to represent you as your Burien DUI lawyer and fight for a favorable outcome in your case.
Why Am I Still Facing Charges If I Wasn’t That Drunk?
Were you surprised when you were arrested, even though you didn’t feel heavily intoxicated? Is it shocking that your case is moving forward despite the fact that you believe the stop was unfair in the first place? In Washington, the legal standard is not based on how someone feels.
Instead, DUI (driving under the influence) charges are dependent upon whether or not law enforcement believes they have sufficient evidence of your impairment or control of a vehicle. Here’s what a DUI lawyer in Burien can examine in your case:
- Whether the stop was lawful
- Whether field sobriety tests were properly conducted
- Whether the Dräger Alcotest results are scientifically reliable and admissible
These cases often depend on technical details that are not obvious to someone going through the process for the first time. As a Burien DUI law firm, our attorneys use their background as former prosecutors to evaluate how DUI cases are built from the very beginning.
This type of experience makes it possible for us to anticipate the state’s arguments and identify weaknesses that we can use either in negotiations or in court. We understand which evidence holds up under pressure and what details usually fall apart during cross-examination.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Burien, call (253) 238-2558
What Happens to My License After a DUI Arrest in Burien?
One of the more urgent aspects of DUI cases in Washington State is the administrative process through the Department of Licensing. It’s worth noting that this is separate from the criminal court case. After a DUI arrest, you typically only have seven days to request a DOL hearing.
This will be your opportunity to challenge your suspended license. If you don’t take action before the deadline passes, your driving privileges will be automatically suspended regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
Here’s what a DUI lawyer in Burien can do on your behalf:
- Request this hearing in your case
- Challenge the legality of the stop
- Argue against suspension based on the facts of your case
In many situations, this hearing is your first opportunity to argue against the state’s evidence and present information that supports your version of events.
Burien DUI Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558What Role Will the Dräger Alcotest Play in My Case?
In Washington DUI cases, law enforcement relies on a device called the Dräger Alcotest. It’s used to measure your blood alcohol concentration, and while this machine is widely utilized, it’s not infallible. As a result, you can challenge its results under certain circumstances.
A DUI attorney in Burien will determine if the device was properly calibrated, whether the officer adhered to necessary procedures, and whether the test results are consistent with evidence in the case.
Discrepancies between field observations and chemical test results create reasonable doubt, but your lawyers will likely be trained to evaluate the technical aspects of your DUI case. That way, they can offer insight when presenting breath test evidence in court.
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Can a Burien DUI Law Firm Get My Charges Reduced or Dismissed?
The answer to this question will heavily depend on the facts of your case, including the quality of your evidence and how effectively your lawyer prepares your defense. DUI lawyers can challenge claims in your case on multiple grounds, including these:
- Unlawful stops
- Improper testing procedures
- Lack of probable cause
- Unreliable evidence
In some cases, weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence can result in reduced charges or a total dismissal. Now, even if your case doesn’t result in a dismissal, legal representation from Burien DUI attorneys can fight for reduced penalties and alternative resolutions.
This is especially important in Washington DUI cases because your penalties can escalate quickly based on any prior criminal history or aggravating factors in your case.
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For Legal Advice From Our Burien DUI Law Firm, Call Dan Next!
If you were arrested for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated, let NextLaw take on your case, build a defense on your behalf, and fight for a favorable outcome on your behalf. As your DUI attorneys in Burien, we’ll protect your rights from the beginning.
We start by challenging the reason for the initial stop and reviewing the process that the officer followed while testing you for DUI. From there, we can request hearings within strict deadlines and craft a strategy in your favor based on objective evidence, not subjective assumptions.
Our DUI law firm in Burien focuses on getting our clients the most bang for the buck. Led by a former prosecutor who offers personalized, authentic, and human services, our lawyers can help get you through this. Need a criminal defense attorney? Call Dan Next!
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form