Driving under the influence (DUI) in Federal Way is a serious crime with severe consequences. Washington State imposes strict penalties, even for first-time offenses. If you have been arrested for DUI, it is natural to be concerned about your future.
You may even feel like there is no way out of the mess you are in. However, while prosecutors might try to convince you that your conviction is certain, there is hope. Our Federal Way DUI lawyers can help defend your rights, minimize the impact of your charges, or beat them outright.
At NextLaw, our Federal Way criminal defense lawyers have over 150 combined trials to their credit. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, Call Dan Next. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a DUI?
A skilled lawyer gives you the best chance of successfully contesting your charges. DUI is a crime with serious consequences, and one that evokes strong opinions and emotions. If you encounter a prosecutor or judge looking to make an example, you don’t want to be it.
Don’t take on that battle alone. Hiring an attorney means you’ll have an ally who knows the law and how to handle DUI cases. With a criminal defense lawyer in your corner, you level the playing field and ensure you have a fighting chance against powerful prosecutors.
It is understandable if you feel intimidated when considering taking on the legal system. Our Federal Way DUI attorneys do not, and we’ll work on your behalf to reduce the impact your charges will have on your future.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Federal Way, call 253 238 2558
How Our DUI Attorneys Can Help
Don’t give up when you are facing DUI charges, even if you have done a few things that might make it tough to win your case. It’s still a good idea to consult with an attorney who may catch details that you’ve missed and even find an avenue to your acquittal.
While every case is different, some of the ways we may be able to help you include:
Investigate the Evidence
We’ll look into the evidence supporting the prosecution’s case and consider aspects such as whether the arresting officer followed procedure or violated your rights. From here, we can help you explore various options for moving forward.
Contest Your Charges
If it appears there are issues with the evidence, the arrest, or the conduct of the police, we may suggest you contest your charges. If the case moves forward, we will fight for your acquittal, but we may also try to get your charges dropped before it even gets that far.
Petition for Reduced Charges
In some situations, we may suggest negotiating with the prosecution for reduced charges. For example, you may plead guilty to wet reckless, which is reckless driving associated with alcohol. While you may still face penalties, they will not be as severe as with a DUI.
Argue for Lesser Penalties
If you’re convicted, we may be able to argue for less severe penalties and alternative sentencing such as house arrest, probation, and community service. This can be effective if it is your first DUI and you have a clean record.
Defend Your Civil Rights
No matter what you are accused of or the evidence against you, the burden of proof remains on the prosecution. It’s not up to you to show you are innocent; it’s up to them to prove your guilt. We will stand up for your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process.
Federal Way DUI Lawyer Near Me
Call: 253 238 2558How Does the Prosecution Prove You Are Guilty of DUI?
Police use various methods to evaluate your condition and behavior during a traffic stop to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is the evidence the prosecution will use against you, and it may include:
- The officer’s visual assessment of your actions and driving
- Signs of alcohol that they noticed on your breath, person, or vehicle
- Results of blood alcohol tests
- Results of field sobriety tests
If you are a driver in Washington State over the age of 21, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% exceeds the legal limit. However, you may still face DUI charges if you are below this limit and the arresting officer believes that alcohol influenced your driving.
Just because you are arrested doesn’t mean you will be convicted. Our DUI lawyers in Federal Way will look for ways to challenge the evidence collected by the police and prove that you did not violate DUI laws.
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DUI Penalties in Washington State
In Washington, DUI is typically charged as a gross misdemeanor. For your first offense, you could face a maximum of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. At minimum, you’ll see 24 hours in jail or 15 days confined to your home with an electronic home monitoring system.
Your license will be suspended for a minimum of 90 days, and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device upon reinstatement. You may also be ordered to attend an alcohol or drug education program at your expense.
These are some tough punishments and a convincing reason not to try to handle this fight on your own. Our criminal defense lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you find your way to the best possible outcome given the charges against you.
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Contact a DUI Attorney in Federal Way
One DUI charge can change your life. For a first offense, you may face fines, license restrictions, and even imprisonment. You might think the only way through this is to take your lumps, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Our Federal Way DUI attorneys can review your situation and look for avenues to reduce the effect your DUI charge can have on your life. We may be able to argue for lesser charges or more lenient sentencing. In some cases, we might be able to get your charges dropped altogether.
At NextLaw, we advocate for the rights of Washington state citizens accused of criminal activity. To schedule a consultation, Call Dan Next.
Call or text 253 238 2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form