Kent DUI Lawyer

Facing a DUI charge can throw your life off course. From the moment of your arrest, you have a limited time to save your license and prepare a strong defense. An experienced Kent DUI lawyer will build a defense plan tailored to your situation.

With more than 50 years of combined legal experience and a strong focus on protecting your rights, NextLaw gives you the best shot at avoiding a conviction and reducing the lasting impact on your life.

Our Kent criminal defense lawyers will protect your future. When you need legal help, Call Dan Next!

Why Hire a DUI Lawyer in Kent?

After a DUI arrest, the clock starts ticking fast. In Washington, you only have 7 days to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL). If you don’t, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended.

Our law firm covers the $375 hearing fee and fights hard to save your license. That’s what sets us apart. Our flat fee for DUI cases includes the DOL hearing and full legal representation, even if your case goes to trial.

Understanding Washington’s DUI Laws

Washington State’s RCW 46.61.502 law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. Increased punishments are added starting at a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

For drivers under 21, the limit is much lower, at 0.02%. Commercial drivers have a limit of 0.04%. You can also be charged with a DUI if you are under the influence of drugs, including marijuana or prescription medications, that impair your ability to drive safely.

Washington State DUI Penalties

In Washington, a DUI is usually charged as a gross misdemeanor. For a first offense, you could face up to 365 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. At a minimum, you’ll spend 24 hours in jail or 15 days on electronic home monitoring.

Your driver‘s license will be suspended for at least 90 days, and you’ll have to install an ignition interlock device before you can drive again. You may also be required to complete an alcohol or drug education program at your own cost.

These penalties are serious and a strong reminder that you shouldn’t face this alone. Our criminal defense lawyers have the experience and skills to help you work toward the best possible result in your case.

Effective DUI Defense Strategies

Facing DUI charges doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted. Many factors can work in your favor. A skilled Kent DUI attorney will review all aspects of your case, from the arrest process to the evidence presented. With the right attorney, you can challenge the state’s case and explore all possible defenses to reduce the chances of a conviction.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

For a DUI charge to stand, the traffic stop must have been made based on valid reasons, such as reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If the officer didn’t have enough reason to stop you, any evidence gathered could be ruled out as inadmissible.

Questioning Field Sobriety Test Accuracy

Standard field sobriety tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are subjective and can be influenced by factors like medical issues, age, or the environment. These can lead to inaccurate results that may unfairly suggest intoxication.

Disputing Dräger Alcotest 9510 Calibration and Administration

Dräger Alcotest machines need to be properly calibrated and maintained, with strict procedures followed during testing. If the device wasn’t properly handled or maintained, or if protocols weren’t followed, the BAC results could be challenged.

How Our Kent DUI Attorneys Will Help

Don’t lose hope if you’re facing DUI charges, even if you think you’ve made mistakes that hurt your case. Talk to our lawyers; we might spot important details you missed and find a way to fight for your acquittal.

Review the Evidence

We’ll carefully evaluate the evidence against you and check whether the arresting officer followed proper procedures or violated your rights. From there, we’ll help you understand your options and plan your next steps.

Fight Your Charges

If there are problems with the evidence, the arrest, or how the police handled things, we may recommend fighting the charges. If the case goes forward, we’ll work for your acquittal, but we’ll also try to have the charges dropped before it gets to that point.

Negotiate for Reduced Charges

Sometimes, we may suggest negotiating for lesser charges. For example, you might plead guilty to a “wet reckless,” which involves reckless driving related to alcohol. While there are still penalties, they’re not as harsh as a DUI conviction.

Request Lighter Penalties

If you’re convicted, we may be able to argue for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing, like house arrest, probation, or community service. This can be a good option if it’s your first DUI and you have a clean record.

Schedule a Free Consultation With NextLaw

Facing DUI charges puts your reputation, career, and freedom at risk. In times like these, you need experienced former prosecutors on your side to give you the strong defense you need to avoid a serious conviction.

Charged with a DUI in Kent? Call Dan Next. We’ll explain your legal options, create a defense strategy built for your situation, and prepare you for what’s ahead. If needed, a Kent DUI lawyer from the NextLaw team will stand with you in court and at your DOL hearing—all covered by one flat fee.