It’s a familiar and understandable scenario: You’re at the bar with friends, and it’s getting late. You’ve only had a few to drink, so why not make the short drive home? Next thing you know, you are in the back of a police cruiser, heading to the precinct after being arrested for a DUI.
If you are currently facing criminal charges for drunk driving, you need to speak with our SeaTec criminal defense lawyers immediately. A DUI conviction can have far-reaching impacts ranging from jail time to license suspensions, but a lawyer can defend your freedoms and privileges.
Reach out to our team online to learn more about how SeaTac DUI lawyers can help with your case.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer in SeaTac
A DUI is much more than a minor inconvenience and can result in hefty legal punishments and a loss of privileges. Prosecutors in Washington are not afraid to vigorously pursue the maximum penalty for drunk driving, so you need a competent lawyer to defend you from the charges.
At NextLaw, we have extensive experience representing clients in misdemeanor and felony DUI cases. Our attorneys, many of whom are former DUI prosecutors, have successfully overseen over 150 jury trials combined and have the wisdom and knowledge of former prosecutors on the team.
We have a deep understanding of DUI law and administrative procedures and can offer our help at every stage of criminal proceedings. We promise to go over your case with a fine-toothed comb from every angle to identify potential avenues for defense.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving SeaTac, call (253) 238-2558
What are Washington’s DUI Laws?
According to RCW 46.61.503, a person is guilty of driving under the influence in Washington when they drive a vehicle while any of the following are true:
- They are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or some combination of both.
- They have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than or equal to 0.08%.
- They have a THC blood concentration greater than or equal to 5.0 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
The latter two numerical thresholds are per se limits, above which DUI charges are automatic. You can still get a DUI in Washington if your driving is sufficiently impaired, even if your BAC/THC levels are lower than the legally defined limits.
SeaTac DUI Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Penalties and Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Washington
A first-time DUI offense with no aggravating factors is usually charged as a gross misdemeanor and can carry the following penalties:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fine between $350 and $5,000
- 90-day license suspension
- Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID)
- Minimum 15 days of electronic home monitoring (in lieu of jail)
- Possible drug and alcohol treatment
Aggravating factors can result in longer jail sentences and license suspensions. Below are factors that can result in an aggravated DUI charge:
- Having a BAC greater than 0.15%
- Having three or more prior DUI offenses in the last ten years
- Having a prior conviction for DUI vehicular manslaughter/assault or similar out-of-state conviction
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test when arrested
Click to contact our SeaTac Criminal Defense Lawyers today
You Have a Right to Request a Hearing to Prevent License Suspension
You have seven days after being arrested for a DUI to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL). During the hearing, you can present evidence against suspending your driver’s license. If you fail to request a hearing within the seven-day timeframe, your license will immediately be suspended for 90 days.
SeaTac DUI lawyers from NextLaw can represent you during this hearing and argue for the restoration of your driving privileges. We always take this route in drunk driving cases, even though many lawyers feel that DUI hearings are unwinnable. There is no reason not to request a hearing, so we emphasize an aggressive approach that covers your bases.
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Defense Strategies to DUI Charges
Below are some common defensive strategies a SeaTac criminal defense attorney can use to defend you from DUI charges:
- The police illegally stopped you. If the police stopped you without probable cause, your lawyer can petition to suppress any evidence they gathered while arresting you.
- You weren’t in control of the vehicle. The prosecution must prove you were either driving or immediately capable of making the vehicle move. If you were not in the driver’s seat or didn’t have the keys on you, your lawyer could argue you weren’t in control of the vehicle.
- No proof of intoxication. Your attorney can also challenge the reliability of evidence of your intoxication. Field sobriety tests rely on officers’ subjective judgments, and chemical tests can give false positives if samples are contaminated.
Contact Dan Next to Speak to Our DUI Lawyers in SeaTac
A DUI charge is a serious matter and warrants a serious legal response. Without a lawyer, you may face the maximum punishment and loss of your freedoms, privileges, and social reputation. The team at NextLaw can be your advocate and work to defend your liberties to the greatest possible extent.
Contact our offices online or call us today to speak to our DUI lawyers in SeaTac.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form