Being charged with a DUI can have devastating impacts on your life, from potential jail time to a permanent criminal record restricting job opportunities. But you don’t have to let it derail your future. Hiring the right Tacoma DUI lawyer from NextLaw gives you the best chance at avoiding conviction.
As a former prosecutor, our lead Tacoma criminal defense lawyer, Dan Gerl, knows exactly how to dismantle the prosecution’s case against you. He understands the system’s inner workings and will use that insight to your full advantage.
From challenging the legality of the traffic stop to scrutinizing breath/blood test administration, no detail is overlooked in building an aggressive defense strategy aimed at getting your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
A DOL Hearing May Save Your License
Within seven days after your Washington DUI arrest, you or your lawyer must ask for a hearing with the WA State DOL, failing which your license will be immediately suspended. Our lawyer will argue for the preservation of your license during this hearing.
We offer flat fee pricing for DUI cases, covering all legal fees even if the case goes to trial. The flat fee includes representation at the DOL hearing to fight the license suspension.
- As long as you request the DOL hearing within 7 days of your charges, NextLaw will pay the $375 fee.
- We will actually put in effort to fight the license suspension at the hearing, unlike some attorneys who view it as unwinnable.
- Our Tacoma DUI attorney takes an aggressive approach, believing there’s no reason not to fight the suspension hearing when we are paying.
- Payment plans are available to help make the flat fee more affordable if needed.
NextLaw takes a comprehensive approach for DUI clients, covering all bases by fighting the charges in court while also vigorously defending against license suspension—all for one flat fee. We also remove barriers like DOL hearing costs.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Tacoma, call 253 238 2558
Proven DUI Defense Strategies
Our comprehensive DUI defense covers every aspect of your case, including:
Challenging the Traffic Stop
- Lack of probable cause for the initial traffic stop
- Improperly administered standardized field sobriety tests
- Violations of your constitutional rights during the stop/detention
- Questioning the officer’s stated probable cause for arrest
- Intensive review of the Breath/Blood Test Process
- Inaccurate breath test machine calibration or improper maintenance
- Improper blood draw procedures by phlebotomists
- Rising blood alcohol levels due to food, stomach issues, or medical conditions
- Challenging the chain of custody for blood samples
Tacoma DUI Lawyer Near Me 253 238 2558
Skilled Negotiations & Trial Representation
Our DUI attorney in Tacoma will help you by:
- Leveraging our reputation to negotiate pleas for reduced charges
- Scrutinizing video evidence for holes in the prosecution’s case
- Calling expert witnesses to raise reasonable doubt when applicable
- Vigorous advocacy at DMV DOL hearings and in court if your case goes to trial
Our multi-layered defense approach leaves no stone unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome based on the specific facts of your DUI arrest.
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Penalties for DUI in Washington State
Punishments for driving under the influence in Washington State are among the nation’s most severe. To safeguard your rights and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, speak with an experienced DUI lawyer in Tacoma as soon as possible after an arrest.
Typically, a first-time DUI in Washington State is charged as a gross misdemeanor, carrying a maximum fine of $5,000 and a maximum jail term of 364 days, and a minimum sentence of 24 hours in jail. A court is bound by law to impose this obligatory minimum penalties in every instance where a conviction is recorded; these sentences cannot be reduced.
Potential Consequences
If you are charged or convicted of a gross misdemeanor DUI offense, the potential penalties you face are far-reaching and severe, including:
- Incarceration through jail time or court-ordered electronic home monitoring/house arrest
- Suspension of your driving privileges in Washington State or any other state
- Court-ordered alcohol or drug abuse assessment and treatment program
- Requirement to wear a SCRAM bracelet for remote alcohol monitoring
- Court mandate to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Having to obtain an SR-22 certificate to maintain auto insurance as proof of financial responsibility
- Being placed on probation and having to pay substantial fines
- For commercial drivers, suspension of your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
With your freedom, employment prospects, and finances all in jeopardy, it is critical to have a skilled DUI lawyer in Tacoma safeguarding your interests from the start.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Aggravating Factors Can Lead to Harsher Penalties
Washington DUI laws impose enhanced, more severe penalties in certain situations, including:
- If your breath test measured a high blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or above
- If you refused to provide a breath sample when requested at the police station
- If you refused to comply with blood testing after being transported to a hospital
- If you had passenger(s) under the age of 16 in your vehicle
- If you have any prior DUI convictions on your record, even if a previous offense was reduced to a lesser charge like reckless or negligent driving
The penalties escalate significantly for repeat DUI offenders. If you have three or more prior DUI convictions, you will be charged with felony DUI. Charges are also automatically elevated to a felony if your current case involves vehicular assault or vehicular homicide while driving impaired.
With aggravating circumstances like high BAC, test refusals, or multiple past offenses, you face exponentially harsher punishments. Having a Tacoma criminal defense lawyer who understands Washington’s complex DUI laws is crucial in these situations.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Tacoma DUI Lawyer Today
The stakes are simply too high when you’re facing enhanced penalties or potential felony charges under Washington’s tough DUI laws. This is absolutely not the time to go it alone or settle for overworked and inexperienced public defenders.
Your future and freedom hinge on having a highly skilled Tacoma DUI lawyer from NextLaw by your side. When the consequences are so severe, you need relentless advocacy to protect your rights. Take the first step and request a free, confidential case evaluation with our DUI defense team.
With our former prosecutor’s insight, reputation, and courtroom prowess, we’ll pursue the most favorable resolution possible on your behalf. Your future is too important not to fight. Contact us today.
Call or text 253 238 2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form