Auburn First Offense DUI Lawyer

Auburn First Offense DUI Attorney

Being arrested for a DUI can be scary, especially if you’ve never faced any legal troubles before. Having an Auburn first offense DUI lawyer on your team who can help you mount an effective defense can help to keep stress to a minimum during this difficult time.

Trust Peters Associates, LLC

You can trust Peters Associates, LLC, to provide the legal representation you need following a first offense DUI. We have been in practice for years, and in that time, we have worked with countless clients facing DUI charges. Let us help you fight your charges and improve your chances of retaining your driving rights.

Hire a First Offense DUI Lawyer

Drunk driving is a serious crime that can have severe consequences not just for drivers but also for other people. Washington State recently saw an 18.5% uptick in drunk driving deaths statewide, even as the national average decreased. Across the United States, an average of one person dies in a drunk driving accident every 42 minutes. Of the 344 fatal DUI-related accidents reported last year by the WTSC, 941 were caused by alcohol use alone.

It should be clear that the consequences of DUIs for society are severe. The same can be said for the consequences of DUIs for those individuals convicted of committing them. Although first-time offenses aren’t punished as heavily as subsequent DUIs, Washington State takes first offense DUI cases seriously.

You should hire an experienced Auburn DUI lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested. Even though it’s your first time facing legal trouble for driving under the influence, you need an attorney who can help you fight the charges. We can evaluate the evidence to look for reasons to have your case dismissed. If we don’t find anything, we can still help you mount an effective defense or negotiate a plea deal that minimizes the penalties you’ll face following a conviction.

Consequences for a First-Time DUI in Washington

Washington’s first offense DUI laws state that a person is driving under the influence if their blood alcohol content is greater than 0.08% or they have a THC concentration of 5.00 ng/ml. You’re required by the state’s implied consent law to undergo chemical testing. If you’re arrested, charged, and found guilty of a first offense DUI in the Auburn Municipal Court, you’ll face penalties that include:

• Mandatory minimum of one day of jail time
• Up to one year of possible jail time
• 15 days of electronic home monitoring
• 90 days of 24-hour sobriety monitoring
• A fine of $350 to $5,000
• A license suspension of 90 days
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

These penalties only apply if there were no aggravating factors present. Aggravating factors include:

• A BAC of 0.15% or higher
• A minor under the age of 16 is in the car
• Multiple passengers in the car
• Driving the wrong way
• Causing property damage
• Refusing a chemical test
• Being under the legal drinking age of 21

If these aggravating factors are present, the potential consequences for a conviction are slightly more serious. They include:

• Mandatory minimum of two days of jail time
• Minimum of 30 days of electronic home monitoring
• 120 days of 24-hour sobriety monitoring
• Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
• A license suspension of one year
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

As you can see, it’s important to take even a first offense DUI seriously. If someone was injured or you caused significant property damage while under the influence, you could even be charged with a felony, leading to more severe consequences.

FAQs About Auburn, WA First Offense DUI Law

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Washington?

How much a DUI lawyer costs in Washington varies based on factors such as the complexity of the case and the experience level of your Auburn first offense DUI attorney. More complicated cases and those that wind up going to trial typically cost more than simple, straightforward cases where a decision can be reached quickly outside of court.

What Happens When You Get a DUI For the First Time in Washington?

When you get a DUI for the first time in Washington, you will face criminal misdemeanor charges unless there are any aggravating factors present. You may be able to reach a plea agreement outside of court or have your charges dismissed fairly early on in the process. If neither of these solutions applies, you’ll have to go to court to fight the charges.

What Is the Most Common Sentence for a First DUI in Washington?

The most common sentence for a first DUI in Washington could include a mandatory minimum of one day in jail or 15 days of electronic home monitoring. You can also expect a license suspension of 90 days and a fine of at least $350. After the license suspension is lifted, an ignition interlock device will be installed on your car for a period of one year. The consequences will be more severe if there are any aggravating factors.

How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Washington State?

You may be able to get a DUI dismissed in Washington State if the police officers who administered field sobriety or chemical testing did not have just cause to pull you over, failed to advise you of your rights, or administered the tests incorrectly. Some cases are also dismissed on the grounds that the driver’s BAC was below the legal limit until after they were pulled over. You can increase your chances of a dismissal by hiring a skilled lawyer.

Contact an Auburn First Offense DUI Lawyer

Even a first DUI conviction can come with serious consequences in Washington State. If you’ve been arrested for a first-time DUI, you need an Auburn first offense DUI lawyer who can help. Peters Associates, LLC, has represented countless clients facing DUI charges. We know the first offense DUI laws inside and out. Let us use our in-depth knowledge and experience to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.