When you’re arrested on DUI charges, the legal proceedings that are sure to follow can be complicated, and the potential consequences can be harsh. When another human being is injured or even killed as a result of your allegedly impaired driving, this increases the severity of the proceedings and punishments. In these situations, you need the essential legal support and guidance of a Bellevue DUI with injury lawyer.
When facing charges of driving under the influence and vehicular assault, you need a legal professional who can explain your rights in these cases and ensure you receive the fair trial you are entitled to under the law. An attorney can inform you of the most effective defense for your case. They have the ability to bring that defense forward throughout negotiations with the prosecution and in a courtroom trial.
At Peters Associates, LLC, our attorneys come with 20 years of experience fighting these kinds of charges. Allow us to fight for you.
Defining a DUI and Its Penalties
In the state of Washington, a DUI charge occurs when an individual is found to be driving with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If that individual is operating a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, their BAC cannot be higher than 0.04%. If they are under the legal drinking age of 21, their BAC level cannot be higher than 0.02%.
Facing a DUI charge alone can be serious and terrifying. The penalties that are often involved in these cases can be severe and put strict limitations on an individual’s rights, future, and freedoms. When an accident ensues as a result of this individual’s alleged impaired driving and another person is injured, the punishments can be life-altering and devastating to the alleged offender’s future.
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An individual can be charged with vehicular assault due to a DUI if they cause substantial bodily harm to another while operating a motor vehicle. Substantial bodily harm is defined as a bodily injury that involves significant disfigurement, which causes a temporary dysfunction, loss, or impairment of a bodily function or any body part or organ.
Vehicular assault is considered a class B felony. One might face charges for a DUI conviction that include fines, jail time, community service, and probation, in addition to the following penalties if another individual is injured as a result of their impaired driving:
- Imprisonment in a state correctional facility for up to ten years
- Fines amounting to $20,000
- A combination of both
Additionally, if you are a convicted felon, you can find difficulty trying to obtain a loan, housing, or employment. You might also suffer the loss of your current job and harm to your personal and professional reputation. Therefore, it is important that you do everything in your power to pursue a lesser sentence or a dismissal of all charges. The attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, can assist in this.
Peters Associates, LLC: Defending You in a DUI With Injury Case
If you find that you are being charged with a DUI and vehicular assault, you need an attorney. At Peters Associates, LLC, our attorneys have been handling DUI cases since 2005. We understand the unique laws that play into these cases and can review your specific situation, determine what you need for your defense, and build a solid defense strategy that can hold up in a courtroom.
When you choose to work with an attorney from Peters Associates, LLC, you can rest assured knowing you have the right people in your corner, fighting to secure your legal rights, future, and freedoms.
FAQs
A: There is no one cost for the services of a DUI lawyer in Washington, as each case is different, and each attorney can charge different fees; however, there are common factors involved in every case that can affect the final cost analysis. These factors include the duration and complexity of the case, the overall effort, experience, and skill level of your attorney, and the type of fee they charge.
A: Yes, you should get a lawyer for a DUI with injury in Washington. While a lawyer is not legally required to represent you in a DUI case, and you have the option to represent yourself, having a lawyer can be extremely beneficial to your case and give you a much better chance of securing your future, freedoms, and rights. An attorney has the legal knowledge and experience necessary to effectively and aggressively fight the charges you are facing.
A: In the state of Washington, an individual can be charged with vehicular homicide if the injury they caused while driving under the influence resulted in the person’s death within three years of the accident. Penalties for being convicted of this offense can include significant time in state prison and hefty fines.
A: You may be able to achieve a dismissal of DUI with injury charges in Washington with the right attorney who can effectively argue your defense. Possible defense options might include challenging the accuracy of a field sobriety or chemical test, demonstrating that you were not actually behind the wheel or operating the vehicle at the time of the incident, proving a lack of sufficient evidence, or showing that your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest.
Speak With a Trusted DUI With Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in an accident that caused substantial bodily injury to another and are being charged with a DUI with injury, you need an attorney who is familiar with the laws regarding driving under the influence and vehicular assault. At Peters Associates, LLC, our attorneys can advocate for you during this difficult time and work to ensure your rights are protected and defended. Contact our offices today to learn more about how we can serve you.
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