Bellevue Hit & Run DUI Lawyer

When anyone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they have a duty to others on the road to drive in a safe and responsible manner. When this duty is breached, either through recklessness or negligence, accidents can occur, and devastating consequences may follow. If you are arrested on alleged charges of a hit and run while driving under the influence, you need the legal support of a Bellevue hit & run DUI lawyer.

If you have been involved in an accident, you are required to stay at the scene until the authorities arrive. This allows the police to file a complete report and makes it easier for you to exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. If impaired driving caused the accident, it is even more vital that you do not leave the scene, as this can add to the charges you may face. At Peters Associates, LLC, our attorneys can make all the difference in your case.

Defining Hit and Run Accidents and DUIs in Bellevue, WA

In the state of Washington, a DUI charge can occur when an individual who is at least 21 years old is found to be operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If alcohol is the culprit, the police will perform a chemical test to analyze the individual’s blood alcohol content level (BAC). If their BAC is at 0.08% or higher, they may be charged with a DUI.

If the individual is operating a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, their BAC cannot be higher than 0.04%. Additionally, if the individual behind the wheel is under the age of 21, their BAC cannot be higher than 0.02%. If any of these laws are violated, the person can be arrested on DUI charges.

Things can become increasingly complicated if the individual caused an accident while driving under the influence and then fled the scene. This is known as a “hit and run DUI” and can have severe penalties in addition to those handed down in a DUI conviction. Hit and run charges can be serious even when a DUI is not involved. Generally, the penalties for hit and runs vary in severity if the accident resulted in property damage or the injury or death of another.

If you were involved in an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may feel tempted to leave the scene before exchanging information with the other parties or the police. This could be out of fear of being charged with a DUI, but leaving the scene of an accident will only cause more legal issues for you.

Peters Associates, LLC: Defending You Following a Hit and Run Accident

Since 2005, the attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, have been working hard to secure the rights, freedoms, and futures of many clients facing DUI charges in the state of Washington. We understand the rules that play into these cases and can review your case to determine an effective defense strategy.

It is beneficial to stay at the scene of an accident and allow your attorney to fight a DUI charge without the aggravating factor of a hit and run. However, if you are charged with a hit and run DUI, there are several defenses we can employ depending on the circumstances of your case. These defenses might include:

• Mistaken identity or proving that you were not actually driving the vehicle
• A violation of your constitutional rights during the arrest
• Lack of evidence against you

Whatever your DUI hit and run case entails, the attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, can review its unique circumstances and use our knowledge and experience to craft a defense that can stand up in a courtroom or throughout negotiations with the prosecution.

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Contact an Experienced DUI Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with a hit and run DUI in the state of Washington, do not try to fight these charges on your own. You need the legal support and guidance of a DUI attorney who can help you navigate these complicated legal proceedings. At Peters Associates, LLC, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with excellent counsel and representation. Contact our offices today to learn more about how we might be of service to you.