Seattle DUI Lawyer

When an individual is caught operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can be arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). These charges are serious and should not be taken lightly, as the penalties that could result from a conviction can be staggering and life-changing. If you find yourself facing DUI charges in the state of Washington, the assistance of a Seattle DUI lawyer can be essential.

When facing DUI charges in Seattle, your future, freedoms, and rights are on the line. There are several consequences that may await beyond those of jail time or fines. Some individuals may feel that a DUI charge is a simple matter, but this could not be further from the truth. The state prosecutors take these charges seriously, and you need an attorney who takes your defense just as seriously. Now is not the time to face these charges alone.

Since 2005, the attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, have worked diligently to have DUI charges reduced or dismissed on behalf of our clients. We have the experience and skill necessary to review the details of your case and determine the right course of action to take in your defense. Though an attorney is not required for cases involving DUI charges, they can be crucial to the successful outcome of your case. Don’t let a simple mistake ruin your future.

Common Forms of DUI Charges in Seattle, Washington

In the state of Washington, there are several forms a DUI charge might take, depending on the exact nature of the DUI arrest, the age of the alleged offender, and the type of vehicle they are driving. These cases can become more complicated when an accident occurs, and another individual is injured or killed by the alleged individual who was driving under the influence. The most common DUI charges in Washington state include:

First-Time DUI Charges

In the state of Washington, an individual can be charged with a first-time DUI if they are found to be operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances such as marijuana, or even prescription medication that is impairing their ability to drive. When alcohol is involved, the individual cannot have a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Second-Time DUI Charges

When an individual is found to be operating a motorized vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher for a second time, they may be subject to stricter penalties and could even lose their driver’s license. These are very serious cases, and an attorney should always be brought on to counsel and represent individuals who face a second DUI charge in Washington state.

Multiple DUI Charges

When an individual is found to be driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination thereof for a third or subsequent time, the courts treat these cases with extreme seriousness. Seeking a reduction or dismissal of the charges can be difficult. If you did not have an attorney to represent your previous convictions, this would be the time to contact one.

Marijuana DUI Charges

When a DUI is based on an individual’s blood level of THC, the legal proceedings involved can be extremely complex, and it is crucial to hire an attorney to counsel and represent the alleged offender. In the state of Washington, an individual cannot be in operation or control of a vehicle with a THC level of 5.0 or higher in their bloodstream.

Underage DUI Charges

In Washington, an individual under the age of 21 can be charged with driving under the influence if they are found to have a BAC level of 0.02% or higher. For minors, these charges might not seem like a big deal, but a successful conviction can hurt a youth’s chances when it comes to college applications, collegiate sports, and future employment opportunities.

Felony DUI Charges

In Washington, most DUIs are charged as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors; however, there are some cases where they can be charged as a felony, and the punishments can be extreme. Often, felony DUI charges can occur if you have three or more prior charges within 10 years, your DUI resulted in the injury or death of another individual, or you have any prior felony DUI convictions.

CDL DUI Charges

If you operate a commercial vehicle and hold a commercial driver’s license, such as individuals who drive semi-trucks, you can be charged with a DUI if your BAC level is 0.04% or higher while driving. In these cases, you could lose your CDL, your mode of transportation, and your employment, leaving you with extreme financial hardship while having to pay hefty fines.

Physical Control

In Washington, being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired can be different than a DUI charge. This is often the case when an individual is in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but the vehicle is not actually in motion. An example might include an individual being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while asleep in their vehicle.

Reckless Driving DUI

A reckless driving charge can occur when an individual takes part in certain behaviors while operating a motorized vehicle. These behaviors can include speeding, street racing, aggressive driving, evading the police, passing in a no-passing zone, ignoring traffic signals or posted signage, driving in pedestrian-only areas or on sidewalks, or performing stunts on public roadways.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

It is possible to get a DUI charge while operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These can be complicated legal matters, and having an attorney on your side who understands the nuances of BUI laws is essential when trying to protect your rights, future, and freedoms.

DUI With Vehicular Assault

These charges can occur when an individual is charged with DUI and causes an accident while driving intoxicated, which results in substantial bodily harm to another individual. Substantial bodily harm refers to the individual suffering disfigurement or harm to their body’s function, parts, or organs. These are often charged as felonies and can be extremely complicated.

DUI With Vehicular Homicide

The most severe of all DUI charges occur when an individual is killed as a result of someone driving under the influence. The resulting penalties can be severe, including spending the rest of your life in state prison. When these charges are brought against you, having an attorney on your side is in your interest so that your future may be safeguarded.

Peters Associates, LLC: Defending You in a DUI Case

When you are charged with any kind of DUI, you need the legal support and guidance of an attorney who understands the nuances of the laws that pertain to your case. At Peters Associates, LLC, our team of dedicated attorneys has been assisting countless clients for almost 20 years. We are dedicated to protecting your future and freedoms and want to do everything in our power to ensure your rights under the law are safeguarded throughout the legal process.

When you retain the services of an attorney from Peters Associates, LLC, you are ensuring there is someone on your side who can answer all of your legal questions, review the details of your unique DUI case, and determine the right course of action for your defense, so that charges may be reduced or even dismissed. We can work to reduce your penalties and ensure you maintain your driving privileges or work toward a total dismissal of charges.

With the team at Peters Associates, LLC, behind you during your DUI legal proceedings, you can rest assured you have the experienced, knowledgeable attorneys fighting for you

Washington State DUI Penalties

There are several penalties one might find themselves facing for a DUI charge in Washington state. These penalties and their severity ultimately depend on the nature of the charges. Common penalties for DUI convictions are as follows:

• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device: In many DUI cases, regardless of the situation or nature of the alleged offense, you may be subject to having an Ignition Interlock Device installed in your vehicle. These devices prevent drivers from starting their car unless they blow into the device so that it can determine their current BAC level. The device will not allow your vehicle to start unless your BAC is below a certain level.
• First-Time DUI: If no test was administered or your BAC was below 0.15%, penalties could include 24 hours to 364 days of mandatory jail time, fines equaling no less than $350 and no more than $5,000, a 90-day license suspension, and possible drug or alcohol counseling.
• Second-Time DUI: If the individual has had one prior DUI conviction in the last 7 years and is found to have a BAC of 0.15% or less or refused a chemical test, they can face jail time from 30 to 364 days, 60 days of mandatory home monitoring, a fine between $500 to $5,000, a 2-year revocation of their driver’s license, and possible drug and alcohol treatment courses or counseling.
• Multiple DUIs: If the individual in question is convicted of a DUI for the third or fourth time within 7 years of a previous conviction and their BAC was 0.15% or less or they refused a chemical test, they can face jail time anywhere from 90 to 364 days, 120 days of home monitoring, a fine anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000, and a 3-year revocation of your driver’s license.
• Depending on other circumstances surrounding a DUI charge, individuals might face additional jail time, probation, fines, home monitoring, and the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

Personal Impacts of a DUI Conviction

Aside from the legal penalties individuals may face following a DUI conviction, there are several personal and professional implications of these charges that may be devastating or life-altering. Having a DUI on your permanent criminal record can also potentially result in the following personal and professional consequences:

• Issues when pursuing or continuing your education
• Struggling to find employment or losing your current job
• Complications or denial when seeking professional licenses or certifications
• Complications or reductions in your ability to have child custody or visitation rights
• Restrictions to your travel
• Concerns regarding your immigration status and potential deportation
• If your DUI is convicted as a felony, the loss of your voting rights and your federal right to bear, own, and purchase firearms

For all of these reasons, and due to the seriousness of the legal penalties, it is essential that you hire an attorney who can advocate and support you during this difficult and frightening time, offering their knowledge on DUI laws and determining how to defend you so that your charges may be reduced or dismissed altogether.

The Legal Process of Seattle DUI Cases

When you are arrested for a DUI charge in Seattle, Washington, the right thing to do at the time is remain calm and cooperate with the police officers. It is important to keep in mind that you do retain the right to remain silent and do not have to answer any of their questions until your attorney is present. Upon your arrest, you may be taken to the local police station and booked in their system through photographs and fingerprinting.

During your initial traffic stop, the police may request that you take part in a series of field sobriety tests. These can include:

• Standing on one leg
• Walking in a straight line, turning, and walking back
• Placing your finger to your nose

If they have reason to believe you are driving impaired, they may be able to arrest you without even having you take a chemical test to determine your BAC level. Remember, the correct thing for you to do at that time is cooperate. Causing an issue will only further complicate your case, potentially adding aggravating factors.

Seeking an Expungement in Seattle, WA

In the state of Washington, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged from your criminal record. An expungement is a legal way in which a criminal charge is scrubbed clean from your permanent record. These records and charges can show up on background checks and affect your ability to gain employment or certain forms of housing. Although DUIs cannot technically be expunged, your attorney can work to have your charges reduced to a misdemeanor charge that can be.

Common lesser charges your attorney may be able to seek in your DUI case include:

• Reckless driving
• Reckless endangerment
• Negligent driving
• Other lesser driving-related charges

FAQs

Speak With a Trusted DUI Lawyer From Seattle Today

If you have been charged with any form of a DUI in the Seattle area, you need a competent and trusted lawyer who can assist you in fighting these charges and protecting your rights and freedoms from a possible criminal conviction. At Peters Associates, LLC, we can do just that.