Seattle First Offense DUI Lawyer

Seattle First Offense DUI Attorney

Getting arrested for a first-time DUI in Seattle can be a scary, confusing, and frustrating experience. Washington State takes driving under the influence seriously, even for first-time offenders. If you’re convicted, you could face severe penalties that follow you for years to come. It’s important to contact a Seattle first offense DUI lawyer to review your case, know your options, protect your rights, and start building a strong defense right away.

About Peters Associates, LLC

Thomas S. Peters serves as proprietor and active defense attorney at Peters Associates, LLC, working in DUI law. He has been practicing law since 2005. He received his J.D. degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and his B.A. degree from Fordham University.

Mr. Peters holds legal licenses in Washington and Wyoming and has admission to practice law in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming, as well as the Western District of Washington.

Mr. Peters primarily focuses his legal practice on DUI/BUI, drug possession, and distribution cases. His legal practice focuses solely on cases involving DUI/BUI offenses and drug-related crimes, including possession and distribution.

Katherine D. Peters, of counsel, received her B.A. in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and her J.D. from the University of Oregon. She has been licensed to practice law since 2005 in both Wyoming and Washington.

Washington DUI Laws

Driving under the influence is illegal in Washington. You may not drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol to the degree that you are not able to drive safely. Drivers under 21 must have a BAC below 0.02%. Commercial drivers have a BAC limit of 0.04%.

The legal process starts as soon as you get arrested. Two different types of proceedings may be held: a criminal case in court and an administrative hearing in front of the Department of Licensing (DOL), which can suspend your driver’s license even if you have not been convicted. The first thing a qualified DUI attorney can do is explain the differences between these parallel processes and help you respond promptly to both.

Seattle First Offense DUI Penalties

First DUIs are typically charged as gross misdemeanors in Washington. If you’ve been charged with a first-time DUI, your case will likely be held at the King County District Court Seattle Division, located in the downtown courthouse on 3rd Avenue.

The Seattle justice system requires minimum sentencing for first DUI offenses in line with state laws. Minimum sentences are in place even if you have no prior offenses. The following are the possible penalties for a first conviction:

• A minimum of 24 hours of jail time or 15 days on an electronic house arrest system represents a possible consequence.
• Fines and fees of between $940.50 and $5,000
• 90-day license suspension (or up to one year if you refused a chemical test)
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least one year
• Mandatory alcohol or drug assessment and possible treatment

In 2021, there were 674 traffic fatalities in Washington, 345 of which were in crashes with an alcohol-impaired driver. In 2022, the number of fatalities increased to 740, with 389 involving an impaired driver.

Aggravating Factors for First-Time DUIs in Seattle

First-time DUI convictions may lead to enhanced penalties when aggravating circumstances exist. Aggravating factors in DUI cases are any circumstances that make the offense more egregious to the court.

Common aggravating factors include driving with a high blood alcohol level (generally 0.15% or more), causing an accident (particularly one that involves injury or property damage), driving with a minor under the age of 16 in the vehicle, and refusing a chemical breath or blood test.

Aggravating factors in DUI cases are often subject to higher mandatory minimums. For example, the higher your BAC level is, the higher your mandatory jail time and ignition interlock time period will be. If there are aggravating factors in your case, it is even more important that you hire a DUI Lawyer in Seattle, WA to examine the evidence, fight against enhancements, and fight for a just result.

FAQs About Seattle, WA First Offense DUI Law

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Washington?

DUI lawyer fees range in Washington based on the circumstances surrounding the case. Some factors that influence the cost of a lawyer include the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience and pay structure, and whether the case goes to trial or settles out of court. Attorneys typically charge flat fees, though some may charge by the hour.

What Is the Ideal Result for a First Time DUI?

In Washington, the ideal result for a first-time DUI defense is the charges being dismissed entirely, or, failing that, reduced to a lesser offense, such as negligent or reckless driving. Whether or not this is possible will depend on the evidence against you, any improprieties committed by the police, and the skill of your defense attorney in challenging or negotiating the charge.

How Likely Is Jail Time for a First DUI in Washington State?

You can face jail time for a first DUI in Washington, but it is not automatic. Washington’s DUI law requires time in jail, but the judge can suspend some or all of that in favor of electronic home monitoring (EHM). Your risk of jail increases if your BAC was high, if an accident was involved, or if aggravating factors exist. You may still be able to avoid jail with the help of an experienced attorney through sentencing alternatives.

What Is the Most Common Sentence for a First DUI?

The typical penalty for a first-time DUI in Washington State is a mix of time in jail or EHM, fines, 90-day license suspension, and an ignition interlock device requirement. A first-time DUI offender may also be required to complete a court-mandated alcohol or drug education course. The range of possible outcomes is large, but this is the baseline sentence if there are no additional factors present.

Contact Peters Associates, LLC, Today

If you have been charged with a DUI, act quickly. Peters Associates, LLC, can help you fight for your future. Contact us today for more information.