DUI Lawyer in Pacific

Washington State prosecutors are not lenient when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. If you have been charged with drunk driving, a Pacific criminal defense lawyer can help you build a strong defense.

Puget Law Group has been representing residents of Washington since 2013. If you are facing DUI charges, a DUI lawyer in Pacific can gather evidence for your defense and help fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

The Role of a Pacific DUI Lawyer

If you are facing a DUI charge in the city of Pacific, you deserve to work with a lawyer well-versed in Washington State DUI laws, as well as court practices.

A Pacific DUI lawyer from Puget Law Group can help with your case by:

• Analyzing your traffic stop: An attorney can determine whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop your vehicle and whether they respected your rights.
• Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution‘s case: A lawyer can review police reports, dashcam footage, bodycam recordings, witness statements, and other evidence for inconsistencies.
• Handling DMV hearings: An attorney can represent you in administrative hearings at the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and fight the suspension of your driver’s license.
• Providing court representation: If your case proceeds to trial, a lawyer can advocate for you in King County District Court.

DUI Penalties in Washington

The criminal penalties for a DUI in Washington depend on factors such as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), whether you have any prior DUI-related offenses, and whether anyone was injured due to your intoxication. A conviction can result in:

• Jail or prison time: If you are convicted, you may have to serve time in Pierce County Jail, the King County Correctional Facility, or the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
• Criminal fines: Courts can impose fines and additional financial assessments.
• License suspension or revocation: A DUI arrest can trigger an automatic license suspension.
• Ignition interlock requirements: You may have to install and use an ignition interlock device to regain or maintain your driving privileges.
• Probation and monitoring: A sentence may include supervision, alcohol monitoring, community service, or mandatory compliance with other court-ordered conditions.
• Alcohol or drug treatment: Courts may require substance use evaluations, treatment, or related diversion programs.
• A criminal record: A conviction can create obstacles when you go to apply for jobs, housing, professional licenses, or other opportunities.

What Is the Best Defense Against a DUI Charge?

The best defense against a DUI charge depends on the evidence that’s available, the circumstances of your arrest, and the specific charges you are facing. While there is no single defense that works in every case, one or more of the following issues may inform your DUI defense strategy:

• Illegal traffic stop: If a police officer didn’t have legal justification to stop your vehicle, you may be able to challenge evidence they obtained.
• Unreliable field sobriety tests: Poor weather, uneven pavement, medical conditions, physical limitations, or improper instructions may have affected your performance on roadside tests.
• Inaccurate breath test results: Equipment problems, inadequate maintenance, improper administration, or other testing irregularities may undermine the reliability of breathalyzer readings.
• Inadequate evidence of impairment: Erratic driving, red eyes, slurred speech, or the odor of alcohol do not automatically establish that you were legally impaired while driving.
• Prescription medication or medical explanations: Certain health conditions or medications may explain observations that an officer interpreted as signs of impairment.

A DUI attorney in Pacific from Puget Law Group can help determine the best legal strategy for your case.

Is There a Way to Get a DUI Off Your Record in Washington State?

No, you cannot get a DUI off your record in Washington State. Under RCW 9.96.060, a DUI conviction cannot be vacated, sealed, or expunged. If you are convicted, the Department of Licensing will also ensure that your DUI remains on your driving record for 99 years.

That said, if your original DUI charge was successfully amended or pleaded down in court to a non-DUI offense like reckless driving, it may be possible to get that conviction expunged. In addition, if you were arrested for a DUI but the charges were completely dismissed or dropped, or you were acquitted, you may be able to request the deletion of non-conviction records.

Is a DUI a Felony in Washington State?

A DUI is generally a gross misdemeanor in Washington. However, according to RCW 46.61.502, it can be charged as a class B felony in the following scenarios:

• Prior DUI offenses: You have three or more DUI-related offenses within the past 15 years.
• Prior felony DUI conviction: You have a previous felony DUI conviction on your record.
• You caused a serious crash: You have a previous conviction for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.

If you are facing a potential felony DUI charge in Pacific, a criminal defense attorney from Puget Law Group can determine whether the prosecution has correctly classified the offense and identify any available defenses.

What Constitutes a DUI in Washington State?

RCW 46.61.502 prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs in Washington State. You can be charged based on chemical test results or evidence that substances impaired your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

For most adult drivers, the legal blood alcohol content threshold is 0.08%. If you are under 21, the limit is 0.02%. Washington law also establishes a blood THC threshold of 5.00 nanograms per milliliter. However, prosecutors may pursue a DUI charge based on impairment even if your test results do not exceed these thresholds.

Consult a DUI Attorney in Pacific

Legal representation can make a big difference in the outcome of a DUI case. If you are facing criminal charges, a Pacific DUI attorney from Puget Law Group can assist with your defense, negotiate with prosecutors, and help minimize the consequences of your arrest.

Nine of our 13 defense lawyers were former DUI prosecutors, so we know the strategies that the prosecution uses – and how to counter them. Book a free initial consultation to find out how we can help you fight your charges.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Puget Law Group cannot guarantee any particular outcome. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

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