A night of too much fun can quickly turn into many days of worry and uncertainty if you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although a DUI might seem like a fairly tame offense, it can result in serious consequences if you harm or kill someone with your vehicle. Instead of taking any chances with your future, contact an award-winning criminal defense lawyer in Redmond, WA.
At Puget Law Group, we will meet with you as soon as you call us for help, and we will advise you on what to say and do to reduce your risk of further penalties. Being arrested can leave you confused and hoping to get back to your everyday life. When you contact a skilled Redmond DUI defense lawyer from our firm, we focus on helping you put this behind you. Schedule a free consultation to learn more today.
Puget Law Group Fights for Your Rights After a DUI in Washington
When you hire a DUI defense attorney in Redmond, WA, from our team, you are working with former prosecutors who understand the system. We focus on examining the evidence against you, getting as much of it thrown out as we can, and building the best defense strategy the circumstances allow. We also do the following:
- Request your charges be dismissed
- Find and present evidence for your innocence
- Investigate whether the police or prosecutors violated your rights
- Communicate honestly with you about the expectations for your case
- Negotiate a plea deal or alternative sentencing options with the prosecutor
- Defend your side in court to persuade the jury to decide fairly in your case
- Ensure you are prepared for hearings and the trial
When you retain our Redmond DUI defense attorneys, you can rest easy knowing we are fully on your side.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Redmond, call 253-627-4696
Types of DUI Arrests in Washington State
While it is technically not a crime to drink and drive, in most cases, your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is high enough that you could be charged with DUI if you are stopped. Police are responsible for investigating any driver they suspect of driving unsafely. Once you are pulled over, they can often find other signs you are under the influence.
There are three main categories of DUI in Washington, including:
- Alcohol DUI: If your BAC level is higher than 0.08, you are considered intoxicated. Officers may ask you to perform certain tasks or submit to a breath test to verify whether they should arrest you.
- Marijuana DUI: Although recreational marijuana use is legal in Washington, if your THC level exceeds 5 nanograms while driving, you are guilty of DUI. Police officers will try to apply the same criteria for judging whether you are DUI on marijuana that they use for alcohol.
- Drug DUI: Prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit drugs can affect your ability to drive safely. As a result, they may end up being charged with DUI and criminal possession offenses.
While illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, are not classified differently from alcohol or marijuana, they definitely affect your senses and perception. There are no specific levels in your blood that are considered illegal, yet if a blood test reveals their presence, it will definitely be used against you. Your DUI defense attorney in Redmond, WA, will use every technique possible to secure a reduced charge or lowered penalties for you.
Redmond DUI Lawyer Near Me 253-627-4696
Penalties for DUI in Washington
Your first question after a DUI arrest is probably, “What are the penalties I might face?” Washington has a sentencing grid that clearly details your potential fines and jail time, but remember that your DUI attorney will try to mitigate these penalties as much as possible. Once you meet with them, they can give you a better idea of what to expect.
For the most part, you might be subject to mandatory minimums. Whether you have a prior DUI arrest or a criminal history will also play into how you could be sentenced. Here are some factors that the court will consider:
- What the sentencing guidelines say
- What your BAC was
- Any prior DUI offenses within the last 7 years
- Aggravating circumstances, such as weapon possession
- Mitigating circumstances, such as being coerced or forced to drink and drive
- Age of the suspect, especially if they are under 16
Generally, you can expect the following sentencing ranges:
- First offense with no priors: One day in jail if your BAC was below 0.15, and two days if it is over 0.15.
- One prior offense in the last 7 years: If your BAC was under 0.15, you will face at least 30 days in jail, followed by 60 days of at-home monitoring with an ankle bracelet. Above 0.15 leads to 45 days in jail and 90 days of home monitoring.
- Two prior charges within 7 years: Under 0.15, you face 90 days in jail and 120 further days of home monitoring, and above 0.15 means 120 days in jail plus 150 days of home monitoring.
- Three prior offenses in 10 years: Before this level, charges are filed as misdemeanors, but with three priors, your fourth arrest will be a felony charge. This carries at least 3-9 months in jail but could go as high as seven years if there are additional traffic violations.
Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide
If you hurt someone with your vehicle, you could face charges of vehicular assault, which is a Class B Felony. If you are convicted, the maximum penalties include up to ten years in state prison and up to $20,000 in fines, or both. In addition, you may be subject to a civil lawsuit by the person you hurt, which could result in an additional financial burden for you.
If you kill someone with your vehicle (or they die later on from their injuries) while under the influence, you will be charged with vehicular homicide. As a Class A felony, a conviction carries $50,000 in fines and up to life in prison, or both.
Call a DUI Defense Lawyer in Redmond Today
Although we will do our best to have your charges reduced or dismissed, a conviction may still happen. If it does, you could deal with additional license suspension, having to install an ignition interlock device in your case, or losing your job. Many places will not hire convicted felons, and you will be unable to vote or own a firearm in Washington.
If you have already been charged, the smart choice is to contact Puget Law Firm right away to secure a skilled and aggressive Redmond DUI defense lawyer. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.