Tacoma DUI Attorney?
Are you facing DUI charges in Washington? If you’re dealing with DUI charges in Washington, it’s crucial to have the right legal support by your side. Look no further – our Washington State DUI attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.
An arrest for driving under the influence knows no boundaries of age, sex, race, or economic status.
If you ever find yourself in the unenviable position of being arrested for DUI in the state of Washington, you will likely be frightened, anxious about your future, and possibly even angry, if you feel you were unfairly targeted. While Washington’s DUI laws are not the strictest in the nation, they can be fairly harsh, depending on the circumstances. There were more than 25,000 DUI arrests in Washington in 2022.
The state of Washington is determined to get impaired drivers off the road. This means you could get a DUI when using ANY substance (including prescription drugs) which could potentially impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Further, you could face serious penalties, even before a DUI conviction—as an example, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to one year just for being charged with DUI in the state. In short, even when a criminal court reduces the criminal charges from a DUI to negligent driving or reckless driving, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) will not reduce or change a disqualification, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
What happens when I get pulled over for a DUI?
The Truth is, Anyone can Make a Mistake.
Probable Cause for Pulling You Over on Suspicion of DUI
Probable cause allows police officers to pull drivers over if they are suspicious that someone is driving under the influence. If you are doing the following, especially between the hours 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. you will most likely raise suspicion of Washington officers:
- Speeding
- Weaving
- Weaving across lane lines
- Straddling a lane line
- Swerving
- Turning with a wide radius
- Drifting
- Hitting or coming dangerously close to other cars or objects
- Stopping problems (too far, too short, or too jerky)
- Acceleration or deceleration for no apparent reason
- Varying Speed
- Slow Speed (10 + mph under the limit)
- Driving in opposing lanes or wrong way on one-way
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Slow or failure to respond to officer’s signals
- Stopping in lane for no apparent reason
- Driving without headlights at night
- Failure to signal or signal inconsistent with action
- Following too closely
- Improper or unsafe lane change
- Illegal or improper turn (too fast, jerky, sharp, etc.)
- Driving on other than designated roadway
- Stopping inappropriately in response to officer
- Inappropriate or unusual behavior (throwing, arguing, etc.)
- Appearing to be impaired
Driving cautiously and under the speed limit also tips an officer off that you could be driving under the influence, prompting them to pull you over.
When you are pulled over, you will go through the paces, handing them your license and registration. If you are pulled over under suspicion of a DUI, though, you will most likely be asked to undergo field sobriety tests. You will be most likely asked to take a breathalyzer test to measure your BAC. In Washington, the legal limit is:
- .08 for adults 21 and over
- .02 for persons under 21
- .04 for commercial vehicle drivers while driving their commercial vehicle
If your BAC is at or over the legal limit, you can be charged for driving under the influence.
Know that in the state of Washington, it is not mandatory to take the BAC test on the scene. You do not need to consent to field sobriety tests or blood alcohol measuring tests. Learn more about common field sobriety tests.
However, you are required to take a blood alcohol test when you are taken to the station or you can suffer additional licensing consequences, including 1-year license revocation. On the scene, insist that you would like to consult your representation. The sooner you ask for counsel, the better. If you are seeking counsel after being pulled over under suspicion of a DUI, contacting a DUI defense lawyer is in your best interest.
At the Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we are your advocates 24/7. When you call us, whether it is from the scene, the police station, or from your home, we will make sure you are getting the advice you need to make the best decisions for you and your case.
Possible Consequences of a DUI in Washington State
Whether it is your first offense, your second, or third, there are consequences that come with being convicted of a DUI in Washington State. If you are sentenced, there could be lofty fines, probation, and jail time involved. Your once spotless record suddenly looks a little bleaker.
Of course, no one is in favor of impaired drivers on the roadways, endangering the lives of others. There are drivers who are not typically irresponsible about drinking and driving yet find themselves facing serious consequences after being arrested for DUI.
Your sentence is dependent on your BAC result or if you refused and whether or not you have a prior offense, amongst other criteria. Some of these sentences can be avoided or reduced with the help of your DUI defense lawyer, especially when it is your first offense.
Every state in the U.S. has set the limit for blood/breath alcohol content (BAC) at 0.08. Washington State enhances the penalties associated with a DUI conviction for those with a BAC higher than 0.15 (or refuse a breath test) as well as for those who have a minor in the car at the time of their arrest and, of course, those who cause an injury, accident, or fatality.
In addition to dealing with the courts, Department of Licensing (DOL) will seek to suspend or revoke your driver’s license if you are arrested and either blow over the legal limit or refuse the breath test at the police station. In order to attempt to avoid this suspension or revocation from the DOL you must mail out $375.00 dollars to the DOL requesting a hearing. This must be done within 20 days of your arrest. With help from a lawyer who has experience with DOL hearings and navigating complex license suspensions, you can take steps to protect your license or regain your ability to drive legally.
The following are the penalties you could face for a first, second, third, and subsequent DUI in the state of Washington:
Learn more about suspended licenses.
First-Time DUI
If your BAC was under .15, the following penalties apply to a first-time DUI in Washington State:
- From one to 364 days in custody;
- 15 days of Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM);
- Fines starting at $991;
- Suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days;
- Drug and alcohol assessment with any recommended follow-up treatment;
- Court-ordered ignition interlock device installation, and
- Probation
SECOND DUI
If you have one prior conviction for a DUI within the past seven years, or a prior conviction for a criminal offense that started as a DUI, you are now facing a second DUI. Assuming your BAC was lower than .15, you are facing the following penalties if convicted:
- From 30 days in jail; and
- Minimum 60 days of Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM);
- A minimum fine of $1,245.50, up to a maximum of $5,000;
- Suspension of your driver’s license for two years;
- Drug and alcohol assessment and any recommended follow-up treatment;
- Court-ordered ignition interlock device installation for two years;
- Probation.
A second DUI with a BAC of .15 or higher brings all the same penalties as above, however, the minimum jail time is 45 days, and EHM is 90 days. A driver’s license suspension can be 90 days to two years, rather than two years with a higher BAC.
Third DUI
Should you have two or more DUI convictions within the previous seven years (or two prior offenses that originated as a DUI), you will face a third DUI charge. If your BAC at the time of your arrest was less than .15, you face the following penalties if convicted:
- From 90 days in jail; and
- Minimum 120 days of Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM);
- A minimum fine of $2,095.50;
- Suspension of your driver’s license for three years (or four years if you refused a breath test);
- Drug and alcohol assessment and any recommended follow-up treatment;
- Court-ordered ignition interlock device installation for 3 to 10 years;
- Probation (likely active).
A third DUI with a BAC of .15 or higher brings all the same penalties as above, however, the jail time is 120 days, and EHM is a minimum of 150 days. A driver’s license suspension will be four years, rather than three years with a higher BAC.
FOURTH OR SUBSEQUENT DUI
The lookback period changes to ten years (rather than seven), when you are facing a fourth or subsequent Washington DUI. In other words, if you have three or more DUI convictions over the prior ten years, you may be charged with a Class B felony, rather than a gross misdemeanor. The penalties include:
- Up to ten years in prison;
- A fine as large as $20,000
- Suspension of your driver’s license for four years;
- Drug and alcohol assessment with any recommended follow-up treatment;
- Court-ordered ignition interlock device installation, and
- Probation.
Why Choose a DUI Attorney?
A seasoned DUI attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Wondering, “What can a DUI attorney do for you?” Our experts specialize in DUI defense and can:
- Challenge Evidence: We meticulously examine the evidence against you, looking for any weaknesses or errors in the prosecution’s case.
- Navigate Legal Procedures: Understanding the legal process is key. Our DUI defense attorneys are well-versed in Washington State DUI laws, ensuring every step is taken with precision.
- Negotiate Plea Deals: In some cases, negotiating a plea deal may be the best strategy. Our DUI lawyers work tirelessly to secure favorable terms whenever possible.
How to Find and Choose the Best DUI Attorney?
Finding the right DUI attorney is crucial for your case. Consider these factors when looking for a DUI Attorney:
- Experience: Look for attorneys with a proven track record in DUI defense. Choose an attorney who specializes in DUI cases for the most focused expertise.
- Credentials: Ensure the attorney is licensed and has relevant certifications.
- Client Reviews: Reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insights into an attorney’s effectiveness.
- Communication: A strong attorney-client relationship is built on clear communication. Choose an attorney who listens and keeps you informed.
- Case Strategy: Discuss potential strategies for your case to gauge the attorney’s approach.
Who is the best DUI attorney?
Our team of top DUI lawyers are dedicated to providing unparalleled legal support. With a deep understanding of Washington State DUI laws, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Drunk Driving Defense Experts
Facing DUI charges is a serious matter, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our DUI defense attorneys specialize in drunk driving cases, offering a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
Top DUI Lawyers at Your Service
When it comes to DUI defense, experience matters, trust our team of top DUI lawyers to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.
Don’t let a DUI charge dictate your future. Contact our DUI attorneys today for a confidential consultation. We are here to fight for you and guide you toward the best possible resolution for your case.
From the Time You Call Our Office to DUI Trial
The consequences of getting charged with a DUI are intimidating, and the trial process is bewildering. When you are facing the serious criminal charges of driving under the influence and have so many options in front of you, who do you call? From the time you contact our office, to the moment you say “guilty or not guilty”, and beyond; the Tacoma lawyers at The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden want to be by your side, defending your rights and finding your most ideal solution. We want to answer the questions you have about DUI, but most of all, we want to provide you the answers to the questions you might not have even thought of. We know that just because you are charged with a DUI doesn’t mean you are a criminal. Let us help you move past your mistakes and ensure that your rights are protected. As you can see, the consequences of a DUI conviction are extremely serious. If you are stopped and charged with a Washington State DUI, you must obtain experienced legal assistance as soon as possible. Having a skilled DUI attorney from The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden by your side immensely increases your chances of a successful outcome. Your DUI attorney may be able to challenge any number of issues regarding your arrest, including whether the officer had probable cause to stop you, whether you were properly informed of the consequences of refusing a BAC test, whether the tests were properly administered if you agreed to a test and the validity of field sobriety tests overall, as well as advise you to request a DOL hearing within a 7 day time frame. Your DUI lawyer will be able to attend your Administrative Review hearing (which you must request within seven days of your arrest) in order to argue on your behalf that you should be allowed to keep your driving privileges. Remember—just because you are arrested for DUI, does not mean you will be convicted of the offense, particularly if you seek skilled legal representation immediately. Your Lakewood DUI lawyers may be able to have your charges reduced or even dismissed, helping you avoid many of the life-changing penalties associated with a DUI conviction. Let us help you protect your future.
Types of DUIs In WASHINGTON STATE
Drug Related DUI
When you hear the term “DUI” the first thought that comes to mind is probably about drinking alcohol and driving. While many DUIs are charged due to a driver’s impairment due to drinking alcohol, impairment can be caused by many other substances and drugs. In Washington, the law prohibits drivers to operate vehicles while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
When the State of Washington says that they don’t tolerate driving under the influence of drugs, they don’t just mean illegal substances.
You can be charged with a DUI if they are allegedly impaired by any drug or medication.
This even includes medications prescribed to you by your doctor or over-the-counter products you picked up at the local drug store. Ambien, marijuana, Zolpidem; you name it; they’ll charge you for being influenced by it while driving your car.
Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, there is no legal limit to drug consumption. Instead, police officers and prosecutors have a no-tolerance policy. Therefore, if you are pulled over and an officer is suspicious that drugs are affecting your driving, the chances of being charged with a DUI are incredibly high.
Being charged with a drug related DUI is a scary experience. Confused, frightened, and unaware of your rights; do you have options? With your family, money, and livelihood at risk, you are likely to feel overwhelmed. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we want you to know that just because you are charged with a drug related DUI doesn’t mean that this is the end of the road for you. Depending on your driving record, drug history, and circumstances of the investigation, you may have more options than you think.
At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, it is our job to show you these options, and it is our goal to do that well. But we know that defending your drug related DUI is more than just going through the paces of the consultation and trial.
This is a time of worry for you and your family, and you need support.
Let the lawyers at The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden be that support. We want to be your advocates 24/7 during this time of angst and uncertainty. Know that our DUI defense team is on your side and we want to go that extra mile to protect your rights. Contact our office today and add the invaluable lawyers at The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden to your team.
Let’s find clarity, fight for your rights, and get your livelihood back.
Underage DUI
Unfortunately, impaired driving is a significant factor for an increased risk of an automobile crash. Impaired driving—driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—affects judgment, reaction times and awareness, making it particularly dangerous for teenage drivers whose inexperience already places them at a high risk of a collision. A full one-fifth of high school students across the nation reported riding with a driver who had been drinking alcohol at least one time—and usually more—within the prior month.
A teen’s crash risk is substantially higher when he or she drinks and drives, even when the BAC is at low or moderate levels. Being awake for 18 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.08 (legal intoxication), and since teens are notoriously sleep-deprived, adding any level of alcohol into the mix significantly increases the risk of a crash.
In the state of Washington—and in most other states as well—one of the primary factors in traffic collisions which involve teen drivers is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That being said, when a teen has a DUI conviction, he or she can find the door shut on many current and future opportunities, whether those opportunities involve furthering their education or seeking a job. Because of this, it is extremely important that a teen who has been charged with DUI in Western Washington have an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer on his or her side from start to finish.
Sleep Driving DUIs
Sleep driving has become a much larger problem in the United States as an increasing number of individuals use a sleep aid to help them sleep. Over 9 million people use some type of sleep aid to help them get the rest they need. Unfortunately, studies have shown that sleep aids can contribute to DUI incidents. “Sleep driving” is defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event.” The FDA requested drug manufacturers to add specific label warnings about sleep driving and other dangers. Unfortunately, many people still do not understand the danger of taking sleeping aids and driving.
The FDA has specifically warned drug manufacturers that sleep aids containing zolpidem, such as Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist, can result in sleep driving. In some cases, these drugs can remain in the system in high enough doses the morning after taking the drug to impair driving. Some people can be impaired even though they may feel awake and capable of driving. The FDA is currently evaluating the risks of impaired driving for other insomnia drugs including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids.