Tacoma & Lakewood DUI Defense — 24/7 Support When It Matters Most
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Western Washington, you’re likely facing a mix of fear, confusion, and urgency. The steps you take in the next hours will shape the outcome—your license, your record, and even your freedom may be at risk. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we are ready around the clock to answer your call and act quickly on your behalf. Reach us at (253) 473-4262, day or night, or use the form below for immediate help.
What to Do After Being Pulled Over for Suspected DUI
If you’re stopped for suspicion of DUI in Pierce County or anywhere in Western Washington, what you do next matters. Take a moment to steady yourself and follow these best practices:
Provide only license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Don’t offer explanations or extra information.
Politely decline field sobriety tests.
Like walking a line or touching your nose. These are not required by law and often work against you.
You can refuse the roadside breathalyzer.
Know that refusing the official test at the station triggers automatic license penalties.
Request to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
If you’re reading this after a stop, call us now at (253) 473-4262. The first hours are critical for evidence, hearings, and your defense.
Why Barbara Bowden Stands Out Among DUI Attorneys
Most attorneys can walk you through a DUI case, but few can match the level of specialization and track record found here. Barbara Bowden has spent over 35 years focused exclusively on DUI and traffic defense, serving Tacoma, Lakewood, and the surrounding counties. Her name is recognized—and respected—by local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement. Clients value her for more than results; they appreciate the clarity, honesty, and tireless advocacy that shapes every case.
We don’t use a template approach. Every strategy is tailored after a detailed review of the facts, the evidence, and the client’s personal and professional goals. Our Avvo and Justia ratings reflect this commitment to individualized, in-depth representation. From your first call through the final hearing, you will know exactly where you stand and what comes next.
5-Star Review: “The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden handled my case in a professional manner. Having all fines, jail times, and probation periods waived away had me walk out of the court speechless. Martha McLaughlin was so helpful handling the case in a professional way. Barbara too at the start was the best and would definitely recommend the firm to anyone having issues with traffic tickets. 5 stars.” — Jos Kip
Read more testimonials ➔
Types of DUI Cases We Handle
DUI charges come in many forms, and each has its own legal and procedural nuances. Our firm regularly defends these common DUI scenarios:
First-time DUI (Alcohol, Prescription, or OTC Drugs)
High BAC Cases (≥ 0.15), Refusals, and Accidents
Repeat Offenses (2nd, 3rd, or Felony DUI)
Commercial Driver (CDL) DUI Cases
Underage and Minor-in-Car DUIs
“Sleep Driving” or Medication-Related DUI (Ambien, Zolpidem, etc.)
Note: Cannabis DUIs are handled by this firm, but see our dedicated Cannabis DUI page for more details on that area of defense.
Each type of charge requires a different legal strategy. We adapt to the specifics of your case—no copy-paste defenses.
Washington DUI Penalties at a Glance
Penalties for DUI in Washington are serious and escalate quickly for repeat offenses or high BAC. Administrative consequences can start before you ever step into a courtroom.
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License Suspension | EHM/Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st, BAC < 0.15 | 1–364 days | $991+ | 90 days | 15 days EHM |
| 1st, BAC ≥ 0.15 / Refusal | 2–364 days | Higher fines | 1–2 years | 30+ days EHM |
| 2nd Offense | 30+ days | $1,245+ | 2 years | 60–90 days EHM |
| 3rd Offense | 90+ days | $2,095+ | 3–4 years | 120–150 days EHM |
| Felony/Fourth+ | Up to 10 yrs | Up to $20,000 | 4 years+ | 3–10 yrs EHM |
Don’t miss your 7-day window!
After a DUI arrest, you have only 7 days to request a DOL hearing to contest your license suspension.
We can handle this paperwork for you as soon as you call.
Our Approach: The Bowden Advantage
Our defense isn’t about quick deals or generic tactics. We believe in relentless, detail-oriented advocacy. n Tacoma and Lakewood, police and courts take DUI seriously, but not every arrest leads to a conviction. We routinely negotiate reductions, dismissals, or alternatives to jail—especially for first-time and low BAC cases. Every case starts with a thorough review of your stop:
Challenge the Stop: Was there probable cause? If not, evidence can be suppressed.
Scrutinize Testing: We look for errors in field sobriety and breath or blood testing—technical mistakes or unreliable devices can make a huge difference.
Master the Administrative Side: Many lawyers ignore the DOL hearing. We do not. Winning or mitigating the license hearing often shapes your real-world outcome.
Clear Communication: We translate legal jargon into actionable advice. You’ll always know where your case stands and your available options.