Attorney
Bellevue DUI Criminal Defense Attorney
An arrest for DUI is serious and can have major repercussions, both in the short and long term. If you've just been arrested for DUI, you'll have questions. Because everything happens so fast after an arrest, it can be hard to make decisions. But every decision you make can have consequences, so it's important to make the right ones from the outset.
This is no time for indecision. You need to get help as early is possible.
If you have been arrested for DUI, act quickly. As unpleasant as the arrest was, the repercussions can be worse. An arrest sets off a chain reaction that can affect your personal, family, and business life.
Knauss Law can help you break that chain.
Contact Knauss Law as soon as possible.
The Facts About A DUI Charge
In Bellevue, a stop and arrest for DUI can start with a traffic stop. Speeding, a broken taillight, changing lanes without signaling, driving in and out of the shoulder, a crash, or just pulled over on the side of the road.
If an officer suspects you are impaired, they will usually ask you to submit to a Voluntary Field Sobriety Test. Then, ‘based on the totality of the evidence’ if they believe you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs they will make an arrest for DUI.
A breath test will usually be administered at the station. In some cases, a driver is taken to a hospital for a blood test.
You have been arrested for DUI. The severity of the penalties depend on the results of the breath/blood test.
You can be charged with DUI even if your blood alcohol level is below the ‘legal limit’ of .08 if the arresting officer thought your driving showed ‘noticeable impairment’ or you exhibited ‘dulled senses’ during the stop.
An arrest for DUI is based on the totality of the evidence which includes everything the officer observes before and during the stop.
What Can Happen - DUI Penalties
DUI is a serious misdemeanor charge. If convicted the immediate consequences can include:
License suspension (up to 2 years)- Jail time (up to 364 days)
- Fine (up to $5,000)
- SR-22 insurance for 3 years.
- Probation
- Mandatory ignition interlock device
- Alcohol or drug treatment
- Wearing a remote alcohol monitor
A prior DUI conviction or refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test can dramatically increase the penalties.
Immediately after a DUI arrest – a Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) case is filed simultaneously with the criminal case. With everything else going on with the arrest, it’s easy to overlook.
That would be a mistake. You only have seven (7) days from your arrest to request a hearing with the DOL. You cannot get an extension. Without the hearing, your license will be suspended or revoked thirty (30) days after the arrest.
Contact Us
What To Do
Contact Knauss Law Firm as soon as possible.
You need to act as quickly as possible. There are deadlines that must to be met and steps that must be taken. To do so you need a sound strategy.
This has to start with you even if you feel like the walls are closing in.
When you contact us we will start to stabilize the situation. Then we will work with you to plan your approach and strategize a defense. We scour the police reports while starting our own investigation.
We do everything we can to eliminate or minimize the effects this has on you and your family.
Knauss Law Firm has years of experience representing clients accused of DUI in Bellevue courts. Matt Knauss, our founding partner, was a prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney. He levels the playing field.
Every Client Has A Defense
With decades of collective experience defending honest, hard-working Bellevue residents, we will ensure your rights are protected.
We understand the stress you are under. We know the stakes.
We can help. It starts with your call.
Let us help you to get your life back!
425-300-5566