Experienced Seattle DUI Defense Lawyers: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Getting pulled over for DUI is a moment no one prepares for. You may feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. It’s even more frustrating when you think, “But I wasn’t over the limit,” or “I didn’t even take the breath test!”

At Knauss Law, we understand the weight of what you’re facing. Our Seattle DUI defense lawyers don’t just handle cases—we fight for lives, futures, and second chances. With decades of experience and a team that includes former DUI prosecutors, we’ve helped thousands of clients avoid the worst outcomes. Let us do the same for you.

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What Are the Potential Penalties for a DUI in Seattle?

A DUI charge in Washington can feel like a whirlwind of fear and legal jargon, but understanding the penalties you may face is a vital first step.

Losing Your License

After an arrest, the Department of Licensing (DOL) will likely suspend your driver’s license—even if you’re not convicted. This suspension can range from 90 days to two years and kicks in just 30 days after your arrest unless you request a hearing.

But here’s the catch: You have only seven days to request that hearing. Miss that window, and your right to challenge the suspension disappears. That’s why the experienced DUI attorneys at Knauss Law take immediate action, filing hearing requests and challenging the DOL’s decision to suspend your license.

A Permanent DUI Record

A DUI conviction doesn’t just haunt you in court—it sticks with you for life. Washington law prohibits expunging DUI convictions, which means they’ll show up on background checks for employers, landlords, and more, forever.

That’s why our Seattle drunk driving defense attorneys focus on preserving your record and your future. We examine every detail of your case to prevent a conviction wherever possible.

Felony DUI Charges

If you’ve had prior DUIs or there are certain aggravating factors to your stop and arrest, your case may escalate to a felony charge. This brings the risk of severe penalties, including years of prison time. You could face a felony DUI if:

  • You’ve had four or more DUI convictions in the past decade.
  • Your actions caused injury or death.
  • You have prior convictions for vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, or felony DUI.

At Knauss Law, we don’t back down from serious charges. Our team investigates thoroughly, challenges evidence, and works to achieve the best outcome for your case.

Common DUI Defenses in Washington

Every DUI case is unique, but certain defenses can be employed to protect you from unfair penalties. Here’s how we approach the fight:

  • Questioning the Stop: If the officer had no valid reason to pull you over, we could argue that all evidence collected afterward is inadmissible.
  • Challenging Breathalyzer Results: Machines malfunction. Calibration errors or improper use can make BAC readings unreliable.
  • Exposing Test Errors: Standardized field sobriety tests are often administered incorrectly or under poor conditions, which undermines their reliability.
  • Highlighting Medical Conditions: Acid reflux, diabetes, or even mouthwash can skew breath test results. These medical explanations can cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence.
  • Attacking the Chain of Custody: If your blood or urine sample wasn’t handled properly, we’ll argue it’s inadmissible.
  • Defending Your Rights: If the officer violated your rights during the arrest—for example, by failing to read your Miranda rights—evidence against you can be thrown out.

Our approach isn’t just about “fighting the charge”; it’s about using every tool at our disposal to build the strongest defense possible.

How Knauss Law Fights for You

When you choose Knauss Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re getting an entire defense team. Here’s what we bring to your case:

  • Challenging Evidence: We dissect every piece of the prosecution’s case, from traffic stop reports to BAC results.
  • Cross-Examining Officers: Our attorneys skillfully question law enforcement’s observations and methods.
  • Presenting Alternative Explanations: We introduce medical conditions, fatigue, or other non-alcohol-related causes for behavior mistaken as intoxication.
  • Negotiating Alternatives: Where appropriate, we seek reduced charges, lighter sentences, or alternatives like alcohol education programs.
  • Managing the DOL Process: We take care of the entire administrative process, from requesting hearings to challenging license suspensions.

Why Knauss Law?

Our collective experience is unequaled. We’ve been on the other side of the courtroom and know how the prosecution builds its cases. That insight gives us a critical edge in dismantling their arguments and protecting your future.

We’ve helped clients secure dismissals, reductions, and not-guilty verdicts in cases just like yours. And we don’t just win cases—we restore hope.

Schedule a Consultation Today

A DUI charge doesn’t define your future—how you respond to it does. At Knauss Law, we’re ready to fight for you, your rights, and your freedom.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let us show you why thousands of clients have trusted us to turn the worst days of their lives into second chances.