DUI Defense Lawyers
The Washington DUI Defense Lawyers Who Can Get Your Life Back
"I know I didn't fail the field sobriety test; how do I prove it?"
"I was way under .08, why was I still arrested?"
"What do I do now?"
These, and a lot more, are natural questions to have in the haze of being arrested for DUI.
Any arrest for DUI is serious. As in life altering serious. That may seem obvious, but until it happens to you it’s not possible to imagine the immediate and long-term repercussions.
The reason for that is that everything happens fast.
From the arrest and an initial court appearance to a final Adjudication, It Can Be a blur
There’s no time to take a deep breath, never mind make a decision. And you have a lot of decisions to make. Every one of them has consequences – long and short term; most of them lead to more decisions.
This is no time for a misstep. You need help as early in the process as possible.
If you have been arrested for DUI, you must act quickly. As unpleasant as the arrest was, the possible repercussions are worse. The arrest sets off a chain reaction of potential consequences that can affect your personal, family, and business life.
Knauss Law can help you break that chain. Contact Knauss Law as soon as possible.
Awards
Recognized for Outstanding Results
DUI
The Facts About DUI
In Washington, a stop and arrest for DUI can start in any number of ways: speeding, a broken taillight, changing lanes without signaling, driving in and out of the shoulder, a crash, or even being pulled over on the side of the road.
If the 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, in their opinion, that 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.
In any event, you have been arrested for DUI, the severity of the penalties you face depends on the results of the breath/blood test.
Contrary to popular belief, you can be charged with DUI even if your blood alcohol level is below the ‘legal limit’ of .08 if the arresting officer thinks your driving showed ‘noticeable impairment’ and/or you exhibited ‘dulled senses’ during the stop.
Remember, an arrest for DUI is based on the totality of the evidence the officer observes before and during the stop.
Happen
What Can Happen
DUI is a serious misdemeanor charge. If convicted, the immediate consequences 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
There are variations depending on blood alcohol or THC levels. Past DUI convictions and/or a refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test can dramatically increase the penalties.
There is another dimension to a DUI arrest – a Washington State 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 this.
That would be a mistake – you have seven (7) days from your arrest to request a hearing with the DOL. There is no way to extend this. Without the hearing, your license will be suspended or revoked thirty (30) days after the arrest.
What to Do
You need to act as quickly as possible. There are deadlines that must be met, steps that need to be taken, a sound strategy to be devised – all while you try to deal with the reality of the arrest and the immediate consequences at home and at work.
It has to start with you even if you feel like the walls have closed in and you can barely sleep or breathe.
Don’t wait, contact Knauss Law Firm, from the police station if you can.
Tool Kit
A DUI Tool Kit
It's a traffic stop for suspected 'drinking and driving.' You're told you failed the standard field sobriety test. You may have been asked to give a blood sample. It could be hours if not days before you can talk to a DUI lawyer - that is, a criminal defense attorney with years of experience with DUI cases.
Tips
What do you do in that moment? Here's a few tips:
- Be calm.
- Be polite even if (when) you're upset at the accusations, this is not the time to begin your defense.
- Do not attempt to explain anything.
- When asked any questions about the stop, your one and only answer is, "Lawyer."
- Call us.
As soon as you contact us, we will immediately set off 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 in our power to eliminate or minimize the effects the arrest will have on you and your family.
Knauss Law Firm has years of experience representing clients accused of DUI in courts around Greater Seattle. Matt Knauss, our founding partner, was a prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney. With his insider knowledge, he levels the playing field.
Every Client Has A Defense
We strongly believe that every client has a defense. With decades of collective experience defending honest, hard-working Washington 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