If you were recently stopped and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you may be worried about how a conviction will affect your future. You should be. The fallout of a conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life.
Working with a highly experienced Auburn criminal defense lawyer with Puget Law Group may be the best way to clear your name of the allegations against you so you can get back to your life. Connect with a top-rated Auburn criminal defense attorney at our firm today. When you do, you can find out more about possible penalties and defenses, what to expect from the court process, and whether you qualify for pretrial diversion.
DUI Charges in Auburn, WA
Washington law prohibits motorists from driving any type of motor vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels reach or exceed 0.08% or greater, according to the WA Revised Code §46.61.502. If you were to have a BAC that met or exceeded 0.15%, you could face increased penalties if you are found guilty. These consequences could be devastating and continue to have a profound impact on your life for years to come.
Working with a reputable Auburn DUI attorney may be the best way to clear your name and get back to your life. Even as a first-time offender, you could be at risk for mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), jail time, fines, revocation or suspension of your driver’s license, probation, considerable fines, and even increased auto insurance premiums. Do not delay getting started on your DUI defense.
Our Former Prosecutors Will Work Tirelessly to Clear Your Name
Once you are stopped and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, the DUI process begins. Not only will you have to deal with the risk of prosecution, but you will also be at the mercy of the WA Department of Licensing. The criminal process will unfold far more quickly than you may anticipate, so stay informed from the start with a reputable Auburn DUI defense attorney by your side.
Within seven days of your arrest, we must request a hearing before the DOL. This is true even if you have yet to receive a court date in the mail. Your top-rated Auburn DUI defense attorney will do everything possible to ensure your status as a licensed driver is protected. We are an aggressive team of former DUI prosecutors who understand how the state’s case against you is likely to unfold due to our success in defending thousands of other individuals facing DUI charges and other related offenses, just like you.
Auburn Drunk Driving Defense Attorney FAQ
What Should I Do if I Am Arrested for DUI in Auburn?
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Auburn, call 253-627-4696
You should consult with a dedicated drunk driving defense lawyer as soon as possible following your arrest. If you are found guilty of a DUI, you can expect the fallout to impact virtually every element of your life. There is the risk of license suspension, SR-22 insurance increases, time in jail, court fees and fines, and other emotionally taxing and expensive consequences.
It could be weeks before the Auburn Prosecutor’s Office can officially file the charges against you, which is why it is crucial that you have your DUI defense lawyer in Auburn, WA, request a hearing with the DOL on your behalf within one week. Otherwise, your license could be suspended within 30 days of your arrest. This suspension will apply even though you have yet to be charged for drunk driving.
Your DUI lawyer should have a comprehensive understanding of both local Auburn laws and state regulations surrounding drunk driving charges. When you go to court, your case will likely be tried through the King County District Court System, where bench rulings surrounding the refusal of evidence and admissibility of BAC and breathalyzer test results differ from those of other courts. We often find this is a considerable benefit to our client’s cases.
Where Will My Auburn DUI Case Be Tried?
If you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Auburn, your case will most likely begin with charges filed by prosecutors in the King County District Court of Auburn. This courthouse is located in the Auburn Justice Center. The address is:
340 E. Main Street
Auburn, WA
98002
The King County District Court Auburn division judges are known as some of the toughest in the state. But when you have a dedicated and skilled criminal defense law firm on your side, you do not need to be intimidated. We are prepared to present the strongest case possible, even if you have a history of DUI convictions or charges on your record.
What Happens if I Receive a DUI Summons?
After reviewing a summons, you will appear at your arraignment, where the King County District Court will determine whether you should be granted bail. There may be additional conditions set at the judge’s discretion as well, such as the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) or random drug or alcohol testing. At this time, the judge will set a pretrial hearing date, typically to take place within one to two months.
How does the DUI Court Process Work?
It is difficult to say. Whether you are acquitted or convicted of your Auburn DUI charges will depend on a variety of factors. Some of these include:
- Did you refuse to submit to a breath test?
- What was your BAC level measured at?
- Did you complete a field sobriety test?
- Did you admit you were drinking to the police?
- Did you have any passengers in the vehicle at the time of your stop?
- Did you cooperate with law enforcement officials?
Prosecutors in Auburn are notoriously unwilling to offer plea agreements, even for first-time DUI offenders. For this reason, going to trial is common in King County drunk driving cases and related charges. However, if we can convince the prosecutor that your charges should be reduced to a lesser offense, we will do so to safeguard your future.
I’m Worried About My Future. Can a DUI Attorney Help?
Absolutely. The DUI team at Puget Law Group’s unparalleled success in aggressively defending our clients gives you the edge you need to win. Eight of our criminal defense attorneys were formerly prosecutors, and the firm has 100+ years of collective experience defending clients against DUI charges across Western Washington State.
Why Should I Choose Puget Law Group?
Although every case is unique, in Auburn, we regularly secure case dismissals, charge reductions, and even deferrals for more than 95% of our clients. At Puget Law Group, we believe you should not be forced to pay extra for exceptional legal representation. For this reason, we typically charge a flat rate for DUI cases.
Our services include representation during your DOL hearing, pretrial hearings and motions, negotiations with the prosecutor’s office, and defending your case at trial. We never charge an hourly rate, so you do not need to worry about being pressured to accept a plea when you would rather assert your right to defend yourself in court. You can rest easier when you put your faith in Puget Law Group.
Once we have had a chance to discuss the specific circumstances of your case, we will have a better idea of what your defense might involve and what your flat-rate fee will be. We understand that these costs are unexpected, but when your freedom is on the line, you need to take action to protect your future. We even offer various payment options to qualifying clients.
Contact a Premier DUI Defense Attorney in Auburn, WA, for Help Today
While a DUI charge could shake up your world, it does not need to define you. With help from a regarded DUI defense lawyer in Auburn, WA, at Puget Law Group, you may be able to dodge the harsh criminal penalties of a conviction. Our criminal defenders will closely evaluate the evidence at hand, fight to get any illegally obtained evidence dismissed, and advocate for your right to pre-trial diversion where applicable.
While you have the option of working with a public defender, this may not be in your best interests, as they are often overwhelmed by caseloads and unable to give their client’s cases the attention they deserve. Take action on your defense strategy. Schedule your initial consultation as soon as today by completing our secured contact form or calling our office to get started.
Click to contact our Auburn Criminal Defense Lawyers today 253-627-4696