Covington DUI & Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

Covington DUI Lawyer

The State of Washington prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol
concentration level of .08 or higher (see Revised Code of Washington 46.61.502), with
increased penalties starting at a BAC of .15 and higher. The penalties for DUI in Covington can
have a disastrous impact on your life, which is why it is important to contact an experienced
Covington DUI attorney as soon as possible. Even for first time offenders, you could be facing
fines, probation, license suspension or revocation, mandatory ignition interlock device
installation, and even jail time.

PUT A TEAM OF FORMER DUI PROSECUTORS IN YOUR CORNER.

Once you’re arrested, the clock starts ticking on the DUI process. It is you against the courts, the prosecutors, and the Department of Licensing. It is critical for you to get informed and stay ahead of the chain of events that quickly unfolds. For example, you must request a Hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL) within seven days from your arrest date, even if you’ve not yet received a court date. The best way to ensure your DUI process is handled properly is to contact an aggressive and experienced Covington DUI lawyer that will take your case seriously and fight for you.

When you contact Puget Law Group, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that our team of former DUI prosecutors is on your side and have successfully defended thousands of clients charged with DUI related offenses.

Covington DUI Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been arrested for DUI in Covington. What should I do?

Consult with an experienced Covington DUI defense attorney before your court date. Penalties for a DUI conviction in Covington are severe, including license suspension, jail time, fines, ignition interlock mandates, and SR-22 insurance requirements. Despite potential delays in the Covington Prosecutor’s Office filing your DUI case, the Department of Licensing (DOL) plans to suspend your license 30 days post-arrest, even if charges are pending. To avoid automatic suspension, you must request a hearing within 7 days.

Facing a DUI charge in Covington requires a lawyer well-versed in Covington and Washington DUI law, as well as court practices. Although the case is through the city of Covington, they use the King County District Court system. The King County bench has unique rulings on breath test admissibility and refusal evidence, benefiting your case. An attorney familiar with these distinctions and up to date with breath test admissibility in King County and other area courts is crucial.

Understanding the new Draeger breath test equipment and effective strategies to challenge its reliability is imperative for your DUI attorney. A robust DUI attorney must also be a skilled trial lawyer. Developing the ability to challenge the Government’s BAC witnesses (BAC technicians and state toxicologists) demands trial experience.

Where in Covington will my case be handled?

If your arrest occurred in Covington, your case will be filed at the King County District Court in Auburn, located in the Auburn Justice Center at 340 E. Main Street, Auburn, WA 98002. The King County District Court in Auburn, known for its tough stance on DUI and criminal offenses, has multiple judges assigned to handle such matters.

After receiving a summons for my Covington case, what happens next?

At the Arraignment, the Court will establish release conditions, potentially involving bail and enhanced measures (Ignition Interlock Device, 24/7 alcohol monitoring, etc.). A pretrial hearing date, typically four to six weeks later, will be assigned.

What unfolds in my court case?

The outcome hinges on various factors: Was there a breath test or a refusal? What was the BAC reading? Did you undergo Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)? Did you admit to drinking? Were there passengers in the car? Was cooperation extended to the officer?

Facing a DUI charge in Covington requires an adept attorney specializing in DUI defense, familiar with the Covington and King County District Court systems. Ivar Gunderson is the prosecutor that appears on behalf of the city of Covington.

Feeling overwhelmed; can you assist?

Certainly. Puget Law Group’s DUI attorneys bring unmatched skills, knowledge, and experience to aggressively defend you in your Covington case. Handling DUI cases regularly in Covington, our attorneys, eight of whom are former DUI prosecutors, achieve reductions, dismissals, or deferrals in over 97% of DUI-related charges.

Puget Law Group operates on a flat fee basis, covering services from DOL representation to trial, without hourly charges or additional fees later on. A Complimentary Strategy Session, either by phone or in person, allows discussion of your case and concerns. Flexible payment plans and acceptance of major credit cards demonstrate our commitment to working with your budget.