Federal Way DUI Defense Lawyer

A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can affect you long into the future. Rather than risk a conviction in the first place, partner with a Federal way DUI defense lawyer. Then, you can work with a criminal defense law firm to dispute a DUI charge. 

Puget Law Group cares about your case. A Federal Way criminal defense lawyer is available to help you out. For more information, reach out to us.

DUI in Washington State

A DUI is defined as operating a vehicle while being affected by alcohol, drugs, or both, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing. You can be charged with driving under the influence based on illegal and legal drugs. Thus, if you are found using a prescription medication or over-the-counter drug while operating a vehicle, you may be charged accordingly.

Driving under the influence can result in a suspension of your driver’s license. The suspension may last anywhere from 90 days to two years. You have the right to appeal a suspension.

If you are convicted of a DUI in court, the suspension of your driver’s license may extend up to four years. You may face other penalties as well. Along with these things, your conviction may hamper your ability to get a job, go to school, and buy or rent a property.

DUI Penalties

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) §46.61.502 provides insights into how state regulators treat DUI charges. If you are charged with driving under the influence for the first time, you may face a gross misdemeanor. This may lead to a jail sentence of up to 364 days and $5,000 in fines.

There is a mandatory minimum jail sentence for those convicted of a DUI. This applies even if you have been convicted of driving under the influence just once. The length of time of the sentence depends on whether an individual has been convicted of any prior crimes.

A person can face a DUI felony if they had three or more prior such offenses in the last 10 years. They can also be charged with a felony if they were previously convicted of vehicular assault or homicide while driving under the influence. By partnering with a DUI defense attorney in Federal Way, WA, you can minimize your risk of facing severe penalties.

Field Sobriety Tests for Driving Under the Influence

A field sobriety test may be used to determine if you are operating a vehicle while under the influence. The test can help a police officer justify their arrest but is not 100% accurate. During the test, you may be asked to do any of the following:

• Say the alphabet out loud
• Stand on one foot for approximately 30 seconds
• Walk in a straight line
• Close your eyes and touch the tip of your finger to your nose

A police officer may also perform a breathalyzer test as part of a field sobriety assessment. If you take a breathalyzer exam and it goes against you, try not to worry. A DUI defense lawyer in Federal Way, WA may help you to dispute the test result.

What to Do if You Are Charged with a DUI

If you are pulled over by a cop on suspicion of driving under the influence, try to remain calm. Move your car to the side of the road. Park your vehicle and remove the key from the ignition.

When you speak with a police officer, do not be confrontational. Do what the officer asks of you. If the officer ultimately decides to arrest you because they believe you are intoxicated, you can work with a DUI defense lawyer in Federal Way to try to get the charge dropped or dismissed.

One thing to keep in mind: you are not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test. Conversely, if you decline this test, a cop may arrest you on the spot. If this happens, connect with a Federal Way DUI defense lawyer to go over your legal options.

Legal Defense for a DUI

Choose a Federal Way DUI defense attorney who has a reputation for helping their clients get their desired case results. Your lawyer can help you prepare a defense that may compel the court to remove the charges against you. Common legal strategies used to combat driving under the influence charges include:

• Improper Stop: A police officer stopped your vehicle without a good reason to do so. 
• Inaccurate Field Sobriety Test: Your test may have been improperly administered, or the results may be inaccurate. 
• Rising Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Your BAC was initially below the legal limit of 0.08% while you were driving but went up while you waited for a police officer to administer your test.

The team at Puget Law Group understands what it takes to defend against a DUI charge. Our DUI defense attorney in Federal Way can help you build your legal strategy. To find out more, get in touch with us.

DUI Plea Bargain

Just because you are charged with driving under the influence does not mean you will be convicted. You have the right to contest the charge against you. There are also instances where those charged with a DUI work with the prosecutor to negotiate a plea agreement.

A plea bargain involves accepting responsibility for a DUI in exchange for a lesser charge than the one you originally faced. Leading up to a trial, a defendant and prosecutor may go back and forth with potential plea agreements. If both sides come to terms, they can resolve a case without having to go to trial.

Your attorney can help you figure out if a plea agreement is a viable option. If so, your lawyer can work with the prosecutor to negotiate an agreement. In a case where no agreement is reached, your attorney defends you in court.

Do Your Part to Avoid a DUI Conviction

Hire the team at Puget Law Group for help with your DUI charge. Our team can discuss your case with you and help you figure out the best course of action. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.