Kent DUI Defense Lawyer

In Washington, a DUI charge is not only a legal challenge; it’s an incident that could significantly alter your life’s course. The drunk driving defense lawyers at Puget Law Group provide specialized legal representation for DUI cases, understanding the critical nature of these charges.

Our team, including former DUI prosecutors, brings over 100 years of collective experience, ensuring knowledgeable and effective defense strategies. We prioritize swift action, especially in handling Department of Licensing (DoL) hearings, which is crucial in the DUI process.

Our approach is client-focused, guiding you from the initial arrest through every legal step, including trials if necessary. Contact our criminal defense lawyers in Kent, WA, today for a free consultation.

Understanding Washington’s DUI Laws and Penalties in Kent

Washington State’s Revised Code of Washington 46.61.502 prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher, with increased punishments starting at a BAC of 0.15% and higher.

The penalties for a DUI in Kent can have a disastrous impact on your life, which is why it is important to contact an experienced Kent DUI attorney as soon as possible. Even first-time offenders could face fines, probation, license suspension or revocation, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, and even jail time.

Managing the State’s Critical Timeline Following a Kent, WA, DUI Arrest

Once you’re arrested, the clock starts ticking on the DUI process. It is you against the courts, the prosecutors, and Washington’s Department of Licensing (DoL). You must get informed and stay ahead of the chain of events that quickly unfold.

For example, you must request a hearing with the DoL within seven days from your arrest date, even if you haven’t received a court date. The best way to ensure your DUI process is handled properly is to contact an aggressive and experienced Kent DUI lawyer who will take your case seriously and fight for you.

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

Kent DUI Frequently Asked Questions

I Was Arrested for Dui in Kent. What Should I Do Now?

You should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible before your court date. The penalties for a DUI conviction in Kent are increasingly severe and include ignition interlock requirements, SR-22 insurance requirements, monetary fees, license suspension, and jail time.

Even though the Kent Prosecutor’s Office might delay filing your DUI case for several weeks, be aware that the DoL intends to suspend your license 30 days after your arrest, irrespective of whether charges have been filed against you. 

To avoid this automatic suspension, it’s crucial to request a hearing within seven days of your arrest. Facing a DUI charge in Kent necessitates consulting with a drunk driving defense attorney who is well-versed in Kent and Washington DUI laws, as well as the customs of their courts.

Key considerations for your DUI case:

• Local court rulings: The Kent bench has specific rulings on the admissibility of breath tests and refusal evidence, which may be different from other courts and could benefit your case.
• Attorney familiarity: It’s crucial to have an attorney who is familiar with local rulings and is up-to-date with breath test admissibility in King County and surrounding areas.
• Understanding new equipment: Make sure your DUI defense lawyer knows how the new Draeger breath test machines work and how to question their accuracy.
• Trial experience: A strong DUI defense requires an attorney with trial experience, particularly in challenging the Government’s BAC witnesses, including BAC technicians and state toxicologists.

Where in Kent Will My Case Be Handled?

If your arrest occurred in Kent, your case will be filed out of the Kent Municipal Court, located at 1220 Central Avenue S., Kent, WA 98032.

Several judges at Kent Municipal Court hear DUI cases and other criminal cases. Kent is known for being tough on DUI and other crimes, especially if the person has a history of them.

I Received a Summons to Appear at the Kent Municipal Court. What Happens Next?

At your first appearance (arraignment), the court will set conditions of release, which may include bail and enhanced conditions (i.e., an ignition interlock device or 24/7 alcohol monitoring). The court will issue a pretrial hearing date, usually about four to six weeks later.

What Will Happen With My Court Case?

The outcome of your Kent DUI case depends on several factors, including:

• Whether you took or refused your breath test
• Your breath (or blood) alcohol content (BAC) reading
• Completion of field sobriety tests (FSTs)
• An admission to drinking
• The presence of passengers in the car
• Your level of cooperation with the officer

If you were recently arrested or charged with a DUI in Kent, you need a drunk driving defense attorney with knowledge of the policies and customs of the Kent Court system and the Kent City Prosecutor’s Office.

Kent, WA, prosecutors are notoriously tight-fisted when it comes to plea offers. We often go to trial for DUIs because of this, even for first-time offenders. The Kent court has the most DUI trials of any court in the country.

Sounds Like I’m in Big Trouble. Can You Help Me?

Absolutely. The Kent DUI attorneys at our firm have unmatched talents, understanding, and experience to defend you in Kent aggressively, and we handle DUI cases in Kent Municipal Court on a regular basis.

• Eight of our lawyers were once DUI prosecutors: No other Kent, WA, DUI defense lawyer can say that.
• We have experience: Our DUI attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience handling DUI cases throughout Western Washington.
• Our team is successful at fighting DUIs: Even though each case is different, in Kent, we are able to get over 97% of DUI charges reduced, dropped, or deferred.

Experience Transparent and Client-Focused Pricing at Puget Law Group

At Puget Law Group, we are committed to providing exceptional legal service without additional costs. Our approach is to charge a flat fee, ensuring that one payment covers all our services. This comprehensive fee includes everything from DOL representation and motion hearings to trial proceedings. 

We avoid hourly billing and won’t seek extra payment if your case requires more effort than initially anticipated. Importantly, we focus on robust defense strategies and do not resort to pleading clients out simply for case resolution.

Discuss Your DUI Case Durning Our Complimentary Strategy Session

We understand that putting your faith and your fate in a Kent DUI defense attorney’s hands is one of the most important and stressful decisions you can make, which is why Puget Law Group offers a Complimentary Strategy Session, either by phone or in person, to talk about your case and concerns.

We’ll be able to give you a better idea of what will happen in your case and how much it will cost after we’ve had a chance to talk.

Nobody plans to be arrested for a DUI. We know that paying for an attorney when charged with a DUI can be difficult. We will be as flexible as possible with you and work with your budget. We offer payment plans for those clients who qualify, and we accept all major credit cards.

Your Trusted Partner in DUI Defense Is the Puget Law Group

At Puget Law Group, our team of seasoned DUI defense attorneys in Kent, WA, brings more than a century of combined legal expertise to your case. We are deeply familiar with local DUI laws and court practices, ensuring your defense is comprehensive and tailored to your circumstances. 

We invite you to discuss your case in detail with us during your Complimentary Strategy Session today. Contact Puget Law Group today to partner with a dedicated team committed to fighting for your rights and securing the best possible outcome in your DUI case.