Protect your future by hiring a Kirkland DUI defense lawyer who knows how to get results. When you are facing DUI charges, there are numerous factors that may be working against you. You need a Kirkland criminal defense lawyer, like our team of nine former prosecutors at Puget Law, capable and ready to fight for your best outcome.
Put Your Trust in our DUI Defense Lawyer in Kirkland
In Kirkland, Washington, navigating the legal intricacies of a DUI charge can be daunting without the expertise of a skilled attorney. A DUI charge not only carries legal consequences but also potential long-term ramifications on one’s personal and professional life. Our DUI defense lawyer in Kirkland, WA, offers comprehensive support in very difficult times.
Let’s dive into the role of a Kirkland DUI defense lawyer and explore the concept of recoverable damages in DUI cases. If you’ve been charged with drinking and driving, the Puget Law Group Kirkland criminal defense lawyers can help represent your case. Contact us now to learn more.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Kirkland, call 253-627-4696
Understanding DUI Charges
A drunk driving defense lawyer can offer specific insight into what you are facing personally. DUI charges can vary based on the circumstances of the offense and the individual’s prior criminal record. The following are the main types of DUI charges:
- Standard DUI: This charge applies when a driver operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or under the influence of drugs or alcohol to a degree that impairs their ability to drive safely.
- Underage DUI: Drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Washington State has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
- Felony DUI: A DUI can be elevated to a felony charge under certain circumstances, such as multiple DUI convictions within a certain timeframe, DUI-related accidents resulting in serious injury or death, or DUI offenses while driving with a suspended or revoked license.
- DUI with aggravating factors: Aggravating factors such as excessive speed, reckless driving, driving with a minor passenger, or refusing to submit to chemical testing can result in enhanced DUI penalties.
Understanding the different types of DUI charges is essential for individuals facing allegations of impaired driving, as each type carries its own set of legal consequences and potential penalties. If you’re facing charges, contact our team today. We are happy to offer a comprehensive legal review to help you learn what defense strategies apply in your case.
Role of a Kirkland DUI Defense Attorney
A DUI defense lawyer plays a crucial role in defending individuals accused of DUI. Their knowledge of Washington State DUI laws, legal strategies, and courtroom experience can significantly impact the outcome of a case. From the initial consultation to representing clients in court, a DUI defense lawyer in Kirkland, WA, provides comprehensive legal support, including:
- Case assessment: We evaluate the specifics of the case, including the circumstances of the arrest, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and any other relevant factors.
- Legal guidance: We educate clients about their rights, potential consequences, and legal options, empowering them to make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
- Effective defense strategies: Utilizing their legal skill, our DUI defense lawyers develop tailored defense strategies aimed at minimizing penalties or securing case dismissal.
- Court representation: In court proceedings, our team advocates on behalf of our clients, presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and negotiating with prosecutors to achieve the best possible outcome.
As a DUI defense lawyer in Kirkland, WA, we know what you are up against because we have helped other clients facing the same challenges get the legal support they need. We cannot promise you that your charges will be dropped, but you can expect us to fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your case. Let our drunk driving defense attorney help you today and review our case results.
Kirkland DUI Lawyer Near Me 253-627-4696
How Can Puget Law Group’s Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers Defend You?
In defending against DUI charges, our criminal defense attorneys employ various strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case and mitigate potential penalties. We rely on our case experience and law knowledge to pursue a legal defense strategy that fits your situation. Every case is unique, and we strive to treat your case as a priority.
Having a drunk driving defense attorney willing to develop a legal defense strategy for you is critical. You may find that some attorneys may simply encourage you to settle your case. Take a look at some of our previous cases, and let us show you exactly how we have found to protect our clients from unjust charges.
There are numerous potential ways to defend against drunk driving. Our claims are always based on evidence and the strength of it. Here are some common criminal defense strategies against DUIs:
Challenging the Stop and Field Tests
Attorneys may argue that law enforcement lacked probable cause to initiate the traffic stop, such as no observed traffic violations or insufficient reasonable suspicion of DUI.
Additionally, defense attorneys can challenge the validity of FSTs, highlighting factors like environmental conditions, physical impairments, or improper administration that may have skewed test results. Our DUI defense lawyer in Kirkland, WA, can help you to prove this in many situations.
Questioning Breathalyzer Accuracy
Defense attorneys may challenge the accuracy of breathalyzer tests by questioning the maintenance records, calibration, or operator errors, casting doubt on the reliability of BAC readings. We will pull up the records and get any evidence possible to verify this accuracy.
As an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, we know how to find the evidence if it is out there.
Rising BAC Defense
This strategy argues that the defendant’s BAC was below the legal limit while driving but rose to an illegal level by the time of testing due to the body’s absorption and elimination processes. Though challenging, there are many reasons why this type of claim can work. We encourage you to reach out to our DUI defense attorney in Kirkland, WA, to determine if this is a viable option in your situation.
Necessity Defense
In rare cases, defendants may argue that they drove under the influence out of necessity, such as to avoid imminent harm or injury, providing a legal justification for their actions. Explain your situation to our legal team. Let us help you determine if there is a way to utilize this legal defense in your DUI legal matter.
Violation of Rights
If law enforcement failed to properly inform the defendant of their Miranda rights during the arrest and interrogation process, defense attorneys may seek to suppress incriminating statements or evidence obtained in violation of these rights. Our DUI defense attorney in Kirkland, WA, will work closely with you to determine how you were handled. Be sure to communicate with us about your experiences.
Medical Conditions
Defense attorneys may present evidence of medical conditions or factors unrelated to alcohol or drug consumption that could mimic signs of impairment, such as fatigue, illness, or medication side effects. If you believe this applies to your situation, let our defense attorney in Kirkland help you navigate the process. We will work hard to prove your rights in these situations.
Witness Testimony
The defense may call witnesses who can testify to the defendant’s sobriety or contradict prosecution witnesses, including passengers, bystanders, or expert witnesses. Even if you are unsure if there were witnesses in your case, our attorneys will help you determine this. Expect us to work tirelessly to find any support available to you.
Plea Bargaining
Our drunk driving defense attorneys may negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea agreement for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea, especially in cases with strong evidence against the defendant. We never give up on our clients. When you put your trust in our DUI defense attorney in Kirkland, WA, we will always remain by your side throughout this process, so read our FAQs to learn more.
Contact a DUI Defense Attorney in Kirkland, WA Today
A DUI charge carries serious legal consequences, but individuals facing such charges do not have to navigate the legal system alone. A Kirkland DUI defense lawyer from Puget Law Group offers invaluable support, guiding clients through every stage of the legal process and advocating for their rights.
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, Puget Law Group is here to represent and defend you. Contact us today to speak with a Kirkland DUI defense attorney.
Click to contact our Kirkland Criminal Defense Lawyers today 253-627-4696