Shoreline DUI Defense Lawyer

Shoreline 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 Shoreline can
have a disastrous impact on your life, which is why it is important to contact an experienced
Shoreline 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 Shoreline 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.

Shoreline DUI Frequently Asked Questions

I was arrested for DUI in Shoreline. What should I do now?

You should consult with an experienced Shoreline DUI defense attorney as soon as possible, before your court date. The penalties for a DUI conviction in Shoreline are increasingly harsh and include license suspension, jail time, fines and monetary fees, ignition interlock requirements, and SR-22 insurance requirements. Although the Shoreline prosecutor may take a few weeks to file your DUI case, remember that the Department of Licensing (DOL) plans to suspend your license 30 days following your arrest – regardless of whether you’ve yet been charged – and you face automatic suspension unless you request a hearing within 7 days.

If you face a DUI charge in Shoreline it is essential that you speak with a DUI lawyer who understands the current state of Shoreline DUI and Washington DUI law as well as how the customs of the Shoreline branch of the King County District Court. The King County bench has rulings on the admissibility of breath tests and refusal evidence that may differ from those in other courts, which in turn benefit your case. You need an attorney who is familiar with these rulings, and up to date with breath test admissibility in King County as well as other area courts.

You also need a DUI attorney who understands how the new Draeger breath test equipment works, and how to attack its reliability.

A strong DUI attorney must also be a skilled and experienced trial attorney. There is simply no way to develop the ability to attack the Government’s BAC witnesses (BAC technicians and state toxicologists) without trial experience.

Where in Shoreline will my case be handled?

The City of Shoreline contracts with King County District Court for handling all of their misdemeanor criminal cases as well as their civil infractions. The King County District Court Shoreline branch is located at 18050 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133.

If you were arrested by a Washington State Patrol officer, please click here for more info on King County District Court locations for WSP (PLEASE HYPERLINK TO KCDC SEATTLE PAGE)

I received a summons to appear in King County District Court. What happens next?

At your first appearance (Arraignment) the Court will set conditions of release which may include bail and/or enhanced conditions (Ignition Interlock Device, 24/7 alcohol monitoring, etc). This hearing will be in person. 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 Shoreline DUI case depends on several factors. Was there a breath test or a refusal? What was the Breath (or Blood) Alcohol Content (BAC) reading? Did you do Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)? Did you admit to drinking? Were there any passengers in the car? Were you cooperative with the officer?

If you have been recently arrested for DUI in Shoreline or charged with DUI in King County District Court Shoreline branch, you need an experienced attorney who is both focused on DUI defense, with knowledge of the policies and customs of the King County District Court and the City of Shoreline Prosecutor who handles cases there.

The City of Shoreline contracts with Attorney Sarah Roberts and her associates to handle prosecution of misdemeanors and civil infractions. Prosecutors in Shoreline are notoriously tight-fisted when it comes to plea offers. Because of this, trial is common in Shoreline even for first offense DUIs. More DUI cases go to trial in the King County District Court system than any other court.

Sounds like I’m in big trouble. Can you help me?

Absolutely. The DUI attorneys at Puget Law Group have unmatched skills, knowledge and experience to aggressively defend you in Shoreline and we handle DUI cases in King County District Court on a regular basis. Six of our attorneys are former DUI prosecutors – no other DUI defense firm can make that claim. Our DUI attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience handling DUI cases throughout Western Washington. Although every case is unique, in King County we are able to obtain reductions, dismissals or deferrals on over 97% of DUI-related charges.

At Puget Law Group, we believe you shouldn’t have to pay us extra to go the extra mile. This is why we typically charge a flat fee. One fee covers our services and there is nothing more to pay.

This includes DOL representation, motion hearings, and even going to trial. We don’t charge by the hour and we don’t come after you later for more money if your case takes more work than originally thought. And we never plead clients out just to resolve a case.

We understand that putting your faith and your fate in a Renton DUI 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 discuss your case and your particular concerns. Once we’ve had a chance to talk, we will have a better idea of what will be involved in your case, and can tell you exactly how much it will cost you.

Nobody ever plans in advance for a DUI arrest. 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.