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Experienced DUI Defense In Seattle & Washington State

Getting pulled over and arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated is a harrowing experience. Now you have DUI charges hanging over your head and the stress and uncertainty of the serious penalties that go along with them. A DUI conviction can have far-reaching repercussions, affecting everything from your driving privileges to your employment opportunities.

The best thing you can do for yourself is secure strong legal representation. You can turn to Cascade Lawyers in West Seattle for skilled, determined advocacy. The firm’s founder, DUI lawyer Jeremy Goodman, provides a thorough and effective defense tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. With over a decade of criminal law experience and a record of many successful results, Jeremy and his team are equipped to handle even the most challenging DUI cases involving drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs.

DUI Penalties In Washington

The penalties for driving under the influence in Washington vary depending on the circumstances. Here is the general breakdown of potential penalties you might face:

  • First DUI offense:
    • At least 24 hours to one year in jail.
    • 15 days of electronic home monitoring or 90 days of 24-hour sobriety monitoring.
    • Fines from $350 to $5,000.
    • Mandatory alcohol education, assessment and treatment.
    • Driver’s license suspension for 90 days.
  • Second DUI offense within seven years:
    • At least 30 days to one year in jail.
    • 60 days of electronic home monitoring.
    • Fines from $500 to $5,000.
    • Driver’s license suspension for two years or more
  • Third or subsequent offense within seven years:
    • Mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail, with up to one year possible.
    • Six months of 24-hour sobriety monitoring and 120 days of electronic home monitoring.
    • Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
    • Driver’s license suspension for three years or more

These penalties can escalate based on factors such as blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, the presence of minors in the vehicle, and whether any property damage or personal injury occurred.

Protecting Your Driver’s License

One immediate concern for anyone charged with DUI is the automatic suspension of their driver’s license. You only have a short window of time to challenge the suspension. The team at Cascade Lawyers can act swiftly to represent you in an administrative hearing and contest the suspension. They will work diligently to protect your mobility and freedom.

Common Defense Strategies In DUI Cases

In Washington, DUI/DWI laws are strictly enforced. Law enforcement prioritizes these offenses, and police officers can be aggressive about making arrests during traffic stops, some of which may be unfounded. It’s important to work with a DUI lawyer who knows what to look for in building a strong defense.

The team at Cascade Lawyers will listen to you and dig into every detail of your situation. They may explore avenues for a powerful defense, such as:

  • Disputing the lawfulness of the traffic stop if the police didn’t have grounds to pull you over
  • Challenging the accuracy of blood or breath tests if there were errors with calibration or operation of the equipment
  • Contesting other evidence against you such as field sobriety tests, which are notoriously inaccurate
  • Identifying violations of your rights such as lack of probable cause to arrest you

Cascade Lawyers will carefully analyze each aspect of your case to determine the most effective strategy based on the evidence and circumstances. Depending on your situation, it might make sense to strategically negotiate a plea bargain to seek reduced charges and penalties. However, the team at Cascade Lawyers is always prepared to go to trial and will never pressure you into a plea bargain. They can also defend you against any related drug crime charges if you were charged with drug-related DUI.

Take Action Now To Protect Your Rights

DUI lawyer Jeremy Goodman and his team are ready to listen to your story, explain your rights and provide a robust defense. With their extensive experience and commitment to their clients, they can be the allies you need during this challenging time. Call 206-970-3030 or reach out online for a free consultation. The firm takes DUI cases throughout the state, including King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Thurston County and Kitsap County.