Seattle DUI Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

The basic offense of a DUI (driving under the influence) in Seattle consists of an adult driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more. An individual can also be charged if he or she was behind the wheel under the influence of drugs. This offense is not limited to illegal drugs; it includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs that would impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. In Washington, a minor will be charged with a DUI if his or her BAC is .02 or higher.

If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI, it is important to find a Seattle DUI attorney you can trust. A criminal defense lawyer with experience handling DUI cases can help you understand your rights and effectively guide you through the legal process. Failure to hire a skilled attorney could result in the loss of your license or freedom for an excessively long period of time.

The penalties for a Seattle DUI can vary depending on the circumstances, a person’s criminal history, as well as their level of intoxication. It is generally some combination of license suspension, monetary fines, mandatory interlock ignition installation in your vehicle, and even jail time.

A police officer will ask you for a blood or breath test if you are stopped for a DUI. At that point, the officer is required to tell you that if you are over 21 years of age and the test results indicate that your BAC is over the legal limit or your THC concentration of your blood is 5.00 or more, then your license will be suspended for at least 90 days.

Upon arrest, the officer must also inform you that you have the right to refuse to take the test, but if you do that, you will lose your driving privileges and this information can be used against you in court. For example, if you refuse to take the test on your first offense, your license will be suspended for one year; if you refuse to take the test on your second offense, your license will be suspended for two years; and if you refuse to take the test on your third offense, you will face a three-year license suspension.

A DUI conviction can have serious and far-reaching negative consequences for your life. This is why it is essential to have a Seattle DUI lawyer who can assist you through your case.