Washington DUI Attorney

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Washington refers to driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If you are charged with a DUI in Seattle, Washington you will find yourself in court within 48 hours. In most other states and cities, you will wait for a month or more just to have your case filed at court. The fast track in Seattle can be overwhelming. You will really need a Washington DUI attorney just so you can keep up with the whole process.

Washington DUI laws

The DUI penalty matrix in Washington puts several things in consideration: severity of the case, previous offenses, whether BAC is below, equal or above 0.15, and refusal or cooperation. This matrix is used in the criminal court. As for penalties from the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), they will be decided depending on your BAC and refusal or cooperation in breathalyzer and chemical testings. What makes Washington law easier to bear is the fact that your DUI record can be cleared in 7 years. So, if your previous DUI is more than 7 years ago, your current DUI is considered a first time offense.

The characteristics of a good Washington DUI attorney

Even if your attorney of choice is reputable, it will not do any good if he or she cannot be at your side 48 hours after your arrest in Seattle. The fast-moving DUI process in Seattle requires not just a skilled lawyer but also an available lawyer. The two adjectives may sound contradictory but finding one is a gem when facing a Seattle DUI.