How to Fight a DUI Charge With a Seattle DUI Lawyer
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How to Fight a DUI Charge With a Seattle DUI Lawyer
Getting arrested for DUI can be really scary. Even if you don’t think you were actually drunk, the cops and the court may see things differently. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a good DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. A lawyer who knows the DUI laws and courts in Seattle can help you understand your options and start building your defense right away.
I’m going to walk you through the basic steps of fighting a DUI charge in Seattle with the help of a lawyer. I’m not an actual lawyer myself, just someone whose friend got a DUI and learned a ton about the process. I’ll share what I picked up from watching my buddy work with his attorney. Hopefully this gives you a good overview of what to expect so you can start getting ready.
Step 1: Get a Lawyer ASAP
Seriously, call a defense attorney the day after you get busted. The sooner they can start working on your case, the better. There are some time-sensitive issues in the first few days after an arrest that a lawyer needs to deal with right away.
For example, in Washington you only have 7 days to request a hearing to save your license from suspension. Your lawyer needs to file paperwork and schedule that hearing within a week. Move fast so you don’t lose your right to drive before your case gets resolved.
You’ll also want your lawyer’s help when you go in for booking and bail. They may be able to negotiate lower bail or even get you released on your own recognizance (no bail). Never try to handle the booking process without a lawyer.
Start calling around to DUI defense firms the day after your arrest. Explain you got popped for DUI and need to get the ball rolling ASAP. Most will be willing to meet or at least talk that same day.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Seattle DUI Lawyer
- How long have you been practicing DUI defense in Seattle?
- What percentage of your caseload is DUI defense?
- Are you a member of any DUI defense organizations or groups?
- What kind of training do you have in field sobriety tests and breathalyzers?
- Will you be the attorney actually handling my case?
- How quickly can you file paperwork to help me save my license?
- Should I participate in a police interview or any other questioning?
Make sure you trust the lawyer and feel comfortable with their experience and skills. This is your future on the line, so take time to find the best attorney.
Step 2: Review the Evidence
After you hire a lawyer, their first job is to get their hands on all the evidence in your case. This includes the arrest report, breathalyzer readings, dashboard and body cam videos, and so on. You’ll want to sit down and review everything with your attorney. Go through it point-by-point to identify potential weaknesses and start coming up with defense strategies. Some things to look for:
- Any mistakes by the officer when they pulled you over or did the field sobriety tests.
- Problems with the breathalyzer test procedures or results.
- Incorrect information in the police reports.
- Issues with the chain of custody of evidence, like blood samples.
Your lawyer may be able to get some or all of the evidence thrown out if it was improperly gathered or handled. Finding these opportunities early is key.
Should You Submit to a Blood Alcohol Test?
After an arrest, the police will ask you to take a breathalyzer or blood test to measure your blood alcohol level. You don’t have to take these tests, but refusing comes with penalties like automatic license suspension. Talk to your lawyer before deciding whether to take the test or refuse.
Step 3: Negotiate with the Prosecutor
Before your case goes to trial, your Seattle DUI attorney will try to negotiate with the prosecutor to get you a better deal. This involves going back and forth to try to either get the charges dropped or reduced, or at least minimize the penalties.
A good lawyer knows how to approach the prosecutor and highlight weaknesses in their case. They may be willing to make a deal rather than risk losing at trial. Common deals include:
- Pleading to reckless driving rather than DUI.
- Pleading to a first offense DUI rather than a second offense.
- Getting extra charges like speeding tickets dropped.
- Agreeing to a shorter license suspension.
Your lawyer will confer with you before accepting any plea deals. You get to decide how you want to resolve the case.
Step 4: Take it to Trial if Necessary
If no good plea deals are offered, the next step is taking your case to trial. Your lawyer will file paperwork, handle evidence rules, question witnesses, and make arguments on your behalf. Some of the trial strategies a good DUI defense lawyer might use include:
- Questioning the validity of field sobriety and breathalyzer tests.
- Discrediting the testimony and expertise of the arresting officer.
- Raising doubts about the accuracy of blood alcohol test results.
- Arguing the blood alcohol level doesn’t prove impairment at the time of driving.
- Presenting evidence that you weren’t actually impaired.
Testifying in your own defense is an option as well. Your lawyer can help prepare your testimony if you decide to take the stand. An experienced DUI trial lawyer knows how to effectively argue your side to the judge or jury. That gives you the best shot at beating the charges.
The Outcome: What Happens If You “Win” or “Lose”
There are two possible main outcomes from fighting your DUI charge:
- Charges Dropped/Dismissed – This is a total win. No DUI conviction, no penalties at all. Your record stays clean.
- Convicted of DUI – Even if you’re found guilty at trial, a good lawyer can help minimize the sentence. You may serve no jail time and have a shorter license suspension.
The punishment for a DUI conviction varies based on your criminal record and other circumstances. At minimum, expect fines and fees adding up to around $1000 to $5000. Jail time ranges from 1 day to 1 year. License suspension is at least 90 days.
Your lawyer’s job doesn’t stop after your trial. If you’re convicted, they can help get privileges like a restricted license so you can still drive to work or school. They can also advise you on next steps like filing an appeal.
The Bottom Line
Don’t panic if you’ve been arrested for DUI. A skilled Seattle DUI attorney can help you navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome. Move quickly to get a lawyer on your side. Listen to their guidance at every step. With their help, you have a fighting chance of beating your DUI.
Good luck and stay strong! This will all be over sooner than you think.