With a DUI - You Need Legal Representation Right Away!
In Washington State, Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while your ability to drive is affected to any noticeable degree by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. This applies to both legal and illegal drugs, including prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs. These are serious charges that can have immediate affects on your life and your ability to drive. If you are arrested for DUI you will have two different legal actions taken against you!
First, If you have been arrested for DUI, you only have seven (7) days from the date of arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL).
If you do not make the Request for a Hearing your Driver's License or privilege to drive will automatically suspended. This action is separate from the criminal charge of DUI. It is a civil administrative action by the DOL. While you may have more time to respond in certain blood test cases, Do not waste any time. You can find a request for hearing form here:
Dept of Licensing Request for Hearing
You deserve to have aggressive and thoughtful representation on your side. We have many ways of helping you. From challenging the test of your breath or blood test to seeking treatment to avoid prosecution, we are here to protect you from the harsh penalties for DUI.
Call us now at (425) 576-0026.
Consequences of a DUI Arrest/Conviction in Washington
After being arrested, you are likely worried about the consequences you may face. Our goal is to help you avoid the serious penalties associated with DUI, including working to get the charges dismissed or reduced, if possible.
A few examples of the penalties you could face include:
- Mandatory time in jail or prison.
- Mandatory Electronic home detention
- Suspension or revocation of your driver's license or driving privilege.
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device in any car you drive.
- Mandatory chemical dependency evaluation and treatment.
- Loss of professional license, commercial license and/or employment
- Up to five years of probation monitoring including analysis and
- Ineligibility to enter Canada
Can You Help Me Protect My License?
Yes but if you are arrested for a DUI related charge, you must act quickly to protect your driver's license; beginning on January 1, 2019, you only have seven days from the day of your arrest to request a hearing with the department of licensing. Our Bellevue DUI lawyers can represent you in DOL and criminal defense matters but it is essential that you make the request for a hearing within seven days.
Let us know if you have a commercial or for hire driver's license or if you driver for Uber or Lyft. If you need your license for work or any other essential purposes call us now! If you have any professional license; Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Police, Fire, Aide and Pilots as well as others have very strict rules that must be complied with if they are arrested for DUI.