The Seattle DUI lawyers at Sheed Law Offices have a reputation for their fierce defense of DUI charges as exhibited by their undefeated DUI trial record and the large number of dismissals and reductions they have secured through negotiations with prosecutors. As a result of our unique approach, we have a long list of successful Results and happy client Testimonials.
Those charged with DUI come from many walks of life, from first time alcohol/drug consumers to those who aren’t exactly strangers to the “system.” A common theme among those charged with DUI is that they may have felt that they were not impaired when they were pulled over by a law enforcement officer. At this stage, you’ll find that the officer is asking you questions and eventually may have even asked you to perform Field Sobriety Tests. Although the Prosecutor will argue that these sobriety tests are fair and objective tests that can determine impairment, the Seattle DUI lawyers at Sheed Law Offices highly disagree and we have had consistent success making virtually every argument possible in attacking the admissibility and validity of these tests.
After going through the Field Sobriety Tests, the officer likely asked that you provide a portable breath test (PBT), which is different than the official Breath or Blood Test as evidence of DUI. Typically, after the PBT is administered is when the officer then exercises his or her discretion and decides whether or not to arrest someone under suspicion of DUI or whether to cite for something else based on their observations and the subject’s statements. If arrested for DUI, law enforcement likely placed you in custody and transported you back to a police station for further questioning and to administer a Blood Alcohol Test (BAC) to assess the level of alcohol in your blood.
Washington State law requires that those who hold WA State drivers’ licenses grant implied consent in providing a breath sample (in some cases a Blood Sample) when they are arrested for DUI and there was probable cause for the arrest. If the subject does not consent to a breath test, they may be charged with a DUI Refusal, which has its own challenges, potential sentencing implications, and licensing consequences. For those arrested under the suspicion of a Marijuana DUI or another drug, law enforcement will seek a blood sample and potentially involve another officer who has received certification as a Drug Recognition Expert to build a case against you as well.
Even if your breath sample or blood sample indicates that you were below the legal limits, a law enforcement officer can still arrest you for driving under the influence, this is called the “affected by” standard where an officer attempts to show that you were on or under the influence of a substance that affected your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. DUI Penalties are among the most demanding and severe amongst misdemeanors in Washington State. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, contact a Seattle DUI attorney from Sheed Law Offices ASAP. Our experience and winning track record is best suited to defend your rights.
The statute of limitations, or “limitation of actions” in which to charge any gross misdemeanor, which includes DUIs, is 2 years from the date of the alleged violation. Which means if you got arrested under suspicion of DUI today, that prosecutors could wait until exactly two years from today to file the charge and that would be completely legal. Some prosecutor offices actually choose to wait the whole time. For situations involving blood analysis, that is often the case. While prosecutors can charge a drug DUI without the blood results in hand, just going off of officer observations, many jurisdictions simply wait for the blood work to come back and then will file once they have the results in hand.
In a first time DUI offense when the BAC is below .15, the penalties for a conviction range from 24 hours confinement up to 364 days. Depending on the case, you or your loved one may be eligible for some sort of alternative to confinement (Electronic Home Monitoring, work release, community service, etc.). Additionally, for a first DUI offense when the BAC is below .15, you or your loved one may face fines of $940.50 up to $5,000, a 90-day license suspension, the requirement to install and use of an ignition interlock device, and potential drug or alcohol education. If the BAC reading is above .15 or above, the potential penalties include a jail sentence of 2 days up to 364 days, fines starting at $1120 up to $5,000, a one-year license suspension, and potential alcohol or drug education. The information here is very general in nature and it is highly recommended you speak to an experienced Seattle DUI Lawyer at Sheed Law Offices to help you or your loved one fully understand what you may or may not be facing. We have significant Washington DUI Defense experience working with clients and making sure their unique circumstances are tended to appropriately.
In a second DUI conviction within 7 years of prior DUI conviction where the BAC reading is below .15, penalties include jail time of 30 days up to one year, mandatory 60 days electronic home monitoring, fines and costs of $1120 up to $5,000, a 2-year license revocation, ignition interlock device requirement, and possible drug and alcohol treatment requirements. If your BAC registered .15 or above, the minimum amount of jail time starts at 45 days and goes up to a year, mandatory 90 days electronic home monitoring, fines start at $1620.50 up to $5.000, and your license suspension may be up to 900 days, in addition to potential drug and alcohol treatment requirements. The information here is very general in nature and it is highly recommended you speak to an experienced Seattle DUI Lawyer at Sheed Law Offices to help you or your loved one fully understand what you may or may not be facing. We have significant Washington DUI Defense experience working with clients and making sure their unique circumstances are tended to appropriately.
In a third DUI conviction within 7 years of prior DUI conviction where the BAC reading is below .15, the penalties range from 90 days to up to 364 days in jail, fines of $2045.50 to $5,000, mandatory 120 days electronic home monitoring, a 3-year license revocation, ignition interlock device requirement, and drug or alcohol treatment requirements. If the BAC reading is .15 or higher, the jail time starts at 120 days up to 364 days, mandatory electronic home monitoring is for 150 days, fines start at $2895.50 up to $5,000, and the license suspension is raised to 4 years! The information here is very general in nature and it is highly recommended you speak to an experienced Seattle DUI Lawyer at Sheed Law Offices to help you or your loved one fully understand what you may or may not be facing. We have significant Washington DUI Defense experience working with clients and making sure their unique circumstances are tended to appropriately.
Washington State takes the concern of impaired driving very seriously as exhibited by the detailed legislation on minimum sentencing for DUI convictions. The Seattle DUI Lawyers at Sheed Law Offices have fought hard for many people facing DUI in Washington State and are well versed in using every defense to their client’s advantage. Sheed Law Offices has the RESULTS, experience, and the passion to make sure you receive the very best outcome possible. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at Sheed Law Offices for elite legal representation in any DUI case!
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