DUI
Charged With a DUI? We Can Help.
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Pride Law, PLLC handles DUI cases frequently, and has had great success in significantly reducing or eliminating the penalties of DUI charges. DUI is one of the most common gross misdemeanor charges. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports 25,619 people were arrested in 2017 for driving impaired. The state of Washington had 278 traffic fatalities that involved an impaired driver in 2016*.
Consequently, the state has mandatory minimum sentences for DUI matters and prosecutors take these cases seriously. Many state resources are allocated to support specialized patrol units, such as Target Zero Teams and Drug Recognition Experts, that focus their efforts on seeking out DUI arrests in areas that have historically had the highest concentrations of DUI accidents. While getting a DUI may feel isolating and scary, know that you are not alone.
Choosing a DUI Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been charged with a DUI, take a deep breath, then get focused. Not many clients call during the arrest or immediately after, therefore chances are you have already begun to appreciate the serious consequences of a DUI charge.
The attorney you choose will have a significant impact on the result of your DUI case. It is vital to find an attorney that has knowledge of the legal procedures and negotiation tactics related to DUIs. It is equally important to find a lawyer who listens to your concerns and cares about the outcome of your case. Having a patient and thorough advocate on your side will help you make rational decisions through a chaotic time.
Far too often I get calls from irritated potential new clients that their phone calls are ignored by their current attorney or their attorney promised their case would get dismissed and things are not going as planned. Dallas does not just see your DUI charge as a profit. And Dallas will never promise you a specific outcome. This has nothing to do with lack of motivation, confidence, or advocacy. This has everything to do with transparency, honesty, integrity, ethics, and professionalism. I have represented clients all over Washington. I receive referrals from other attorneys, as well as former clients.
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The DUI Statute RCW 46.61.502
The DUI statute defines four ways that a person can be charged with a DUI.
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A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state and within two hours of driving the person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, as shown by an analysis of said person’s breath or blood.
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A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state and that person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's blood.
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A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state while the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug.
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A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state while the person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, and any drug.
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Violation of this statute constitutes a gross misdemeanor.
For the process of a DUI case, please refer to the What to Expect section.
Penalties
There are substantial consequences for DUI convictions, which can include the following:
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Loss or suspension of driving privileges
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Fines, court costs, and other fees
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Jail time
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Restitution for any damages caused
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Community Service
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Alcohol evaluation and/or treatment
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Ignition Interlock Device
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Probation for up to five years
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DUI on driving record for life
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Electric Home Monitoring
You can find the most current and previous DUI sentencing grids here.
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