Washington DUI

Washington DUI laws are some of the most strict in the country. In fact, many people are unaware of just how harsh Washington drunk driving penalties are, and as a result, may not take them too seriously. This is often the case until a person gets arrested for a Washington DUI, and faces serious charges, a loss of license, and jail time.

Another fact that many people are not aware of is that a Washington DUI conviction is a permanent offense which will never be removed from your record. This poses serious problems when you are applying for a job, traveling to another country (Canada), and just trying to carry on with your life. The social stigma attached to a DUI can be just as harsh as the legal consequences. Some people charged with a DUI in Washington have to fulfill mandatory jail time, as well as the loss of a drivers license and/or have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle.

It is essential that the public is aware of just how serious drunk driving convictions are in the state of Washington. There's no such thing as getting a slap on the wrist and a lecture about the consequences of drinking and driving if you get a Washington DUI charge. If you get convicted, your life will change in many ways, none of which will be for the better.

Washington DUI Is a Serious Matter

Did you know that a person convicted of a Washington DUI for the first time faces mandatory jail time? In fact, a judge has the power to impose a one year jail term on anyone convicted of DUI, without having to furnish any explanations. As serious as these consequences are, many citizens are simply unaware of them.

Many people who are arrested for DUI never contact a lawyer, which can prove to be a devastating decision. If you don't realize what your options are, you can lose your license for a year, face jail time, and have to take part in a DUI class. Washington DUI attorneys can help you get through this difficult time by answering your questions, and preparing a legal defense plan that may reduce the penalties or eliminate them altogether.

Most people also do not realize that they only have 30 days from their arrest date to request a hearing. If a hearing is not requested, the driver's license is automatically suspended for one year, in addition to other penalties. This is why it is wise to consult with an attorney if you have been arrested for a Washington DUI, as you may not realize what your options are and how the law works.

Washington DUI Facts

Did you know that field sobriety tests are not mandatory in the state of Washington? While a refusal to submit to these tests can make the arresting officer that much more suspicious, if you have been drinking, it may be wise to not take the tests being offered. The person being asked to take the field sobriety tests is in a difficult place, because failure to take the tests may result in an arrest. But if the person takes the tests and "fails" even one portion of it, an arrest may occur anyway.

When you meet with an experienced DUI attorney, you will go over the facts of your particular case. Your attorney will want to know how much you actually had to drink, where you were drinking, if anyone was with you, what roadside tests you submitted to, whether or not you took a breath test, why you were stopped in the first place, and whether or not you were read your rights. The answers to all of these questions will better help your attorney plan your defense case and possibly get you off the hook for your Washington DUI arrest.