How an Attorney Can Help Those Facing DUI in Washington

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A DUI charge is a serious offense that carries with it the threat of serious penalties. In the state of Washington, a person who is found to be driving under the influence of intoxicants may face charges from the court as well as the Washington Department of Licensing. A person can be charged with separate penalties for the same DUI charge. These penalties can stem from the initial arrest, a conviction by the court and Washington DOL penalties after a DUI conviction in the court of law.

Blood Alcohol Levels in the State of Washington

A driver can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol level is over the legal limit. The limit is set at .08% for drivers 21 and older, at .04% for commercial vehicle drivers, and .02% for drivers under the age of 21. The penalty for a DUI will be increased the higher the blood alcohol level. A driver can receive penalties even if their blood alcohol level is under the legal limit if they are found to be driving recklessly.

A Serious Offense

There’s no doubt that a DUI is a crime that carries serious consequences. A driver with no previous DUI charges over the past seven years can face a 90-day driver’s license suspension and one to 364 days in jail (if their blood alcohol level is under .15 percent). The driver could also face fines from $940 to $5,000.

Given the ramifications of a DUI charge, hiring a DUI attorney to defend a case can be well worth the fees involved. Even first-time offenses in the state of Washington can carry high penalties, which is why hiring an attorney who can bring the penalties down may be worth the legal fees.

Beyond just the practicality of bringing down, the cost of a penalty is the issue of jail time and the impact on a driver’s reputation. A skilled attorney who is well familiar with the laws surrounding DUI in Washington will be able to negotiate with the courts more effectively than a layperson. Though a DUI driver may end up with some legal fees, the value of one’s reputation must be considered more than worth the costs.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, consider contacting DUI attorney in Vancouver to handle your defense. In most cases, the fees are well worth paying.