DUI Laws
If you have been arrested for drunk driving or DUI (driving under the influence) in Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, Fife, Tacoma, Federal Way, Lakewood, Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base or surrounding jurisdictions, you need legal advice and assistance from an experienced DUI attorney. The DUI Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Krupa & Clark can help, and have nearly 30 years of combined experience defending people accused of DUI in almost all courts in the Puget Sound area including Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, Fife, Seatac, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Federal Way, Lakewood, and Olympia.
Some people believe that DUI prosecutions are based on solid scientific evidence such as blood test results. The criminal justice system needs the public to believe this or it would come screeching to a halt. However, the reality is that many DUI cases are based solely on the biased opinions of the arresting officer. An aggressive and knowledgeable DUI Defense attorney can expose these problems and, in many cases, can secure a reduction in the charge, get the charges dismissed either prior to trial, or expose these flaws during a jury trial.
DUI Case Procedures
It is important to understand that there are really two separate cases being prosecuted against you when you are charged with DUI in Washington State: the administrative case and the criminal case.
If you are arrested for driving under the influence, the Washington State Department of Licensing will likely attempt to suspend your driver’s license through an administrative action. The arresting officer in a DUI arrest usually starts this process by punching a hole in the person’s license and giving them a notice telling how to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Typically, a person arrested for DUI must request a hearing in writing from the Washington State Department of Licensing within 30 days or they will automatically have their driver’s license suspended for a minimum of 90 days.
In the administrative case, the Department of Licensing is responsible for actions taken against your license, including restriction and/or suspension of your driving privilege.
In the criminal case, the government is prosecuting you for allegedly violating the DUI law. The result can include jail, license suspension, fines, an ignition interlock device being installed in the car, alcohol education classes, community service, impounding of your vehicle, or a combination of these things, depending upon the specific facts of your case.