Kent, WA DUI Attorney
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Kent, WA DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers
Your DUI Case Is Really Two Cases for One Arrest
Many people do not realize until it is too late that a Washington State DUI arrest creates not one but two separate cases. Not only do drivers have to deal with criminal prosecution in the criminal courts, but they also have a simultaneous case with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
At Veitch Ault Defense, we understand the ins and outs of Washington State DUI cases and how to defend you and your best interests. We will fight for your right to a fair trial, ensure all your legal documents are processed correctly and on time, and will help you uphold your rights throughout the duration of your case. Our Lynnwood DUI Defense Attorneys & King County DUI Defense attorneys have helped over a thousand clients successfully resolve their cases throughout Washington and look forward to doing what we can for you.
Contact us today to learn more information about our legal services. We offer free and confidential consultations to all prospective clients.
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What Happens After A DUI Arrest?
After being arrested for a DUI, the state’s Department of Licensing (DOL) initiates an immediate suspension action against your driving privileges completely independent of your court case.
A police officer should give you a DOL Hearing Request Form at the time of your arrest and release. You must request a DOL hearing within seven days (including holidays and weekends). However, if the seventh day falls on a weekend or holiday, the following weekday would be the deadline.
If you do not request your hearing promptly, your license will be automatically suspended or revoked. If you do not prevail at the DOL hearing, your license will be automatically suspended or revoked even though your criminal case has not concluded. If you had a valid license before your arrest, you can keep driving while the outcome from your DOL hearing and the criminal court is pending.
The DOL hearing will take place over the phone between a Department of Licensing hearing examiner and you and your attorney, though you may be able to request an in-person hearing under certain circumstances. In most circumstances, the DOL hearing will occur within 60 days of your arrest.
About Kent, Washington
The Kent area was first permanently settled by European Americans in the mid-1800s along the banks of what was then the White River. One of the very first settlers Samuel Russell, sailed the White and Duwamish rivers until he claimed a plot of land southeast of modern-day what is now considered Kent in the spring of 1853.
Russell was not the only settler who quickly staked claims around the area. The settlements were originally known as “White River” and later the town was called “Titusville” after an early settler by the name of James Henry Titus.] (There is still a “Titusville Station” sign on Gowe Street near First Avenue).
Kent is a city located in King County, Washington, United States, and is the third largest city in King County and the seventh largest in the state. An outlying suburb of Seattle, Kent is also the corporate home for companies such as REI and Oberto Sausage. Nearby towns include Renton and Tukwila to the north, Covington to the east, Federal Way, Des Moines, and SeaTac to the west, and Auburn, Federal Way, unincorporated King County, and part of Covington to the south. The population as of April 1, 2010 census was 92,411. 118,200 population on April 1, 2011, Estimate Office of Financial Management in . It’s 6th largest city in the State of Washington.
The Kent area was first permanently settled by westerners in the early 1860s, and was originally called Titusville (There is still a ‘Titusville Station’ sign on Gowe St).
During the 1880s the town discovered hops production as the major source of income. Due to an aphid invasion that affected hops crops in Europe, hops from the Puget Sound area were commanding high prices. Hops were shipped from Titusville either by the river or via rail. Eventually, the town was even renamed Kent County in England. Hops production in the valley would come to an end due to an invasion of aphids.
Kent DUI Court
Our Team is On Your Side
If arrested for DUI in the City of Kent by a Kent Police Department (KPD) officer, the charge will be filed by the city attorney’s office, and a summons will eventually be sent to a mailing address associated with the arrestee. Barring the existence of a prior DUI or blood having been drawn on the date of arrest, a first court date will likely occur within four to six weeks from the date of arrest. City of Kent matters are handled in Kent Municipal Court, located at 1220 Central Ave S. Kent, 98032. The two judges hearing matters in the court are Judge Michael R. Frans and Judge Anthony D. Gipe. The City Attorney’s Criminal Division designates four to five attorneys responsible for prosecuting matters for the city. The City of Kent vigorously pursues alcohol-related driving offenses.
One arrested for DUI in the City of Kent is wise to contact Veitch Ault Defense immediately to ensure they provide themselves the best opportunity to fight the charge.
What Are The Penalties For DUI In Kent, Washington?
DUI penalties can include:
First DUI Offense (Or No Prior DUI Offense In The Last 7 Years)
If this is your first offense ever or in more than seven years and your breathalyzer result is .15% or less, the penalties you can expect include:
- A minimum of one day in jail OR 15 days of Electronic Home Detention
- $990.50 or more in fines with a statutory assessment
- 90-day license suspension
- SR-22 insurance required for three years
- Probationary driver’s license for five years after reinstatement
- Probation monitoring by the court for up to five years
- Ignition interlock for a minimum of 1 year (with 6-month compliance required for removal)
- Alcohol evaluation and treatment as determined by the court
If you test .15% BAC or higher or if you refuse to take a breath test, you can expect:
- At least two days in jail OR 30 days of Electronic Home Detention
- A fine of at least $1,245.50
- One-year license revocation for breath test over .15%; two-year revocation following a refusal
- Alcohol evaluation and treatment as determined by the court
- Ignition interlock for at least one year
- Probation monitoring by the court for up to five years
- Probationary driver’s license for five years after reinstatement
- SR-22 Insurance for three years
First DUI Offense (Or No Prior DUI Offense In The Last 7 Years)
If this is your first offense ever or in more than seven years and your breathalyzer result is .15% or less, the penalties you can expect include:
- A minimum of one day in jail OR 15 days of Electronic Home Detention
- $990.50 or more in fines with a statutory assessment
- 90-day license suspension
- SR-22 insurance required for three years
- Probationary driver’s license for five years after reinstatement
- Probation monitoring by the court for up to five years
- Ignition interlock for a minimum of 1 year (with 6-month compliance required for removal)
- Alcohol evaluation and treatment as determined by the court
If you test .15% BAC or higher or if you refuse to take a breath test, you can expect:
- At least two days in jail OR 30 days of Electronic Home Detention
- A fine of at least $1,245.50
- One-year license revocation for breath test over .15%; two-year revocation following a refusal
- Alcohol evaluation and treatment as determined by the court
- Ignition interlock for at least one year
- Probation monitoring by the court for up to five years
- Probationary driver’s license for five years after reinstatement
- SR-22 Insurance for three years
Second DUI Offense (Or One Prior DUI Offense In The Last 7 Years)
Like first offense DUI charges, the penalties for a second arrest can vary depending on how high your BAC (blood alcohol content) is at the time of your test and whether you refused to take a breathalyzer.
Penalties may include:
- A minimum of 30-45 days in jail and 60-90 days of Electronic Home Detention OR 4-6 days in jail and 180 days of Electronic Home Detention
- A minimum of $1,245.50 – $1,670.50 in fines
- Probation monitoring by the court for up to five years
- Probationary license for five years after reinstatement
- SR-22 Insurance for three years
- Two-year license revocation if you blew .15% or over; three-year license revocation if you refused to take a breathalyzer
- And more
Third DUI Offense (Or 2 Prior DUI Offenses In The Last 7 Years)
Penalties for a third offense can include:
- At least 90-120 days in jail AND 120-150 days of Electronic Home Detention
- A minimum $2,095.50 – $2,778 fine with statutory assessment
- Ignition interlock for up to 10 years
- Probation monitoring by the court for up to five years
- Three-to-four-year driver’s license revocation
- Probationary license for five years after reinstatement
- SR-22 Insurance for three years
- And more
Our Team is On Your Side
If arrested for DUI in the City of Kent by a Kent Police Department (KPD) officer, the charge will be filed by the city attorney’s office, and a summons will eventually be sent to a mailing address associated with the arrestee. Barring the existence of a prior DUI or blood having been drawn on the date of arrest, a first court date will likely occur within four to six weeks from the date of arrest. City of Kent matters are handled in Kent Municipal Court, located at 1220 Central Ave S. Kent, 98032. The two judges hearing matters in the court are Judge Michael R. Frans and Judge Anthony D. Gipe. The City Attorney’s Criminal Division designates four to five attorneys responsible for prosecuting matters for the city. The City of Kent vigorously pursues alcohol-related driving offenses.
Call 425-452-1600 or contact our firm online to request your free and confidential case evaluation.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
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Selected as Super Lawyer for the past 7 years in a row
Successful Defense of Hundreds of DUI Cases
7 years as Super Lawyer
NHTSA training in both DWI Detection/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (FST) along with Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement (ARIDE)
Your First Initial Consultation Is Free
Dedicated to the Highest Level of Advocacy on Behalf of Their Clients
Each client is given their attorney’s personal cell phone # and can reach out at any time
We Have Successfully Defended Hundreds of DUI Cases
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