Bellevue, WA DUI Attorney
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Bellevue, WA DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers
Your DUI Case Is Really Two Cases for One Arrest
A DUI arrest can jeopardize your ability to possess guns, drive a car, and do other things you may enjoy doing in your daily life. If convicted, you may have to serve a jail sentence ranging from a few days to several years or pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines. When faced with this charge, you may find comfort in working with a seasoned Bellevue, WA DUI attorney who can help minimize the impact of the accusations on your life going forward.
For decades, the team at Veitch Ault Defense has had the backs of those accused of serious driving offenses, like driving while intoxicated and vehicular assault. Throughout the years, we gained valuable insight into the complexities of negotiating plea deals with the government and locating evidence other lawyers might miss. Our Washington DUI attorneys understand what is at stake and welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help.
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 in Bellevue, WA?
If you’re arrested in Bellevue, WA, you may have two legal matters to handle: a criminal and an administrative case. The criminal case involves the government accusing you of violating Washington State’s drinking and driving laws. The administrative case—overseen by Washington’s Department of Licensing—is a process to suspend your license.
You have the opportunity to fight back against both charges. Within seven days after your arrest, you can file a hearing request with the Department of Licensing to fight to keep your license. Likewise, it’s critical for you to follow the instructions on your ticket and the court’s orders for the criminal case.
How Can I Protect My Legal Rights After Getting Arrested for a DUI in Washington State?
Getting arrested for a DUI in Washington initiates several nuanced legal processes. There are steps you can take to safeguard your rights after the arrest. For example, you can submit the hearing request forms to help fight to keep your driver’s license while the criminal case is pending. Additionally, you can attend court hearings and the trial and follow the judge’s orders.
Request a Hearing With the Washington Department of Licensing
One of your first steps after a driving while intoxicated charge is to request a hearing with the Washington Department of Licensing. Under Washington law, getting a DUI arrest kicks off an automatic process to take away your license for a specific amount of time. You should file a hearing request within seven days after you get arrested. Otherwise, the hearing officer may suspend your license.
At the administrative hearing, the hearing officer will review the evidence, listen to legal arguments presented by you and your King County DUI attorney, and decide whether to suspend your license at that time. You may lose your license for anywhere from 90 days to 2 years, depending on the circumstances. You may still lose your license if you win your administrative hearing but lose your court case.
Reach Out to a Reputable Lawyer
A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney is an invaluable resource for those accused of drinking or being under the influence of drugs while driving. Legal professionals understand the complex process of filing a hearing request and creating effective arguments to use in court.
For example, they know what forms you need to complete to ask for a hearing, what types of arguments may work, and what ones may not. Likewise, they can prepare and submit court documents to preserve your rights in the criminal case and help discover evidence that you can use in your favor.
Follow the Court’s Orders and Go to Court
Another way to protect your rights after getting arrested for a DUI in Bellevue, WA, is to follow the orders put in place by the judge assigned to your case. For example, the judge may release you from jail and require you to check in with pretrial services at designated times. It’s important to follow these instructions even if you think they’re unnecessary or you disagree with them.
If you don’t do what the judge says, they may make you pay fines or impose other penalties. You should also go to all your court dates where the judge says you have to show up. If you’re not sure if you have to be at court, talk to your attorney about this or consider attending regardless.
Is a DUI a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
Under Washington law, a DUI can be a misdemeanor or felony. In some situations—like if it’s your first time getting a drinking-while-driving charge—a DUI is a gross misdemeanor. However, if you have three or more DUI convictions, the government may upgrade the offense to a felony. Likewise, if you have a previous conviction for a serious driving offense—like vehicular assault or homicide where alcohol was involved—you may face a Class B felony if you’re convicted of another DUI.
Will I Lose My Gun or Voting Rights if I Get a DUI?
Yes, getting a felony DUI can cause you to fail a background check for a gun in Washington State. That said, you may qualify to get your gun rights back if you meet certain conditions—like not picking up an additional charge within five years.
Likewise, you can lose your right to vote while you are serving a sentence with Washington’s Department of Corrections. The government may automatically restore these rights once you are released.
Do You Have To Go to Jail or Pay Fines for a DUI?
If you’re convicted of a DUI in Washington State, you may have to spend time behind bars and pay court fines. The exact punishment you may face depends on a number of factors, such as:
- How many DUIs you have gotten in the past,
- Your blood alcohol concentration level, and
- Your criminal history.
For example, a first-time DUI where your BAC is less than 0.15 may result in a court fine of $350 to $5,000 and a jail sentence of between 24 hours and 364 days. In contrast, a Class B felony DUI could result in a jail sentence ranging from several months to over six years. Additionally, you may lose your license if you’re convicted or if the Department of Licensing decides to suspend your license while the case is pending.
What’s an Ignition Interlock Device, and When Do I Need One After My DUI?
If the Department of Licensing suspends your license, you may qualify to have it reinstated by applying for an Ignition Interlock License. This allows you to drive your car while your license is revoked or suspended. That said, you have a special device—the ignition interlock device—that doesn’t allow you to turn on your car and drive it unless you blow into it and your BAC is below the legal limit.
As the Department of Licensing explains, you’ll need a device in every vehicle you drive during your suspension. This includes your work and personal cars. You need to pay the costs of maintaining and repairing these devices throughout the suspension period.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Fight To Keep My License and Minimize the Consequences of a DUI?
Getting saddled with a charge of driving while under the influence in Washington State can cause you to feel stressed and overwhelmed. You may wonder how the charges can or will impact areas of your life—such as your work or family. A compassionate and decisive legal team can be an indispensable tool.
They can review the police reports, dash cam footage, witness statements, and other records to figure out what led to the arrest and what happened afterward. Likewise, they can file critical legal documents, so you preserve your rights—such as your right to a fair trial. Additionally, they can negotiate with the government to try to craft a fair plea bargain if that would serve your best interests.
Veitch Ault Defense: Dedicated DUI Attorneys Serving Bellevue Since 2006
A DUI conviction can have cascading consequences on many areas of your day-to-day life—such as your ability to keep your license or your gun rights. When you’re accused of a DUI, consider partnering with a steadfast and battle-tested legal team who can help you through this.
At Veitch Ault Defense, we have helped hundreds of people accused of drinking or using drugs and driving in Washington State. Because of Robert J Ault’s tireless advocacy, dozens of BAC chemical tests were thrown out because the police didn’t follow the procedures they should have in administering, storing, and reading the results. Contact us today by calling 425-970-9607 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
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
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NHTSA training in both DWI Detection/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (FST) along with Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement (ARIDE)
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