DUI Defense Lawyer in Bothell & Snohomish County
Washington State has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Even for first-time offenses, a mandatory minimum sentence can mean jail time, a huge fine, and a driver's license suspension. Determine what type of mandatory minimum sentencing laws you are up against in your unique DUI case. I encourage you to get in touch with me, a Snohomish County DUI defense attorney who has extensive experience in handling mandatory sentencing procedures. Learn more by speaking with me today.
Click here to understand the penalties you may be facing. Free consultations are available - call (888) 252-1961 to book yours.
Washington Mandatory Sentencing for DUI & Underage DUI
With a DUI conviction, you may be facing certain mandatory sentencing guidelines as determined by Washington State law. Your sentence will depend on the circumstances of your arrest. These can include your level of intoxication, any prior DUI arrests on your record, your cooperation during your arrest, whether anyone was hurt or killed, and any other aggravating factors.
Possible mandatory DUI penalties in Washington:
- Up to a year in jail
- Maximum of $5,000 fine
- Mandatory minimum of 1 days in jail or 15 days at-home electronic monitoring
- Driver's license suspension for 90 days minimum
- Installation of an ignition interlock device if you wish to continue driving
Keep in mind that penalties are much more severe for individuals whose BAC tested above 0.15. Repeat DUI offenders also face harsher penalties, including longer minimum jail time, required rehab treatment, and tougher terms if they wish to reinstate their driver's license.
If your child has been charged with underage DUI, he or she may also face life-changing consequences. Due to his or her age, your child may be put on probation for at least one year. During the probation period, it is essential that your child is not arrested for any other crimes, that he or she enroll in an alcohol treatment program, and that he or she serve a community service.
Defending Against Mandatory Sentences
When you meet with me, I will analyze the facts of your case and walk you through the court systems step-by-step. I want to make sure you know exactly what to expect, and which laws apply to you. My goal is to help you protect your driver's license and help you avoid jail time when possible. As your attorney, I will work hard to shield you from the maximum penalties.
Mandatory sentencing laws can often be avoided using certain criteria, including:
- Whether or not this is your first offense
- Whether or not anyone was physically injured or killed
- If you operated alone or endangered others
- The level of your intoxication
- How cooperative you were with the law enforcement officer
As active as I am in educating other DUI attorneys in Washington State, I am also passionate about educating my clients about their options and rights. I make sure I am readily available to answer all your questions around the clock. My phone is always open to clients 24/7