Your Rights When Facing A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Charge

DUI charges are incredibly serious, and convictions can carry heavy penalties. The legal processes following DUI charges are also complex, requiring knowledge of both the law and the scientific processes associated with determining intoxication. If you've been charged with DUI, it is important to speak with a qualified Seattle DUI attorney as soon as possible. This will give you the opportunity to learn about available defense options, and to ensure your rights are protected. As a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Attorney Sheri Pewitt can help you understand your charges and provide you with the aggressive legal representation you need.

Understanding Washington State DUI Charges

In Washington, a driver may be convicted of DUI in one of three ways. Understanding how DUI charges work and how prosecutors secure convictions is crucial to your defense. This is why you should never go to court without representation.

The prosecution may be able to secure a conviction if they can prove:

• The driver had an unlawful blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater;
• The driver had a THC level of 5.0 nangrams or greater within 2 hours of driving; or
• The driver's abilities were impaired as a result of alcohol and/or drugs.

As a skilled DUI lawyer, Sheri Pewitt can address your most pressing questions, such as:

• Can I get my case dismissed if I was never given my Miranda warning?
• What are the punishments for drunk driving?
• What are sentence enhancements and how do they affect my case?
• What are the different approaches to a DUI defense, and what is best for me?

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing in Washington

Washington DUI laws are particularly rigid, and an effective defense depends heavily on your attorney's experience and knowledge. If you are convicted, sentencing guidelines will include mandatory minimum penalties. These mandatory minimums vary depending on whether or not this is your first offense and whether your BAC was greater or less than .15%.

Mandatory minimum sentences are classified into three major categories:

• No prior offense within the past seven years
• One prior offense within the past seven years
• Two or more prior offenses within the past seven years

Because these rules are so complicated, your DUI defense attorney must have comprehensive knowledge of all Washington State laws pertaining to DUI charges, as well as a working understanding of the science behind field sobriety tests, breath tests, blood tests, and other instruments and procedures used to test for intoxicants.

Call for a Free DUI Consultation

As a part of her ongoing commitment to providing ethical, compassionate, and courageous counsel, Sheri Pewitt is always available to answer your questions. She believes everyone deserves quality legal representation, and she is dedicated to using her knowledge and skill to create the best possible defense for every client she represents. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be significant and long-term. As such, Attorney Pewitt takes your entire future into consideration when planning your defense – including what will happen after your case is closed.