If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence, there are many things you need to know. Whether you are charged with a DUI or a DWI, a Seattle DUI lawyer can help you handle the charges you are facing. They can also help you deal with any other issues related to your DUI arrest.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in the Seattle area, you need a lawyer to help you fight the charges. Your license could be suspended, you might have to pay substantial fines, or you may have to serve jail time. Getting the best advice can make all the difference.
If you are arrested for a first offense, the penalties will be a fine of at least $1,000 and up to one year in jail. An arrest can also result in a one-year suspension of your driver's license.
A second offense within seven years of the first is a gross misdemeanor with a minimum of 15 days in jail and an additional ninety days of electronic home confinement. The additional ten days in jail and $2,000 to $5,000 in fines are added if you are convicted of a DUI with a child passenger.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might have to complete community service or undergo drug and alcohol treatment. In some cases, your jail sentence or license suspension may be suspended or deferred.
A DUI lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system. But what are the costs? Depending on the nature of the charges, the legal expenses can be staggering.
It's not unusual to find yourself paying hundreds of dollars for legal representation. However, you don't have to spend thousands. There are some simple ways to keep the costs to a minimum.
First, you should do your research before deciding to hire an attorney. If possible, try to meet with candidates and ask plenty of questions. You don't want to waste your money on a lawyer who doesn't make you happy.
Another way to minimize your costs is to work with a law firm that has a good reputation. Law firms that do not have a sterling reputation can pass the cost onto their clients in the form of higher legal fees.
The cheapest DUI lawyers can charge as little as $150, while more reputable law firms will charge up to several thousand. In general, however, attorneys are allowed to charge reasonable fees.
The most important thing to do after being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is to retain an experienced Seattle DUI attorney. An attorney will be able to help you navigate through the legal maze and make the most of your situation. If you're lucky, your lawyer may even be able to minimize the conditions associated with a first time offense.
In the world of DUIs, the most expensive item can be your license. A conviction will not only affect your ability to drive, but it will also result in fines and other penalties. It's important to know the penalties for drunk driving in your state to avoid the worst possible consequences.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to reduce the number of trips you will need to make to court. This includes requesting an ignition interlock device for your car and limiting the length of your suspension. However, if you are arrested for a DUI, the shortest time frame for your license to be suspended will be 60 days.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need a Seattle DUI attorney to defend you against charges. This is because a conviction for this offense can have long-term consequences. For example, you may face suspension or revocation of your license, a criminal record, and other penalties. You also have to consider the impact of a conviction on your social and professional life.
The best Washington DUI attorneys combine their knowledge and experience to help their clients avoid the worst of these repercussions. In many cases, it's possible to negotiate reduced charges, and in others, you may need to go to trial.
As soon as you're arrested, you have seven days to request a hearing. An initial consultation is free. During this time, your lawyer can evaluate your situation and advise you of your options.
A first-time DUI offender can have his or her license suspended for 90 days. He or she can receive treatment and probation. But a second or third offense could result in a suspension for up to four years. There are additional sanctions such as community service or installation of an ignition interlock device.
