DUI Attorneys in Seattle, WA

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Seattle, call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi. When it comes to your future, make sure you get the best legal representation possible. A DUI charge can lead to serious consequences that have long term effects on your life. Even a first time DUI offense can lead to jail time and steep fines if you do not have knowledgeable legal aid.

Seattle police are trained to spot drivers who are impaired and can sometimes be over anxious to arrest offenders. This can lead to innocent people being charged. According to the Century Council, Washington police made 11,101 DUI arrests in 2011. In Washington, a person can be charged with DUI if they drive a vehicle or have “actual physical control of a motor vehicle” and any of the following are alleged:

• You had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more
• You had a THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) concentration of 0.05 or more
• You were impaired by drugs, intoxicating liquor or a combination of the two

Seattle DUI Penalties

When facing any type of DUI charge in Washington, it is vital that you understand what penalties you are facing. All DUI convictions in the state include a mandatory number of hours of jail time and some license suspension. Even a first time DUI can lead to serious sentencing including:

• Charges for a gross misdemeanor
• A  minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 1 year of jail time
• A  minimum of $350 and a maximum of $5,000 in fines
• 90 days of driver's license suspension

A DUI conviction on your criminal record can affect your ability to find a job, housing and even get into school. Additionally, the penalties will be greater if you refused a chemical sobriety test, caused an accident, have prior DUI convictions or committed any other offenses. The best way to avoid these penalties is to fight your charges and not get convicted.

Seattle DUI Charges

First DUI Offense: For many people a DUI charge is their first experience dealing with the legal system. Even a first time DUI offense can have serious penalties. A DUI charge should never be taken lightly.

Repeat DUI Offenses: If you have been convicted of a DUI in the past 10 years and have been charged with a subsequent DUI, there is important information that you should know. With every DUI charge you receive, you the penalties that you face will be harsher.

Felony DUI Charges: If you have 3 previous DUI convictions or caused a serious accident because you were under the influence, you could be charged with a felony DUI. Felony charges are much stricter than misdemeanor and carry serious consequences.

Under 21 DUI Charges: If you under the legal drinking age of 21 and are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, you need to understand your rights.  If your BAC is over .08%, you will be charged with a regular DUI in addition to the punishment you face for drinking underage. In 2011, 107 people were arrested for juvenile DUI in Washington.

Drug Related DUI: DUI charges can be caused by drug impairment as well as alcohol. This can be either prescription or illegal drugs. The charges for a drug related DUI can be just as harsh so it is important that you seek the aid of a professional attorney.

DUI Accidents: When an accident occurs and DUI is believed to be involved, harsh consequences can result. If a death or serious injury results from the accident, you could be facing felony DUI charges. Felonies can result in lengthy jail sentences and a lifetime of problems.

Child Endangerment: If you are arrested for DUI and a minor is in the car with you, you will also be charged with child endangerment. Every minor in the vehicle is added as a separate charge.

Commercial DUI: If you have a commercial license or are a professional driver, a DUI charged could cost you a lot. Even if you are not in the commercial vehicle at the time of arrest, you may still face commercial license suspension.

Call a Seattle DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are being charged with a DUI in Seattle, call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi. You need an experienced DUI attorney and you want a lawyer who cares. Attorney Steve Karimi has the compassion and the professionalism that you need to help you with every aspect of your DUI case. He is a top rated criminal defense attorney with a record of success handling DUI and criminal cases. Attorney Karimi cares about his clients and has in depth legal knowledge. Best of all, he is a former prosecutor so he understands how the other side works and can use it to your advantage.