King County DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for DUI in King County, Washington, you are facing serious criminal penalties. DUI charges are aggressively prosecuted throughout King County, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and surrounding communities.

Early legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

DUI Arrests in King County

Law enforcement agencies throughout King County regularly conduct traffic stops, DUI patrols, and emphasis patrols focused on impaired driving enforcement.

A DUI arrest can occur if you:

  • Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
  • Have a THC concentration of 5.00 nanograms per milliliter or higher
  • Are allegedly impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or any drug

Even a first-time DUI offense carries mandatory minimum penalties under Washington law.

Common DUI Charges in King County

Drug-Related DUI: DUI charges based on prescription drugs, marijuana, or controlled substances.

Per Se DUI: Charges based solely on BAC or THC levels above the legal limit.

Repeat DUI: Increased penalties for prior DUI convictions within 7 years.

Under 21 DUI: Lower alcohol threshold (0.02%) for drivers under 21.

DUI Accidents: DUI charges involving collisions, potentially leading to felony-level charges such as vehicular assault.

King County DUI Penalties

DUI sentencing in King County follows Washington State law (RCW 46.61.5055). Penalties may include:

  • Mandatory jail time
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • License suspension
  • Ignition interlock device requirements
  • Probation supervision
  • Alcohol or drug evaluation and treatment

You also have only 20 days from the date of arrest to request a Department of Licensing hearing to challenge your administrative license suspension.

King County DUI Courts

DUI cases in King County are typically handled in:

King County District Court
516 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 205-9200

King County Superior Court
516 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 296-9100

Felony DUI cases and vehicular assault/homicide cases are generally handled in Superior Court.

King County DUI Defense Lawyer

DUI charges in King County are prosecuted aggressively. However, every case depends on the evidence.

Defense strategies may include:

  • Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
  • Examining breath or blood testing procedures
  • Reviewing field sobriety testing
  • Identifying constitutional violations
  • Negotiating reduced charges where appropriate

Attorney Steve Karimi is a former Washington prosecutor who understands how DUI cases are evaluated in King County courts. He works to protect your license, your record, and your future.

Call 206-222-3280 now for a free consultation. Available 24/7.