Repeat DUI Defense Lawyer in Seattle
If you have been arrested for DUI in Seattle, there is important information that you need to know about. Call an attorney right away. For example, did you know that you only have 20 days after a DUI arrest to request a hearing in or else face automatic license suspension? Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, an administrative license suspension begins being processed the moment you are taken into custody. If you miss this 20 day window, you will not have another chance to fight this process. This is just one reason why it is critical to speak to an experienced DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Another important fact you should know about your DUI arrest is the consequences you face. If you have had any previous DUI convictions in the past, the penalties for you will be even greater. In some cases, multiple prior convictions can lead to felony charges. The sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner you can find out more about the penalties you face.
Penalties for Repeat DUI Offenses in Seattle
When you are convicted of DUI in Washington, the biggest factor in sentencing is your prior DUI record. Judges and prosecutor's look to crack down on repeat DUI offenders. That is why penalties increase with each DUI offense. If you have had any DUI convictions in the past 7 years and are arrested again for driving under the influence, the penalties you face can be extremely serious. Another factor that courts use to determine a sentence is the BAC of the defendant. The legal limit for a driver over 21 is 0.08% and generally, any level that is over .15% is considered to be extremely high and thus even more reckless to operate a vehicle under.
According to RCW 46.61.5055, DUI offenders will be sentenced to penalties under the following guidelines:
In cases where your BAC is considered low (.15% or less) and you have one prior DUI conviction on your record, you can face 30 days to one year in jail, up to $5,000 in fines and 2 years of license suspension. If you have 2 or 3 previous convictions, you face 90 days to a year in jail, $2,000 to $5,000 in fines and fees and 3 year revocation of your license. If you BAC was .15% or greater, you can add up to one full additional year to your license revocation meaning if you are arrested for a 3rd or 4th DUI charge and have a high BAC, you can lose your license for up to 4 years! For many people, their ability to drive is essential to their ability to get to work or school and to take care of themselves and their families.
In addition to the jail time, fines and license suspension, multiple DUI convictions can result in penalties like alcohol treatment, community service, and more. If you have previous DUI convictions, you will also have to install an Ignition Interlock Device in your car for 5 to 20 years. This device, designed to stop repeat DUI offenders, requires the driver to breath into it before starting up the car. The device measures the alcohol content in the breath and will not start if it detects anything. In order to avoid the penalties, you should fight your charges with the aid of a Seattle DUI defense attorney.
Call A Seattle DUI Defense Attorney
Attorney Steve Karimi is a criminal defense lawyer in Seattle. He handles a lot of DUI cases and strives to get the best results possible for his clients. Every case is different, but many charges can be reduced or dismissed with the aid of a good Seattle DUI defense lawyer. He works to build your defense strategy by examining the circumstances around your arrest and looking for weak spots in the prosecution's case. Attorney Karimi is a former prosecutor himself and knows how they think and what can be done to get you a good deal. Second, third and fourth DUI charges are especially serious because the penalties increase with each subsequent arrest. Plus, there is a stigma to being a habitual violator and even a second DUI arrest can lead to charges much more serious than a first time offender.
If you have been arrested for a repeat DUI in Seattle, call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi right now. Attorney Karimi offers free, no obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose. When dealing with multiple DUI convictions, it is even more important that you seek legal help. Let DUI lawyer Steve Karimi use his experience as a prosecutor to help you with your Seattle DUI case. Don't let a second, third or fourth DUI arrest ruin your future, find out about your defense options.