Experienced Felony DUI Lawyer: Protect Your Rights in WA.
What Does DUI-DWI Really Mean?
In Washington State, DUI stands for "Driving Under the Influence," while DWI is used less frequently and typically means "Driving While Intoxicated." Although people often mix up these terms, they have specific meanings that can affect your situation.
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a term that’s not commonly used in Washington's legal system. Instead, DUI covers both alcohol and drug-related offenses. Essentially, if you’re caught driving while impaired, it’s likely that you’ll be charged with a DUI.
If you’re driving and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.8 or higher, you can be charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). Often, a DUI first offense is charged as a misdemeanor. However, if you have been convicted of four priors or four previous offenses relating to impaired driving within a ten-year period, you could be facing a DUI conviction.
For more details on DUI (Driving Under the Influence) penalties and licensing consequences
Call Lyliane Couture now at 509-765-6700
How Do I Avoid a First DUI Conviction?
Avoiding a DUI conviction starts with not drinking and driving. However, if you have been arrested for drinking and driving, here are two things you can do to prevent a conviction:
Invoke Your Right To Remain Silent
Invoking your right to remain silent is one of the most important things you can do if you’re arrested for a DUI. When you're pulled over by a police officer or taken into custody, anything you say can be used against you in court.
The stress of the situation might make you want to explain yourself or argue. Still, it’s critical to remember that you do not have to say anything beyond providing basic information, such as your name and driver’s license.
Request a DUI Attorney Immediately
If you’ve been arrested for drinking and driving, remain silent and request an attorney with experience in DUI defense near you. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you're up against serious consequences like fines, losing your license, or even months in jail.
A skilled DUI defense attorney knows the ins and outs of the system and can help you avoid a conviction of a DUI by protecting your rights and building the best possible defense strategy.
Right after you're arrested, the police will start gathering evidence. Without a lawyer, it’s easy to misunderstand the impact of things like sobriety tests or breathalyzer results. Getting an attorney involved right away means you’ll have someone in your corner who can challenge questionable evidence and ensure your rights are upheld.
They may even be able to negotiate a reduced charge or, in some cases, get the case dismissed—helping you avoid the life-changing consequences of a conviction of a DUI.
Having legal support from the start can make all the difference in getting a more favorable outcome. Don’t wait! Call an attorney as soon as possible to protect yourself.
Why Hiring an Experienced DUI Attorney is Critical
If you've been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it's easy to feel hopeless, as if there's no chance of winning your case. Many people think that just because they were cuffed, they're automatically guilty. Most people arrested for DUI don’t fully understand their legal rights during the arrest, interrogation, and testing process.
A DUI charge is unique in that it’s a crime of degree. In other words, just because you had some alcohol doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. In Washington, it’s legal to have a drink and still drive, as long as your ability to operate the vehicle isn’t impaired.
This is why a skilled DUI attorney like Lyliane Couture should review every DUI case. An experienced lawyer will know how to analyze the details of your arrest.
DUI laws are complicated, so, hiring a general criminal defense attorney without significant DUI experience could hurt your chances of a favorable outcome. You need a lawyer who knows the law and has a track record of winning DUI cases.
Call Lyliane Couture today! 509-765-6700
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties do you face for a felony DUI?
A felony DUI in Washington State can result in severe penalties, including up to five years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, and a license suspension of at least two years. You may also face mandatory alcohol treatment programs, probation, and the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
If someone was injured or killed, the penalties could be even more severe. Every case is unique, so the specific penalties depend on factors like prior offenses and the circumstances of your arrest.
Can a DUI be expunged from your record?
In Washington State, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged or removed from your criminal record. It will remain on your record permanently, which can impact employment, insurance rates, and your ability to obtain professional licenses. However, there may be opportunities to reduce the charges or penalties during your case with the help of an experienced DUI attorney.
What are my rights during a DUI arrest?
During a DUI arrest, you have several important rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You do not have to answer any questions beyond providing your basic information, like your name and driver’s license.
You also have the right to refuse field sobriety tests, although this may result in immediate license suspension. It’s crucial to request a DUI lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that the arresting officers follow proper procedures.