Lynnwood DUI Defense Attorney 

You are innocent until proven guilty, even if the charges involve driving under the influence. The prosecution has the burden of proving you were drinking and driving. In Washington state, even for a first offense, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences which is why it is vital to protect your rights and fight against your charges. Your driving privileges, reputation, freedom, and finances are all on the line. 

Contact McAvoy Law, PLLC for a free 30-minute consultation after you have been pulled over.  We serve clients in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Kirkland, Seattle, Everett, Marysville, and communities throughout King and Snohomish counties.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Washington?

Washington law is tough on DUI charges. For a first offense with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, penalties include:

• Jail time of 1 to 364 days
• Fines and fees of up to $8,000
• Mandatory enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment programs
• Driver’s license suspension for 90 days to up to 2 years 
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle

After a DUI conviction, you can expect your auto insurance rates to increase significantly. A conviction can also affect future employment – many companies will not hire a person who has been convicted of DUI and you may be ineligible to obtain certain professional licenses. A DUI conviction on your record can also affect your ability to get a mortgage or students loans. 

Defenses Against Driving Under the Influence

In order to build a strong defense, your attorney must look at the specific circumstances of your case. This includes carefully reviewing police reports; challenging evidence, such a blood and breathalyzer results; and ensuring proper procedures were followed by the arresting officers. 

Legal defenses against DUI charges can thus include:

• Proving the unreliability of breath tests. Different factors can affect the results, including what a person has eaten; certain medications; dental work; mouthwash or breath spray; and certain medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The breathalyzer itself must also be properly calibrated and administered by an officer who is fully trained in its operation. 
• Another common defense is illegal stop of a person or vehicle. Police officers cannot pull you over without first having a specific and reasonable belief that you were drinking and driving. If you were not driving erratically, speeding, swerving, or showing other signs of impaired driving, the officer may not have had reasonable cause to pull you over.  
• If you were arrested for DUI and the police officer failed to read you your rights, including the right to remain silent, your attorney can have evidence against you suppressed. 

Attorney Kimberly McAvoy is well versed in DUI defense. Our law office has been protecting the rights of clients facing DUI charges for years and can help you avoid severe penalties as well. 

Take action to protect your future. Call McAvoy Law, PLLC at (425) 374-0761 to speak with an experienced Lynnwood DUI defense lawyer.