Olympia DUI Defense Attorney

Over 30 Years of Combined Legal Experience

If you have been charged with a DUI, you are probably feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about your future. The legal process is extremely complicated and it is in your best interest to hire a skilled Olympia DUI defense lawyer to help you through it. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we are committed to helping you understand your rights and options so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

Call (844) 311-8605 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team.

What Is a DUI?

In Washington, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or 0.04% or higher if you are driving a commercial vehicle.

If you are a minor, it is illegal to drive with 0.02% BAC or higher in your system.

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington are severe and can have a long-lasting impact on your life.

These penalties can include:

• Driver’s license suspension
• Steep fines
• Probation
• Mandatory ignition interlock device
• SR-22 insurance
• And more

How to Beat a DUI in Olympia

It is important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. An officer can make mistakes during the arrest process and, if they do, it could result in a dismissal of your charges.

Some common mistakes an officer can make include:

• Not having reasonable suspicion to pull you over
• Not following proper procedure during the arrest
• Not having probable cause to arrest you
• Not conducting a lawful search
• Not reading you your Miranda rights

If you are facing DUI charges, our experienced Olympia DUI defense attorney can help you build a strong case.

Call (844) 311-8605 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Washington?

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington depend on the number of prior convictions you have had and the details of your case.

If it is your first conviction, you could be facing up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and a mandatory ignition interlock device.

If you have three or more prior convictions within the past 10 years, you could be facing felony charges, which come with potentially higher penalties.

In addition to these criminal penalties, you will also have a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and more.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Washington?

In Washington, a DUI conviction will stay on your record forever.

This means that, even if you have only been charged with one DUI, it will be visible on your background check. This could make finding a home, getting a job, or qualifying for a loan difficult.

Can You Get a DUI Expunged in Washington?

As mentioned before, DUI convictions In Washington are permanent. This means you cannot get a DUI expunged from your record.

How Much Does a DUI Cost in Washington?

The cost of a DUI in Washington can be quite high.

In addition to the fines and fees imposed by the court, you will also be responsible for the cost of an ignition interlock device, SR-22 insurance, legal fees, and more.

This can add up to thousands of dollars.

In addition to these costs, you will also be required to miss work to attend court hearings, meetings with your probation officer, and more.

This can result in lost wages.

What Are Some DUI Defense Strategies?

If you have been charged with a DUI in Washington, it is important to understand your options for defense. Here are some common strategies that may be used to defend against a DUI charge:

• Challenging the accuracy of field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests, such as the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand, are often used by law enforcement to determine if someone is under the influence of alcohol. However, these tests can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect a person's level of intoxication.
• Questioning the validity of breathalyzer results: Breathalyzers are commonly used to measure a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, there are many factors that can affect the accuracy of these devices, such as improper calibration or human error.
• Arguing against the legality of the traffic stop: In order for a DUI charge to be valid, law enforcement must have had probable cause to pull you over. If it can be proven that there was no legal basis for the traffic stop, any evidence collected after may not hold up in court.
• Presenting an alternative explanation for erratic driving: Sometimes, individuals may exhibit behaviors that could be interpreted as signs of intoxication while driving due to reasons other than alcohol consumption. This could include fatigue, medication side effects, or even a medical condition.
• Utilizing expert testimony: In some cases, it may be beneficial to bring in an expert witness who can provide testimony surrounding the accuracy and reliability of the field sobriety tests performed by law enforcement. This could help to challenge the validity of the evidence collected and potentially weaken the prosecution's case.

By utilizing these strategies and working closely with your DUI defense attorney, you can increase your chances of successfully fighting a DUI charge. Remember, being charged with a DUI does not automatically mean you will be convicted. With strong legal representation and a solid defense strategy, you can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we are committed to helping you understand your rights and options so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe?

Our experienced legal team can:

• Investigate your arrest for any mistakes
• Help you build a strong case
• Ensure you are treated fairly throughout the legal process
• And more

We know that this is a difficult time in your life and we are here to help you. Our DUI defense attorney in Olympia is here to guide you through understanding your rights and choices, empowering you to make well-informed decisions regarding your case.

Call (844) 311-8605 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team.