DUI Defense Strategies From Top Bellingham Criminal Attorneys
We know how frustrating it is to face a charge of driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated. You’re embarrassed about being arrested, worried about your reputation, and wondering what will happen when your case goes to court. Our experienced Bellingham DUI attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you prepare a solid defense for your DUI charges.
Once you retain us, we’ll review the evidence against you to determine if the police made any collection or processing errors. If you decide to go to trial, one of our Bellingham DUI attorneys will represent you every step of the way, from the prosecutor’s opening statement to the jury’s final verdict.
Experienced Bellingham DUI Attorneys
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) contains all the laws currently in effect in Washington State. Under RCW 46.61.502, “A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state” under any of the following conditions:
- You have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher within 2 hours after driving. BAC measures the amount of alcohol you have in your blood.
- You have a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher within 2 hours after driving. THC is the abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol, the main ingredient in cannabis.
- You’re under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other drug.
- You’re under the influence of multiple substances, such as alcohol and cannabis, at the same time.
With DUI charges being more serious than ever, it’s important to work with experienced Bellingham DUI attorneys. Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC, has a knowledgeable DUI team ready to guide you. Our Whatcom County criminal defense lawyers have the resources, experience, and knowledge needed to prepare a solid defense and minimize the consequences of a conviction.
Serving Residents of Bellingham and the Greater Puget Sound Area
Bellingham, Washington, covers just 30.1 square miles, but it has some of the best outdoor recreation in the country. Locals spend time hiking in the Cascade Mountains, boating on the Salish Sea and taking pictures of Whatcom Falls. Due to its location just 21 miles from the Canadian border, Bellingham has a successful retail industry.
However, with its vibrant nightlife and cross-border traffic, many things can ultimately contribute to an increase in DUI charges in the area. These charges can have serious legal consequences for residents and visitors alike.
DUI Cases in Whatcom County
If you’ve been charged with a DUI offense, it’s natural to have questions. Here’s what you need to know about this type of case.
Reasons to Work With Bellingham DUI Attorneys
In Washington State, a DUI conviction comes with a mandatory jail sentence. Any time your freedom is at stake, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for your rights and give advice tailored to your situation.
Although our Washington criminal attorneys have handled hundreds of cases, no two DUI cases are exactly the same. We’ll work hard to help you navigate the legal system and put the charges behind you.
Potential Penalties for a Whatcom County DUI Conviction
Under RCW 46.61.5055, the penalties for a DUI conviction vary based on your driving history and the amount of alcohol in your blood at the time of your arrest. If you have no prior offenses within 7 years, a conviction carries a minimum jail term of 24 consecutive hours, assuming your BAC was less than 0.15. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, the minimum jail term increases to 48 consecutive hours.
If you have prior DUI convictions within 7 years, the minimum jail term ranges from 30 days to 120 days, depending on how many convictions you have. Additional DUI penalties include fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory participation in an alcohol monitoring program, and/or the use of an ignition interlock device to prevent you from driving under the influence. Skilled Bellingham DUI attorneys may be able to minimize the amount of time you spend in jail.
Evidence Used in Bellingham DUI Cases
It’s common for prosecutors to use the results of BAC tests in court. These tests measure the concentration of alcohol in your blood, so they can help prove that you were under the influence while operating a motor vehicle.
The prosecutor may also have the arresting officer in your case testify about what happened during the traffic stop. For example, the arresting officer may testify that you were speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, or engaging in other erratic driving behaviors.
It’s also common for the arresting officer to describe your performance on a series of field sobriety tests (FSTs). Police officers use FSTs to determine if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Common Bellingham DUI Defense Strategies
Bellingham DUI attorneys have extensive experience reviewing evidence and minimizing its impact in court. One common defense strategy is to challenge the validity of a BAC test result. An experienced attorney may be able to prove that the sample wasn’t collected according to the guidelines or that the machine used to test the sample wasn’t calibrated properly.
Your Bellingham DUI attorneys may also attempt to show that the arresting officer didn’t administer FSTs correctly. This involves watching body cam footage of the arrest to determine if the officer gave you clear instructions.
In the case of the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, it’s also possible the officer interpreted your natural eye movements as a sign of impairment. HGN occurs when your eyes begin jerking when you look to the side.
Hire an Experienced Bellingham DUI Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, you need an experienced legal team on your side. Our Bellingham DUI attorneys at Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC, are ready to protect your rights and prepare a strong defense. Contact us today to get help with your case.
