Snohomish County DUI Attorney

The penalties of a first offense DUI or Physical Control conviction include:

• Heavy fines, costs, assessments and probation fees, exceeding a thousand dollars
• At least 1 day in jail, but up to 364 days
• Probation
• A suspended or revoked license
• An ignition interlock device for at least a year, at your expense
• Assessment and possibly, court-mandated treatment for alcohol or drug abuse

The penalties for a second or third DUI or Physical Control conviction are much more severe.

• Mandatory minimums range from 30 to 120 days of incarceration in the county jail, plus up to 150 days on electronic home detention, at your own expense.
• It is not unusual for repeat offenders to serve 364 days in jail, the maximum that the law allows.

As if the criminal penalties are not enough, society views those convicted of DUI or physical control very negatively.

• Since a DUI / Physical Control conviction can never be vacated (expunged), it will remain on your record for the rest of your life.
• Employer background checks will show the conviction.
• Lenders and landlords, as well as colleges and universities, also run background checks.
• This can have a very harmful effect on your future opportunities in life.
• However, if your DUI is reduced to a lesser offense, after a period of time, you may request that the court vacate that lesser offense.
• In order to keep your freedom, your privilege to drive, and your future opportunities in life, you need a law firm that is aggressive in defending you.