Multiple DUI Defense Lawyers in Tacoma

Providing Aggressive Legal Representation for Clients Facing Multiple DUI Offenses

Being arrested for a DUI can be overwhelming, as you risk losing your driver’s license, being ordered to install an ignition interlock device, and being ordered to pay steep fines. For those who are facing multiple DUI offenses, it can be frightening as you worry about your freedom and future. Washington State takes a tough stance on multiple DUI offenses and imposes stiff penalties, including being sentenced to lengthy jail time or state prison, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

If you have been charged with multiple DUI offenses, you must seek qualified legal representation immediately. Only a qualified Tacoma multiple DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Contact South Sound Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation with a qualified legal team member who will happily answer your questions.

What Can Happen if You Get Multiple DUIs in Washington State?

With each subsequent DUI conviction, you run the risk of opening yourself up to being charged with a felony and severe criminal penalties. Additionally, with each DUI conviction, you face a lengthy license suspension and will be ordered to pay steep fines. Prior DUI convictions remain on a criminal record, and any subsequent convictions within seven years will be subject to multiple DUI penalties.

Second DUI Conviction

• 30 to 45 days of mandatory jail time and 60-90 days of electronic home monitoring
• A one to three-year driver’s license suspension
• Five-year installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Up to five years of probation and alcohol counseling
• A maximum fine totaling $5,000

Third DUI Conviction

• 90-120 days mandatory jail time and 120-150 days of electronic home monitoring
• A three or four year driver’s license suspension
• 10-year ignition interlock device (IID)
• Five years of probation and alcohol counseling
• A maximum fine totaling $5,000

Fourth DUI Conviction

• A fourth DUI or subsequent offense within 10 years is charged as a Class B felony
• A possible prison term of 10 years
• A four-year license suspension
• Lengthy probation after finishing the time in prison

Just as with other DUI convictions, you will also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device after your driver’s license is reinstated and complete alcohol assessment and education classes.

Are There Any Legal Defense Strategies for Multiple DUI Cases?

Like a first-time DUI, several legal defense strategies can be used to fight the charges. If you are facing a felony DUI charge, hiring an experienced attorney who will fight to protect your freedom is essential. Because every case is different, it is essential to remember that only a skilled attorney can determine which defense strategy will work best for your needs.

Lack of Probable Cause

A common defense strategy is to determine whether the stop was unwarranted. If it is established that the officer lacked probable cause, your attorney can file a motion asking that the evidence be suppressed. If the motion is granted, the state’s case would be weakened and potentially dismissed.

Challenging Breath or Blood Tests

An experienced DUI attorney will thoroughly analyze the state’s case to identify flaws in the evidence. The state has the burden of proof to show that your BAC test was at least 0.08% or higher to pursue charges. However, breathalyzers and chemical tests often yield false results due to improper calibration, incorrect testing procedures, or blood draw delays.

Challenging the Chain of Custody

Strict procedures must be followed after chemical testing to ensure the integrity of blood samples. If an attorney can prove that the chain of custody was broken, they can argue that the evidence should be thrown out.

A DUI defense attorney can also challenge field sobriety tests, as they are highly subjective based on the officer’s opinions, which can be disputed.

Are Prosecutors Ever Willing to Drop DUI Charges Against Someone With Prior Convictions?

Individuals facing multiple DUI charges often question whether state prosecutors are willing to drop their charges due to the mandatory minimum jail time that accompanies convictions. In cases involving multiple DUI offenders, prosecutors will review the entire criminal record and specifically the past seven years. Any additional arrests within seven years of the first offense are considered a “prior offense” triggering enhanced penalties. A fourth DUI charge within 10 years can lead to a prosecutor pursuing a felony DUI charge.

Although prosecutors have the legal discretion to drop or reduce charges, they are usually reluctant to do so if a defendant has a prior offense. Due to the strict Washington State DUI laws, the prosecution is also limited in the plea deals it can offer.

The best way to mitigate the potential consequences of a multiple DUI conviction is to hire a criminal defense attorney who will represent your interests. At South Sound Law Group, we have extensive experience handling the various legal issues associated with DUI defense.

If you have a prior DUI offense, you cannot risk your freedom and future by hiring an attorney who lacks experience negotiating plea deals. Contact our DUI defense lawyers today so we can professionally evaluate your legal needs.

How Can a Multiple DUI Lawyer Help Me Avoid Criminal Penalties?

A significant advantage of hiring a multiple DUI lawyer is their ability to help defendants avoid severe criminal penalties. Although a fourth DUI arrest could result in a felony conviction, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal that lessens penalties.

One of the first actions a multiple DUI attorney takes is evaluating the strength of the state’s evidence. Often, if a defense attorney can point out inaccuracies in testing or that your civil rights have been violated, they can use these issues to gain leverage when working with the prosecutor.

If the prosecutor realizes they lack the evidence to pursue the case, they may be willing to drop or reduce charges. For example, an attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal in which the charges are reduced to negligent or reckless driving, which carries lesser penalties.

A defense lawyer can also work with the prosecutors to explore alternative sentencing options. A standard alternative sentencing option is participation in a diversion program. Also known as deferred prosecution, the defendant agrees to participate in an alcohol treatment program. The court will dismiss the charges once the program has been completed. As part of the diversion program, an individual may also be ordered to perform a specific number of community service hours. It should be stated that defendants who have previously completed diversion programs for prior offenses are not eligible for deferred prosecution.

What are the Other Legal Implications of Multiple DUI Convictions?

Aside from having a criminal record, multiple DUI convictions have several other legal implications. For example, suppose you are involved in a family law case involving divorce or child custody issues. The attorney for the other side can use your convictions to their advantage, which could restrict your ability to visit unsupervised with your child.

In other instances, if you are a repeat offender, it may affect your immigration status. DUI offenses can affect a person’s ability to apply for a green card and, in specific circumstances, may result in deportation. Other consequences may include a significant increase in insurance rates, difficulty obtaining an auto loan, job loss, or being barred from holding a professional license.

If you have been charged with drunk driving and this is not your first offense, you need a highly trained defense lawyer to fight DUI charges.

If you have concerns about the other legal implications of DUI cases, contact our law offices today so we can answer your questions.

Does Your DUI Defense Attorney Have the Experience It Takes to Win My Case?

Regardless of your DUI criminal case circumstances, you need an experienced defense attorney who will fight to reduce or dismiss your charges. If you have been accused of a fourthDUI within 10 years, you will be charged with a felony that can cause you to lose many of your civil rights and make it challenging to live your life.

South Sound Law Group is a law firm that assists clients accused of multiple DUI offenses. When you come to us for legal assistance, we will determine the most effective legal strategies to provide a winning defense. Our dedication to clients has helped us earn a proven reputation in the legal community and with our clients.

If you are facing a second or subsequent DUI, allow our legal team to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. Contact our Tacoma law offices today at 253-465-2722 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.