What are the Penalties for a First DUI

A conviction for DUI, which might occur after being accused and going through the court process, has a wide range of penalties. Washington State law lists mandatory minimum penalties for different levels of DUI. Generally, these include jail time, fines and loss of...

How a Misdemeanor DUI Becomes a Felony

Most DUI charges in Washington State are gross misdemeanors and not felonies. Gross misdemeanors have a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Washington law makes Felony DUI a Class B crime carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a...

DUI First Appearance

A DUI charge in Spokane usually triggers a First Appearance court hearing the next business day. At this hearing the judge will read your rights and the consequences of a DUI conviction, which may include jail time, fines, loss of driver’s license, ignition interlock...

One DUI Charge. Two Separate Cases

A DUI charge in Spokane will most likely lead to two separate cases: a criminal case in court and a separate Department of Licensing (DOL) administrative case. These are two completely independent cases. You can win one and lose the other. The court case usually...

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do for Me?

An experienced DUI attorney can help someone facing a criminal charge in countless ways. From explaining early deadlines to mapping out trial strategy, a DUI attorney will relieve the fear of the unknown and help you focus on family and work during this stressful...

What Does First Offense DUI Mean?

Most DUI’s in Washington State are misdemeanors and have a 7 year look back to determine offense level. Offense levels dictate the mandatory minimum penalties if you’re actually convicted of a DUI or the related charge of Physical Control. A new DUI arrest will most...

DUI Limits for Alcohol

Washington State DUI laws set the legal limit for alcohol at .08 if you’re 21 years of age, but there’s talk about lowering this limit. Setting any legal limit creates layers of confusion about what’s lawful and what’s safe. Limits imply drivers can legally drive with...

DUI Arrests During the Holidays

Historically, there have been more DUI arrests in Spokane during the holiday season. Many people take time off from work around the holidays and might have an extra drink when they’re out for dinner or while watching their favorite sports team at the bar. Others might...

Don’t Miss a DUI Deadline

Most folks accused of DUI in Spokane will have an initial court hearing or First Appearance the next business day after their arrest. However, in some situations these initial court hearings are delayed for two to three weeks. Unfortunately, this delay leads some...

DUI’s and Ignition Interlock Device

Washington State DUI laws outline three different points where folks are at risk of having the ignition interlock device (IID). Two are court related and one comes directly from the Department of Licensing (DOL). Most of the time, having the IID is linked to a...