Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Washington, DUI charges are serious. A DUI carries mandatory license suspension and mandatory minimum jail time depending on if you have any prior convictions within 7 years, what the result of the breath test was or if you refused a test. In Washington, you could be charged with a DUI for being over the legal limit (.08 breath test), being under the influence of a drug or if "affected by" a drug or alcohol. This means you could still be prosecuted for a DUI if you blew under the legal limit. There are many complex legal issues that come up in DUI cases. These include, but are not limited to:
- Probable cause to stop
- Mistakes or flaws in field sobriety testing
- Breath test mistakes or legal errors
- Probable cause to arrest
If you are charged with a DUI, an attorney can be vital to spotting these issues and helping you through the difficult situation. Katie Kauffman has experience in DUI defense, including negotiations, reduction of charges, motion argument, navigating through possible consequences and trial.
As of September 28, 2013, new DUI laws have come into play in Washington. These have implications for fines, release when charged with a DUI, ignition interlock devices and mandatory minimum sentencing. Katie Kauffman can help you navigate this complex and frequently changing area of the law.