| The term DUI refers to ‘driving under the | | | | DC can be very serious so it is important to know |
| influence’ and is usually used in reference to drink | | | | what they are and how they apply in your case. |
| driving offences. If you are charged with a drink | | | | Severe punishments can be handed down for those |
| driving offence it is a good idea to seek the advice of | | | | with a blood alcohol level well in excess of .08% and |
| a qualified and experienced DC DUI lawyer as soon as | | | | for those with previous DUI convictions. If you are an |
| possible. Under state law you do not have to be | | | | underage driver then there are special laws applicable |
| drunk or even intoxicated to be charged with DUI, but | | | | to arrests made under DUI laws and there is also the |
| there has to be sufficient evidence that your driving | | | | possibility of community service, the contingent license |
| has been impaired or that you have a blood alcohol | | | | program and the entering of a plea bargain. |
| level that exceeds .08%. | | | | If you do not understand the legal process before you |
| You may not feel it necessary to hire a DC DUI | | | | then hiring a DUI lawyer is your best course of action. |
| lawyer and this is your personal choice. However, it is | | | | Not only will they defend you in court, but they will also |
| worth considering how a DUI lawyer can help your | | | | manage your case from the moment you hire them. |
| case before you make your decision. Not only can | | | | Managing your case can entail communications with |
| they advise you on how to proceed with your | | | | relevant authorities such as the state motor vehicle |
| defense, they can also tell you about the likely | | | | department, filling in and filing of forms and representing |
| penalties you will face, the court process and the state | | | | you at the suspension hearing at the motor vehicle |
| law that is applicable to the charges against you. | | | | department. |
| An experienced DC DUI lawyer will help to assess | | | | When your court hearing arrives your lawyer will |
| your legal situation and in particular make you aware | | | | represent you in court and present a defense on your |
| of the fines or penalties that are usually handed down | | | | behalf with the aim of achieving an acquittal or a lesser |
| in cases such as yours. It is important to note that | | | | sentence. An experienced DUI lawyer will know the |
| the majority of DUI lawyers will only deal with DUI | | | | court process and possibly the personnel involved |
| cases and therefore have expert knowledge of the | | | | allowing them to build a stronger argument for your |
| law and legal processes involved. | | | | case. |
| The consequences of a DUI conviction in Washington | | | | |