DUI (Driving under the Influence)

A DUI arrest and conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. It can be very difficult for an average person to deal with the embarrassment, cost, and inconvenience that comes along with a criminal charge. It can have a negative impact on your family, employment, reputation, future job opportunities, security clearances, and even your family’s ability to get a job. We know that a criminal case can have far more lasting consequences than any sentence. Our goal in every case is to minimize the client’s long-term and immediate damage.

Is it possible to beat a DUI?

Yes! JGR Law Offices will conduct a thorough analysis of the legal issues surrounding your arrest. We begin at the moment that the officer first made contact with us. We want to verify that the stop was legal. The pretextual stop could result in the exclusion or retraction of evidence that was collected. Even if you fail the Field Sobriety Tests the results would still be admissible. Other legal challenges to evidence collection, such as your breathalyzer, are also considered. We are always looking for errors in the administration of tests by officers.

After we have received discovery, we will go through a long process of reviewing all legal issues that could lead to the suppression of evidence. Finally, we will dismiss the charge. We will seek to dismiss the charge if we are unable to do so immediately. Our ultimate goal is to find the best possible solution for our client. We will do everything possible to avoid jail time and lower fines. If you are unable to drive, you won’t be a productive member of society.

Will I go to Jail?

Most likely, not. To address this problem, we work hard to create an individual plan for each client. We present our clients with this plan in a positive way that makes it unnecessary to put them in jail. We will immediately create your “to-do list” upon your hiring us. This will help you to be successful. To negotiate aggressively on your behalf, we use the strengths of the State’s case and your proactive measures. In 98%, our clients have not been sent to jail.

How Much Does a Private DUI Defense Attorney Cost You?

It is crucial to make the right decision about whether or not you want private counsel. Although public Defenders are skilled lawyers, they are often overworked and have large caseloads. Their caseloads limit their time to handle each case. But, the cost of hiring a private lawyer to represent you is significant. The average cost of a first DUI defense in Kitsap County or Pierce County is approximately $2,500. It may be slightly more if you are facing additional criminal charges or a second DUI. All work on your behalf is included in this fee. There are no hourly charges.

Sometimes, your attorney might decide that hiring a private investigator or another expert is necessary for your defense. These costs will be separate from attorney fees. If your case cannot be resolved through negotiation, and you are sent to trial, there will be a daily fee. Over 90% of DUI cases don’t go to trial.

It is important to find out if the lawyer is an expert in DUI defense if they quote a lower fee than the average. Low fees can indicate a problem. You should also be wary of an attorney who charges $5,000 for a first DUI defense. Think about what you’re paying for by that fee. Some large companies have very high overheads and may need to charge more than the normal fee. However, this does not guarantee a better result. Nearly all of the “highly qualified” DUI defense attorneys will have been former prosecutors. They have high review ratings and have handled thousands or hundreds of DUI cases. They also spend a lot of their time in the same county as you were charged. This allows them to provide personalized attention, rather than passing you off to a less experienced associate. JGR Law Offices considers us to be “highly qualified”. We are known for our successes and trustworthiness.

Our lawyers are available to assist clients even on weekends and evenings. Call us after-hours to discuss fees and other matters related to your legal defense. It is one of the most difficult decisions you will make. It is an important decision. For a free consultation, call us anytime

What are the Penalties for DUI in Washington State?

Washington State’s DUI convictions are punishable by severe penalties. Most crimes at the District Court or Municipal Court level (which includes DUI) don’t have mandatory minimum sentencing. Driving under the influence is one exception to this rule. The Washington State Legislature has established a “sentencing range” for every DUI conviction. The sentencing range is determined by the severity of the offense (or refusal) and any previous DUI history. These are the minimum mandatory sentences, as shown in the grid known as the DUI Sentencing Grid. Our goal is to help people avoid getting sentenced under this grid.

What can we do to help you?

Initial meeting

At our first meeting, we begin to formulate our defense strategy. Washington State is known for being one of the most difficult states in DUI sentencing. Our primary goal is to avoid long-term negative consequences from a DUI conviction. We strive to solve cases so that our clients are satisfied. DUI Sentencing Grid is followed. Each case is treated with the same strict procedure, starting at the first meeting or phone conversation. You can expect that we will be in touch with you within our first meeting.

* Discuss the facts with you to determine what defense options may be available in your case.

* Discuss with you the possibility of obtaining exculpatory evidence. A video of the stop could be taken by a residence or business.

* Be sure to understand the timelines. For example, you must request your DOL hearing within seven days.

* Gather all information (including who can and who can’t speak with us).

* All forms you’ll need to move your case forward (such as the DOL Hearing Request Form)

* Please describe to me the Washington State laws that apply to your DUI case. This is often used to dispel myths people believe to be true.

We will work together to create the best strategy possible. While this will include our firm looking for the best legal defenses to your particular facts, it may also require some work from you. We will give you a list of “marching orders” that are tailored to your particular case within a few days. These suggestions could include (1) obtaining a chemical dependency assessment; (2) completing a DUI Victims Impact Panel; and (3) completing a defensive driving class. Many times, it was our clients’ proactive efforts that led to amazing outcomes.

As the case is pending

After completing these tasks, we begin the process of deciding on a course of action for your case. Each case is unique and our decision will be based on the wishes of each client. A DUI case can typically follow four routes.

1.Motions to Suppress and/or dismiss the stop and/or arrest must be considered Constitutional violations. The Court must declare that the stop and arrest were unconstitutional.

2.Pre-Trial Diversion. This is a contract between the defendant and the government. A successful “PDA”, although it can lead to a reduction in charges, may result in dismissal.

3.Deferred Prosecution. This plan is for five years and ends with dismissal. Only one Deferred Prosecution can be filed in your lifetime.

4.Trial by Jury of Judge. This is the riskiest path. This is based on our evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses in the case of the government. This is the riskiest and offers the greatest reward.

Pre-Trial Diversion Agreements are the most common way to resolve cases. People who feel they have a drug dependency or need treatment can use Deferred Prosecutions. Although they make up a small portion of resolutions, motions and trials should be considered when all the facts are in order.

Administrative issues

A DUI charge in Washington can be quite complicated. DUI charges can be handled by the criminal court. Your license can be suspended by the Department of Licensing. A person’s right to drive is suspended by either a criminal court or DOL civil. Things get more complicated if an accused has a DUI record or has a CDL. We can handle both sides of this equation. We often handle complicated cases in which an accused has a prior conviction, refused to take the test, or is younger than 21 years.

You must submit the correct form within seven days of the date you were arrested to challenge the DOL’s suspension. Although the arresting officer should provide you with the form, they may not. The form can be attached to this page if you don’t have it.

You can reach our office if you have any questions about filling out this form. You must mail your request if you hold an out-of-state license. Online ordering is not possible. Do not wait until the last minute!

DUI below.08 Standard

Washington law enforcement is now pursuing DUI arrests for drivers below the.08 limit. Drivers who are arrested for DUI often get confused when they discover that their blood alcohol level is well below the.08 limit. Many drivers assume that an attorney is unnecessary because the case will be dismissed when they appear in front of a judge. This is not always true. The DUI statute (RCW 46.61.502) gives the State authority to bring criminal charges against any defendant below.08. However, this option was seldom used by law enforcement. These arrests have been increasing in recent years. The arresting officer determines that you are impaired under the statute using subjective standards. The.08 measurement is a standard without any meaning. You can be arrested for DUI even if your breathalyzer reading is not relevant as long as the officer can use the “impaired” portion of the statute.

Prescription Medication DUI / Marijuana DUI

Washington State has seen a more than twofold increase in the number of Drug Recognition Experts (or “DREs”) in recent years. Understanding that prescription medication can result in DUI arrests if it is used according to the doctor’s instructions, is crucial. Prescription medications and sleeping aids are often used as a defense.

Additionally, marijuana legalization has seen a significant increase in marijuana DUI arrests. Although marijuana is legal, impaired driving is still illegal.

Get in touch early to start the process

We are available to speak with anyone regarding their DUI charges, any time of the day or night. We encourage late-night phone calls because we want you to be as helpful as possible during this process. We are available to assist you on the roadside in making crucial decisions that will affect your case. Many case-changing decisions can be made quickly and without a lot of stress. It is never a bad idea to contact a DUI lawyer for advice. Call us to schedule a consultation, even if you are not on the roadside. You can talk as long as you like over the phone, in person, or via ZOOM calls.

Although it is rare for someone to plan to drive while under the influence, sometimes mistakes do happen. Keep our number on your phone, and ask the officer to make a call. Our phones are answered at all hours of the day. There are no guarantees. An attorney is a good idea at the start of your DUI case. Make a plan and take control of your case.