Seattle DUI Attorney
DUI Penalties
The flashing lights. The police pullover. The tests and accusations. A DUI accusation is no walk in the park. But the penalties for a DUI conviction make the arrest pale in comparison. From jail time to mandatory education, fines to significant social stigma, Seattle DUI penalties are real and increasingly serious, especially with growing public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
In recent years, law enforcement and prosecutors have become more aggressive when it comes to DUI prosecution. This is good news for keeping drunk drivers off the road, but could spell out bad news if you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI. DUI penalties do vary by state, but have some common aspects. If you are a first-time offender, your penalty will be less severe. Depending on the amount of blood alcohol content (BAC), you will most likely face a misdemeanor offense and have to serve probation and pay some hefty fines. However, the system is designed to punish repeat offenders, and your second, third, or fourth offense could cause you to lose your license, force you to serve mandatory jail time, and even result in an interlock ignition device to prevent you from driving drunk.
Though the laws vary from state to state, all states recognize 21 as the legal drinking age. This affects underage people who drink and drive quite seriously - under current "zero tolerance" laws, any blood alcohol content of 0.01% or over is considered DUI for a person who is underage. This usually results in immediate license suspension. In addition, most states now have implied consent laws which require you to submit to blood alcohol testing if you are pulled over. If you refuse the test, your license is immediately revoked.
Most people envision jail cells and stiff fines when they think of DUI penalties. But the social affects can be costly and just as damaging. Our society places a huge stigma on a DUI conviction, and being known as a convicted DUI perpetrator could cause you to lose your job or have a hard time within your community. In addition, insurance companies tend to punish DUIs with extreme rate hikes, causing financial trouble and hardship.
Bottom line: your reputation, career, and personal life just can't afford a DUI conviction. At McNeese & Trotsky, we understand the stakes and your position. That's why we've provided exemplary legal representation for our clients 24 hours a day. Have you been accused of DUI? Don't waste another second. Call McNeese & Trotsky today for a free case consultation with a skilled Seattle DUI lawyer.
Free consultations ● Our office is located in the heart of downtown Seattle, just a few blocks from the King County courthouse