DUI Defense
DUI Defense Attorneys Serving Island County & Washington
A DUI allegation can put your license, freedom, record, employment and daily life at risk. The criminal case and the Department of Licensing process may move on separate tracks, making early legal guidance important.
Platt, Thompson & Buescher defends clients facing alcohol-, cannabis- and drug-related DUI allegations, including first-time, repeat and felony cases, test refusals, breath and blood evidence, license consequences, physical control and related driving charges.
What Is at Stake
A DUI allegation can disrupt your life—but it does not have to define your future.
A DUI charge can bring possible jail, fines, license restrictions, ignition-interlock requirements, insurance costs and court-ordered conditions. It can also affect employment, professional licensing, military service, family responsibilities and travel.
Early legal guidance can help you understand the separate court and Department of Licensing processes, preserve important evidence and make informed decisions about the next steps.
Immediate concerns may include
- Your freedom and criminal record
- Your driver’s license and ability to work
- Possible jail, fines and court-ordered conditions
- Employment, military service or professional licensing
- Insurance and ignition-interlock costs
- Family, travel and daily responsibilities
Understanding a DUI Case
What Washington law looks at—and what may be at stake.
A DUI case can involve the criminal court, a separate Department of Licensing process and several different forms of evidence. The details of the stop, testing, arrest and prior history all matter.
01
How Washington defines DUI
A charge may be based on an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, a THC concentration of 5.00 ng/mL or higher, or claimed impairment by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, another drug or a combination of substances.
Prosecutors may still rely on alleged impairment even when a test result is below the numerical limits.
02
Evidence officers may rely on
- Driving pattern and reason for the stop
- Odor, speech, appearance and answers
- Field sobriety-test observations
- Preliminary portable breath testing
- Formal breath or blood-test results
A roadside portable breath test is voluntary. Refusing a formal post-arrest chemical test can create separate licensing and evidentiary consequences.
03
Potential penalties and license consequences
- A first-conviction schedule can include at least 24 hours in jail or monitoring alternatives, a minimum $350 fine, license suspension and ignition interlock.
- A test result of 0.15 or higher, a formal-test refusal, prior offenses or a passenger under 16 can increase the consequences.
- Three or more qualifying prior offenses within 15 years can make DUI a felony.
The Department of Licensing process is separate from the criminal case. This is a general overview, not a prediction of any particular outcome.
DUI Matters We Handle
Focused defense for every stage of a DUI case.
The firm handles first-time, repeat and felony DUI allegations, test refusals, breath and blood evidence, license issues, cannabis and drug DUI, deferred prosecution and related driving charges.
Traffic Stops and Arrest Decisions
The defense may begin by examining whether the traffic stop and arrest were lawful and supported by the available evidence.
Field Sobriety Tests
We review horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand testing, including the instructions, conditions, administration and officer scoring.
Breath and Blood Evidence
We examine testing procedures, warrants, observation periods, instrument or laboratory records, sample handling and other issues that may affect admissibility or reliability.
Test Refusals and Driving Privileges
We advise clients about implied-consent issues, alleged refusals, Department of Licensing action, administrative hearings and ignition-interlock licensing.
Alcohol, Cannabis and Drug DUI
The firm handles allegations involving alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication and other drugs, including cases based on combined substances.
Deferred Prosecution and Case Resolution
We evaluate available defenses and resolution options, including motions, negotiation, deferred prosecution when appropriate and trial preparation.
Local Courtroom Experience
A DUI arrest is not a conviction.
The prosecution must prove its case. A DUI defense may involve challenging the legality of the stop or arrest, the reliability of officer observations, the administration of field sobriety tests, the collection and testing of breath or blood evidence, or whether required procedures and warnings were followed.
Our attorneys review police reports, video, testing records, laboratory materials and other evidence to identify legal and factual weaknesses. Depending on the case, the strategy may involve motions, negotiation, deferred prosecution or trial.
The allegation is the beginning of the legal process—not the end of the case.
Our Process
How we approach a DUI defense.
Every case is different. The defense strategy should reflect the evidence, the client’s immediate concerns and the legal issues presented.
01
Address the immediate issues
We review release conditions, court dates, licensing notices, work or military concerns and other time-sensitive matters.
02
Gather and preserve evidence
We seek police reports, dispatch records, video, witness information, breath-instrument records, laboratory materials and other available evidence.
03
Test the prosecution’s case
We examine the stop, arrest, field tests, chemical testing, warnings, procedures and scientific evidence for legal or factual weaknesses.
04
Build the defense strategy
We prepare a plan for motions, negotiation, deferred prosecution when appropriate, or trial based on the facts and the client’s goals.
DUI Defense Topics
Learn more about the DUI process.
Explore detailed information about DUI investigations, testing, arrest decisions, licensing concerns and potential case options.
Your Team
Attorneys who handle DUI matters.
Get Started
Speak with an experienced DUI attorney.
A confidential consultation can help you understand the criminal allegation, the licensing process and the options available based on the facts of your case.
180 NW Coveland St, Coupeville, WA 98239 · reception@plattbuescher.com