If I am convicted of DUI, will I still be able to drive?

In most cases, yes – with an IIL (Ignition Interlock License), which requires installation of the device (aka “blow and go’) on your vehicle, SR-22 high risk insurance, and after those are documented with the DOL in Olympia, applying online or by mail for an IIL. But, if you have certain convictions enumerated in a … Read more

I shouldn’t have blown at the roadside or taken the field sobriety tests

What if I did, just trying to be cooperative with the cops? Am I stuck with it now? Breath tests are often suppressible if they were not properly administered, maintained, calibrated, etc. It’s technical scientific stuff. Likewise, the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (“SFST’s”) can often be successfully challenged in court with pretrial motions. Even admissions … Read more

How will my car insurance be affected?

It will go up like a rocket for at least 3-5 years. An experienced DUI attorney will have that in mind when he tries to get your DUI charge reduced for you. We Washington State DUI defense attorneys have to think of minimizing way more than just the jail time if there is a DUI … Read more

What are the issues at a DOL Hearing?

The issues are, as stated at http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/hearingsprepare.html: During your DUI hearing, our hearing examiner will consider: Whether you were under lawful arrest. Whether an officer had reasonable grounds to believe you had been driving or were in actual physical control of a motor vehicle in this state while: Under the influence of intoxicating liquor or … Read more

How long will a DUI conviction be on my record?

Well, in Washington State, a DUI conviction stays on your record forever, but is most dangerous to you for 7 years – for purposes of any repeat DUI charge(s) from the date of arrest, triggering mandatory substantially enhanced jail time, fines and driver’s license suspensions. However, DUI convictions, deferred prosecutions, and any conviction of a … Read more

DUI-Marijuana/Pot

— Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana (THC) – What should I know about this? Is it different for Adults and Minors? It certainly is. Here are the basics: The police could (after laws that went into effect on 12/06/2012) obtain blood samples from you without a warrant! Unbelievable! But warrants are now required for … Read more

Do the cops really lie a lot on the police reports?

Yes; it’s astounding. Most people lie on occasion, but they seem to have the market cornered. I view myself as a sort of ‘quality control’ device when I cross-examine them, but I don’t enjoy it that much. Some cops are totally honest, too, and would rather see you walk even if you’re guilty than lie … Read more