Criminal Defense Lawyers Helping People Charged with Kitsap County DUIs Protect Their Rights

Law enforcement agents in Kitsap County aggressively investigate and prosecute DUI crimes, resulting in hundreds of DUI charges each year. While people accused of DUI crimes are often understandably apprehensive, the prosecution must offer substantial evidence to establish a defendant’s guilt, and in many cases, it is unable to meet the burden of proof. If you are charged with a DUI in Kitsap County, it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to discuss your possible defenses. The skilled Kitsap County DUI defense attorneys of The Law Offices of Smith & White PLLC possess the experience and resources needed to obtain favorable outcomes in criminal matters, and if you hire us, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. We routinely represent people accused of DUI crimes in Kitsap County and cities in South King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties.

It is critical for anyone charged with a DUI offense to retain a Kitsap County DUI defense attorney to help them obtain and analyze any evidence the prosecution intends to use against them. In most instances, this includes the police report arising out of a DUI arrest. Interested parties can submit requests for Kitsap County DUI arrests via the online public records center. Alternatively, they can visit any Kitsap County Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours, contact them by phone, or send a request by mail to: Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Public Records Officer, 614 Division Street MS-37. Port Orchard, WA 98366. People requesting records must pay any applicable fees.

RCW 46.61.502 establishes the bases for DUI charges. Specifically, it states that a person may be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they drive a car while their blood alcohol content (BAC) level is equal to or exceeds .08% or if their THC concentration is equal to or exceeds 5.00. The state can also charge a person with DUI if they drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A first-time Kitsap County DUI offense is typically charged as a gross misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Certain factors can result in more significant punishment, however. For example, if the defendant is under the legal drinking age or caused property damage or bodily harm, they will likely face an increased sentence. More substantial penalties are also imposed on people convicted of second or subsequent DUI crimes and those that had a child in their vehicle when they committed the charged crime.

In a Kitsap County DUI case, the prosecution bears the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant drove while either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or with a BAC or THC concentration that exceeds the legal limit. In cases in which the prosecution alleges the defendant’s BAC was .08% or higher, they will typically rely on the results of a blood or breath test to demonstrate guilt.

While the defendant does not have to offer evidence in their defense, in some instances, doing so may help them obtain a favorable verdict. In some instances, the defendant can prove that the test result relied upon by the prosecution is invalid, rendering the prosecution unable to prove its case. For example, if the machines used to administer the test do not comport with state law, the results may be unreliable. Further, if the law enforcement agent did not administer the test within the time frame established by law, the results of the test may be inadequate to demonstrate that the defendant drove while intoxicated. If you are charged with a DUI in Kitsap County, a Kitsap County DUI defense attorney can advise you as to whether there are grounds for attacking the prosecution’s evidence or additional arguments you can set forth in your defense.

People charged with DUI crimes in Kitsap County may face serious consequences if they are convicted. As such, it is critical for anyone accused of driving under the influence in Kitsap County to confer with a Kitsap County DUI defense attorney about their options. The knowledgeable Kitsap County DUI defense attorneys of The Law Offices of Smith & White PLLC have ample experience helping people charged with DUI crimes protect their interests, and if we represent you, we will gather the evidence needed to help you seek a favorable outcome. Our office is located in Tacoma, and we are available to meet clients by appointment at our second office in Vashon. We regularly represent people charged with DUI offenses in Kitsap County and cities in South King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties. You can contact us at 253-203-1645or through the form online to set up a meeting.