Criminal Defense Lawyers Representing People Charged with DUI Crimes in Thurston County

People charged with DUI crimes in Thurston County not only risk losing their driving privileges but also face potential criminal penalties and damage to their reputation and career. The prosecution faces a high burden of proof in a DUI case, though, and if it is unable to meet that burden, the defendant should be found not guilty. If you are accused of committing a Thurston County DUI crime, it is wise to consult an attorney to explore your options for safeguarding your rights. The capable Thurston County DUI defense attorneys of The Law Offices of Smith & White PLLC are skilled at defending people charged with DUI crimes, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly to help you pursue the outcome you deserve. We frequently defend people charged with DUI offenses in Thurston County and cities in Pierce, South King, and Kitsap Counties.

Typically, it benefits people charged with DUI offenses to obtain copies of the police report pertaining to their arrest. To request a police report for a Thurston County DUI arrest, people must use the online records request portal on the County website. It is best to provide as much detail as possible to facilitate the search. Thurston County follows specific procedures for handling requests, and some types of documents may be exempt from disclosure. Thurston County charges fees in accordance with RCW 42.56.120(2). Information on exemptions and fees can be found on the Washington State Office of the Attorney General's website.

In Washington, a person may face multiple DUI charges based on different provisions of RCW 46.61.502. For example, if a person drives a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, they can be charged with a DUI. If a person operates a vehicle while being impaired due to alcohol consumption, they can be charged with a DUI as well. Finally, people can also be charged with DUI under RCW 46.61.502 for driving with a blood THC concentration of 5.00 or higher or while under the influence of cannabis or any other drug.

The exact meaning of "under the influence" is not defined in the statute, but it is generally interpreted by Washington courts to mean that the person is impaired to the extent that they lack the mental and physical abilities needed to drive safely. In other words, a person can be charged with a DUI if the investigating officer believes they are too impaired to drive.

To convict someone of a Thurston County DUI offense, the State must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the evidence presented must be sufficient to remove any doubt of the person's guilt in the mind of a reasonable person. When it comes to DUI charges that are based on a person's BAC or THC level, the State has the burden of proving that the chemical test in question was properly administered and conducted within the required time frame. If the test was not administered within the legally required time frame or if the device used to administer the test was not calibrated properly, a DUI defendant can argue that the results of the test are invalid and should be excluded from evidence.

Unlike the State, criminal defendants do not bear a burden of proof; in other words, they are not required to offer evidence in their favor or otherwise establish that they did not commit the charged offense. In some instances, however, it may be beneficial for a DUI defendant to set forth an affirmative defense. For example, it is an affirmative defense to DUI charges that a defendant consumed alcohol or cannabis after they drove but before the police administered a chemical test. If you were charged with a DUI offense, a knowledgeable Thurston County DUI defense lawyer can advise you of your available defenses.

A DUI is a serious offense that can lead to the loss of driving rights, fines, and jail time. Therefore, if you are charged with a DUI crime, it is prudent to speak to an attorney to discuss what measures you can take to protect your interests. The Thurston County DUI defense lawyers of The Law Offices of Smith & White PLLC have ample experience defending parties accused of driving under the influence, and if you engage our services, we will work diligently to help you seek a favorable outcome. We represent people charged with DUI crimes in Thurston County as well as in cities in Pierce, South King, and Kitsap Counties. You can contact us at 253-203-1645 or through the form online to set up a meeting to discuss your charges.