Puyallup DUI Defense Lawyer
A DUI charge can pose a serious problem for drivers. Not only could you lose your license and face serious legal penalties, but being convicted of a DUI is often regarded as incredibly embarrassing. You should hire an experienced attorney to help you fight the charges.
You may fight your DUI charges in various ways, depending on the facts and evidence in your case. It is possible that you were not actually intoxicated, and police officers mistook a medical condition for intoxication. Alternatively, the chemical testing equipment could be faulty, or there is simply not enough evidence to support the charges. Your lawyer can help you determine the best possible defense for your specific circumstances.
Speak to our DUI defense attorneys in a private review of your case by calling the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.
How Do I Fight DUI Charges in Puyallup?
How we fight your DUI charges will depend on a range of factors in your case.
You Were Not Intoxicated
It is possible that you were not actually intoxicated. The police might have stopped you and mistook the signs of a medical condition for intoxication. It might be difficult to explain to the police that you have a medical condition and are not actually intoxicated, which is why you need an attorney who can help you do it in court.
Faulty Chemical Testing Equipment
When the police conduct chemical testing, they must make sure that the testing equipment is working properly. If our DUI defense attorneys have reason to believe the equipment was not working properly or was not calibrated correctly, we can challenge the BAC results.
Your Vehicle Was Not Moving
While it is possible to be charged with a DUI even if the car is parked, it might make it more difficult for the authorities. In such cases, prosecutors must have additional evidence that you drove the car while you were intoxicated since the police did not witness the vehicle actually moving. While this is not always a complete defense, it can make it much more difficult for prosecutors to prove the case.
Why Should I Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer?
You might think about handling your DUI case alone, but this is likely not a good idea. Navigating the legal process may be difficult, and an attorney may be better able to help you fight the DUI.
Communicating with Police and Prosecutors
Your attorney can help you communicate with law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court throughout your case. For the most part, your attorney should be your point of contact for all these parties.
Evaluating Evidence
Your attorney should have experience with evidence, including being able to determine where to find it, how to obtain it, and how to use it in court. Evidence is one of the trickiest parts of a case, as it is not always easy to obtain. In a DUI case, evidence often comes from prosecutors through the discovery phase. Your lawyer can ask the court to compel the prosecutors to produce evidence.
Maintaining Your License
With a lawyer, you may be more likely to keep your license, even if you must face other penalties. Depending on your circumstances, the court may have some discretion about whether to impose a license suspension or how long the suspension should last. Your attorney can argue to help you keep your license.
FAQs About How to Fight DUI Charges in Puyallup
What Should I Do if I am Arrested for a DUI?
If you are arrested for a DUI, stay calm and do not resist law enforcement. You may quickly be taken into custody, where the police will request to perform mandatory chemical testing. If you refuse testing at this point, you may face further legal penalties even if the DUI charges do not stick. Contact an attorney to help you fight the DUI as soon as possible.
Will I Lose My License if I am Charged with a DUI?
Possibly. One of the many penalties of a DUI is that your driver’s license may be suspended. Whether your license is suspended and for how long depends on your alleged BAC and whether you have a history of DUIs on your record.
How Intoxicated Does Someone Have to Be to Be Charged with a DUI?
If chemical testing shows that a driver has a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of at least .08%, they may be charged with a DUI. However, you may also be charged if your BAC is lower than this “legal limit” if the police officer who arrests you believes you are intoxicated enough to make driving unsafe. People with a low tolerance for alcohol may be charged this way.
Will I Go to Jail for a DUI in Puyallup?
Maybe. Penalties for DUIs may depend on the defendant’s alleged blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and whether they have any prior DUI convictions. First-time offenders might spend little time behind bars. However, if you have prior convictions and a high BAC, you might be sentenced to several weeks or months in jail.
Should I Hire a Lawyer if I am Charged with a DUI?
Yes. People often want DUIs to go away as quickly as possible, so they tend to plead guilty or otherwise not put up much of a defense. However, you have the right to defend yourself, and a lawyer can help you fight the charges and hopefully avoid harsh penalties.
Can I Be Charged with a DUI if My Vehicle Was Parked?
Yes, but it is arguably more difficult for the authorities to prove the charges if the police did not actually witness the defendant driving. Under the law, a person may be charged with a DUI up to two hours after driving if their BAC is high enough.
Do I Have to Go Through Chemical Testing for a DUI?
Chemical testing is mandatory after a driver is arrested for a DUI, but the police cannot force them to submit to chemical testing. Instead, the police must inform drivers of the chemical testing requirements and that there are legal penalties for refusing to submit to testing. If you refuse, you could lose your license, whether or not you are convicted of the DUI.
Can I Get My License Back if I am Convicted of a DUI?
Yes. Once the suspension period is over, you may have your license restored. However, in severe cases, a driver’s license may be revoked, and the authorities may not be required to restore it. If your suspension period is complete, ask a lawyer to help you restore your license.
Speak to Our Puyallup DUI Defense Attorneys for Help Today
Speak to our DUI defense attorneys in a private review of your case by calling the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.