Washington DUI Defense Attorneys

Wolff Criminal Defense

4040 Lake Washington Blvd. NE Suite 300 Kirkland, Washington 98033 USA

 (425) 284-2000

www.wolffcriminaldefense.com
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Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The attorneys of Wolff Criminal Defense are recognized advocates for people accused of DUI in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and the greater Puget Sound Area. The firm's principal, Aaron Wolff, is a former DUI prosecutor who has been in private practice for over a decade. Associate Chris Kattenhorn is a former public defender for the cities of Kent, Bellevue and Redmond. The two are also "of counsel" to the prestigious Cowan Kirk Gaston Law firm. Together, they form the largest DUI defense firm in Washington state.

Washington DUI laws are complex and constantly changing. A conviction for DUI carries mandatory jail, license suspension, ignition interlock, high risk insurance and an alcohol/drug evaluation. It is imperative for a person accused of a Washington DUI to immediately consult with an experienced attorney. At Wolff Criminal Defense, the attorneys offer a free hour long initial consultation.

Respected by their peers, prosecutors and judges alike, the attorneys at Wolff Criminal Defense pride themselves on their reputation as tireless litigators while always being available for their clients as they work through the process that follows a Washington DUI arrest. They have received exemplary reviews by former clients.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: DUI License Suspensions; DUI Interlock Laws; DUI High Risk Insurance.

Practice Areas Description

Our practice includes:

- DUI Charges

If you have been charged with a DUI in Washington, it will most likely be classified as a Gross Misdemeanor. However, should the DUI cause seriously bodily injury or death to another (vehicular assault or vehicular homicide), or if you the accused has previously been convicted of vehicular assault or homicide, or if you have four priors within the past 10 years, it will be charged as a Class C Felony DUI.

- DUI Penalties

If you have been charged in Washington with a Gross Misdemeanor DUI, you are facing serious consequences. If convicted for a DUI, there are certain mandatory minimum penalties that MUST be imposed. The severity of your punishment will increase with the severity of the offense charged. In all Washington DUI cases, alternative punishments may be available depending on the nature and circumstances of your particular case. Be sure to consult with local counsel for a detailed assessment of the potential consequences you are facing.

- DUI Court Process

In most Washington State jurisdictions, there are five critical stages to the criminal process: arraignment, pre-trial conference, motions, readiness hearing, and trial. Some jurisdictions have a different process, and the following information does not apply to every DUI in Washington State.

- Impaired Driving Evidence

In Washington, only two types of chemical tests are administered to measure a person's Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.) - breath tests and blood tests. Unlike some other states, urine analysis is not used in Washington State for DUI purposes. Breath testing is the most common chemical test, but it is also the most unreliable. Blood testing is invasive and only permitted in Washington in very limited circumstances.

- DUI License Suspensions

In Washington State DUI cases, the driving aspect of your case is regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The article below and the links that follow explain the common licensing issues that accompany any WA DUI charge. Time is critical after an arrest for DUI, so you should explore the following articles and talk to a competent local DUI counsel as soon as possible after your arrest.

- DUI Interlock Laws

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath testing mechanism placed into your vehicle that requires a clean sample of your breath in order to set the vehicle in motion. The IID is installed in the ignition system of your car, and is able to detect levels of alcohol present in a person's system. A breath sample must be provided to start the car, and random samples must be given to keep the car moving. Every person convicted of a first offense DUI in Washington State must install an IID in their vehicle for a mandatory one year period. A second offense DUI conviction results with a mandatory five year period of ignition interlock. For third offenses, the IID will be in place for 10 years.

- DUI High Risk Insurance

Following a DUI license suspension or revocation in Washington State, DUI offenders are required to obtain SR-22 high risk insurance for at least 3 years following reinstatement of your driver’s license. Even if your attorney is able to negotiate your DUI charge down to a Reckless Driving, you will still be required to carry SR-22 high risk insurance for 3 years following your license reinstatement. The only way to become exempt from getting SR-22 insurance is if your case is completely dismissed, negotiated down to a lesser charge of negligent driving in the first degree or a lower comparable offense.

Attorneys

Aaron J. Wolff Attorney Criminal Defense, DUI

More Information on Wolff Criminal Defense

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Kirkland, WA DUI License Suspension Lawyers
DUI Interlock Law Firm in Kirkland, Washington
Kirkland, WA DUI High Risk Insurance Lawyers
DUI Penalties Attorneys in Kirkland, Washington
Kirkland, WA Impaired Driving Evidence Lawyer
DUI Challenge Law Firm in Kirkland, Washington
Profile of Kirkland, WA DUI Lawyer Aaron J. Wolff
Wolff Criminal Defense Blog
Contact Wolff Criminal Defense