DUI Defense Attorney Capitol Hill
Life After Your DUI
Getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking comes with serious consequences. The aftermath of a DUI arrest can be one of the most stressful experiences an individual has to face.
You will have to face the charges. Depending on your DUI arrest in Capitol Hill, you might be facing two separate legal actions. Both of these charges will have to be settled in Washington State court.
The experience can be embarrassing and stressful. However, as bad as the consequences of a DUI arrest can be, you don’t have the fight the case alone. With the help of a Capitol Hill DUI attorney, you can build a defense against the DUI charge.
If you just got charged with a DUI, it’s time to get representation. Take a deep breath and call a DUI attorney. You will move past your DUI arrest. Get the help of a qualified DUI lawyer so you can start building your case immediately.
Our Office Location
Leyba Defense PLLC –
Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney
1700 7th Ave #2100, Seattle, WA 98101
Office: 206.429.4968
Cell: 206.953.2145
Fax: 206.547.5997
matthew@leyba-defense.com
Our Legal Services
Primary Areas of Service
Capitol Hill DUI Arrest
Here are answers to some of the common questions people ask themselves after a DUI arrest. If you have a question that we didn’t answer here, contact us and one of our associates will gladly get back to you.
I’ve Been Arrested for a DUI. What Should I Do?
The first thing you need is a qualified DUI defense attorney in Capitol Hill. Matt Lebaya and Lebaya defense are available to help you with your DUI criminal defense. Don’t delay, call Lebaya and Associates now. All first-time clients receive a free 60-minute consultation.
What Happens to My License After a DUI Arrest?
Was there a hole punched in your license? If so, that means your license has been revoked by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). That lasts for 60 days from the day of your DUI arrest. Even though this first suspension is automatic, you still have the right to contest it.
You’re entitled to request a hearing and contest the initial 60-day suspension. Your request must be postmarked and filed within 20 days of your DUI arrest. In order to request a hearing, you must pay a non-refundable $375 submission fee to the Washington DOL.
The length of your suspension depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: your blood alcohol level at the time of arrest, and any prior offenses and any other incidences related to your DUI arrest. Your license could be suspended for as little as 60 days to as long as 4 years.
How Can I Contest the Suspension? What Happens if I Do?
You’ll have a hearing within 60 days of the date of your DUI arrest. This can be in-person or over the phone.
You will be assigned a hearing officer who will determine the following:
- Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to stop you;
- Whether you were under lawful arrest;
- Whether you were read your rights;
- Whether your alcohol level was over the legal limit;
- Whether you refused the breath test.
During your hearing, you and your legal representation will present evidence to argue your innocence. Make sure you retain a Capitol Hill DUI attorney that understands these requirements and uses them to form the best legal argument possible.
What Happens After my DUI Hearing?
Following the hearing, you will receive a written ruling by the DOL hearing officer assigned to your case. It is up to their judgment whether or not your license will be suspended or reinstated. Rulings are usually delivered within 2-4 weeks of the hearing.
If the officer grants a suspension, you may face additional penalties, including but not limited to:
- You may be required to purchase SR-22 insurance.
- You may lose additional licenses (commercial, limousine, etc.)
- You may have to pay fines or even serve time in jail.
On the other hand, if your license gets suspended by the Department of Licensing, you may be eligible to apply for an ignition interlock license or an occupational license to get to and from work.
You Need To Be Ready For DUI Court
There are two sets of charges that you’ll face as a result of your DUI in Capitol Hill, WA.
First, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) will most likely file charges against you. If you a breathalyzer test found you over the legal limit of intoxication in Washington, or even if you refused to take the test, the DOL will try to suspend your license. The length of suspension depends on your criminal record (i.e. previous DUI charges) but the minimum suspension is 90 days.
Along with the charges pursued by Washington state, you will need to deal with the legal justice system too. Aside from the suspension of license, you could be looking at one of many criminal charges. A DUI or DUI related criminal offense can result in fines as high as $5,000 or jail time.
Your first court appearance is your arraignment. You will formally plea to your charges. The judge may set bail and/or terms of your release. Such release conditions can include:
- Installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
- requirement to wear a SCRAM bracelet.
- requirement to abstain from alcohol.
- revoked driving privileges until you have a valid license and insurance.
After a DUI arrest, you need to build your legal defense as soon as possible.
Reach Us Today
Hire an experienced DUI defense attorney in the Capitol Hill area as soon as possible and discover what options you have. Find out if you can or should take a plea deal, or if you’re better off fighting the charges. It might best to settle your case in pretrial. Likewise, you may benefit from a jury trial heard by a group of your peers.
Only a DUI attorney can help you figure out the best legal strategy for your particular case. If you’re facing a DUI in Capitol Hill, start building your defense today – contact Capitol Hill DUI Attorney Matt Lebaya.