1. DUI in Washington State is a very serious offense. The Legislature of the State of Washington have even mandated that every DUI carry with it serious penalties including mandatory jail sentences and extremely costly fines and fees. Drivers’ licenses are also suspended or, in some cases, revoked for upwards of one year. Even before conviction, the DOL will suspend a license and the Court can place burdensome conditions of release on the accused including installation of the Ignition Interlock Device, Random Urine analysis or breath analysis testing, or wearing an ankle bracelet that senses alcohol through your skin. These conditions of release are expensive and time consuming to comply with.
2. Generally speaking, there are four places to attack a DUI. The first attack should be focused on the nature of the stop. The crucial question there is: “Did the Officer have a valid reason to stop me?” Officers can stop citizens in their cars for many different reasons but the most common is for enforcement of the traffic code.
3. The next place to attack a DUI is whether the Officer properly formed reasonable suspicion in order to investigate for the crime of DUI. Investigating for DUI usually involves ordering a driver out of the car and asking them to submit to voluntary field sobriety testing. Reasonable suspicion is most commonly formed by asking questions such as: “Have you had anything to drink this evening?” “How much have you had to drink?” and other incriminating questions. Reasonable suspicion may also be based on the observations of the Officer including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, etc.
4. The third way to attack a DUI is whether the Officer properly formed Probable Cause to arrest. Probable Cause is the standard required in order to place someone under arrest for a particular crime. Probable cause for DUI is the result of the observations made by the Officer, the admissions to drinking made by the driver, voluntary field sobriety test performance, and portable breath test result (if offered).
5. The fourth and final step to attacking a DUI is the breath testing procedure. The question at this step is: “Did the Officer follow the proper procedure in the breath testing process?” The breath testing process is an extremely meticulous one and the procedure is explained in minute detail in the Washington Administrative Code. Officers need to not only administer the breath test correctly (observing all of the steps in their proper order and taking the proper time to conduct the process) but also must fill out all of the appropriate paperwork in the correct order and with precision.
6. If you or someone you love is charged with DUI, it takes an experienced attorney to guide you through the process including pretrial conditions of release, licensing suspensions, and reviewing the four ways to attack the DUI. Only in going over the four points carefully will you have a chance to get a dismissal, reduction in charges, or an acquittal at trial.

The crucial step in any DV case is to interview the witnesses, including the alleged victim. Often, Police are called by a neighbor who hears an argument and the DV conduct alleged never even occurred. The Washington State Legislature has mandated that the Police must arrest someone if they are dispatched to a DV Assault. Therefore, the “victim” quickly realizes that it is either the accused or themselves who is going to jail. In interviews conducted by a good investigator, this is often revealed and it can be the secret to breaking the Government’s case. If the “victim” tells the Prosecutor that the conduct alleged did not happen or that they purposely embellished the details to keep themselves out of jail, the Government may be willing to either dismiss the case or reduce the charges.

Defending against DV crimes requires both a seasoned and knowledgeable attorney and an experienced and intelligent investigator.

Most cases involve MIP (minor in possession), malicious mischief, and other charges. It is easy for a good kid to get mixed up in a bad situation. It is sometimes possible to get the juvenile into diversion or reduced to an infraction. After the case is resolved, juvenile adjudications can be sealed in order to protect the record, educational, and occupational chances of the child. The sooner you retain an experienced Juvenile attorney, the sooner you and your family can move on and focus on the other important things in the lives of their teens: college applications, senior trips, proms- things that teens should be looking forward to, but have gotten tangled in a confusing and time-consuming legal proceeding.

If and when the time comes, the only way to represent your wishes is through a written will. There are several mock up outlines that people may use online. These are a helpful starting point, but they do not take into account the many variables and moving parts of a person’s life. It is highly recommended that everyone retain an experienced attorney to draft these important documents. If you do choose to use a pre-made template then you should seriously consider having an attorney review it before you sign it. This attorney will be able to detect loopholes and weak areas in the instrument.

Many young people think that they have years and years to come up with an estate plan but this is not something that should be put off to another date. Your current age and health do not matter, because accidents can happen at any time. A properly written and executed will is important at every age and stage of life, and should be updated periodically. Your attorney will be able to help you determine how to best protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones in the event of your death.

Your first consultation is free, and is a great way to take this first, very important step. Book an appointment today, and keep your loved ones protected.

It is often too easy for clients to be bullied and manipulated by the overwhelming forces of the insurance company’s hired guns. You need to have a skilled negotiator and litigator to get the compensation that you deserve so that you can move on with your life.

Most personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of two years so it is never too early to make contact with an attorney. Your condition may change or worsen and it is important to maintain all medical records until it is time to fight for those funds. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured by the negligence of another, book an appointment today and discuss all your options with an attorney.