Washington State DUI Defense

Driving Under the Influence is a serious crime in the State of Washington. Prosecutors are aggressive and with mandatory minimum DUI penalities it is necessary to retain an experienced attorney.

DUI

Driving Under the Influence is a gross misdemeanor. A person may be convicted of DUI if the person was operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .08 or above. A driver can also be convicted of DUI if it can be proved the person was operating a motor vehicle while the ability to operate the vehicle was affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Conviction of a DUI will result in license suspension, fines, and jail time.

Physical Control

Physical Control is a gross misdemeanor. A person may be convicted of physical control if it can be proved the person was in physical control of a vehicle with an alcohol concentration was .08 or above within two hours of having been in physical control of the automobile. Criminal liability may also attach for being in physical control of a vehicle while affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Conviction of Physical Control will result in license suspension, fines, and jail time.

BUI

Boating Under the Influence is a misdemeanor. A person may be convicted of BUI if the person was operating a vessel with an alcohol concentration of .08 or above. A person may also be convicted of BUI if it can be proved the person operating the vessel was affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Conviction of BUI can result in jail time and fines. However, there are no mandatory minimum jail terms unlike DUI. A conviction for BUI does not affect a driver’s license.