University of Washington DUI Defense Lawyers

Defending Against DUI Charges for UW Students

If you’re a UW student charged with driving under the influence, your education and future job prospects are on the line. Conviction, and even charges, may lead the school to impose sanctions for violating its drug or alcohol policy. Possible punishments range from disciplinary probation to loss of school privileges— even expulsion. Upon conviction, a court may sentence you to jail/prison or place you on probation, on top of ordering you to pay hefty fines. Additionally, your criminal record will appear on background checks, so if you apply for graduate school or a job, your conviction could block you from future opportunities.

The most effective way to avoid the adverse outcomes of a DUI conviction is to fight aggressively from the start. To do that, get in contact with DUIHeroes. Our UW DUI defense lawyers understand what’s at stake for students facing drunk driving or drug use charges. When you call us for help, we’ll begin building your defense right away. Because we practice DUI defense exclusively, we have the tools, resources, skills, and knowledge to challenge the state’s case against you.

Our University of Washington DUI lawyers will seek the best possible result on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at 1 (800) DUI-HERO or contacting us online.

UW Students & DUI Charges

As a university student, you might participate in several activities or events where drugs and/or alcohol are present. But know that if you consume either or both substances and get behind the wheel, you could face criminal charges like the following:

• Alcohol-Related DUI: Washington State’s DUI law provides that it’s illegal for a person to operate a vehicle when their driving abilities are impaired by alcohol, or they have an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
• Marijuana DUI: Under the DUI law, if anyone cannot safely drive a car because their normal faculties are compromised because of marijuana, or they have a THC concentration of 5.00 or more, they’re committing a crime.
• DUI and Drugs: The DUI law concerns not only alcohol and marijuana but also illegal and legal drugs (such as prescription or over-the-counter medications). Driving while under the influence of drugs is also a criminal offense.

Each of the three DUI crimes listed above are gross misdemeanors.

This means that if you are convicted, the court may impose the following penalties:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Up to $5,000 in fines
• Up to a four-year driver’s license suspension

Underage DUI Charges at University of Washington

Many University of Washington students won’t turn 21 until their third year. If this is your situation, you could be charged with DUI even when your alcohol concentration or THC levels are lower than the normal legal limit. Per Washington law, people under 21 face criminal penalties when their alcohol concentration is at .02 or less, or their THC concentration is anything but 0.00.

A conviction for underage DUI may result in:

• A jail term of up to 90 days
• A fine of up to $1,000
• A driver’s license suspension of up to 4 years

Keep in mind that an “underage DUI” is not a juvenile charge. Defendants will still be tried and sentenced as adults, despite breaking a law that stipulates they’re too young to consume certain substances.

Minor in Possession/Consumption Charges for University Students

If you’re under 21, drinking and driving isn’t the only criminal charge the state could bring against you. Merely drinking or holding alcoholic beverages is a crime. The conviction penalties you face for a minor in possession and/or minor in consumption offense depend on your age.

If you’re between 18 and 20, the court may sentence you to:

• A jail term of up to 1 year
• A fine of up to $5,000

If you’re 17 or younger, the Washington State Department of Licensing may revoke your driving privileges for up to 2 years.

Get DUIHeroes On Your Side

Fighting a DUI charge requires skill, inside knowledge, and thorough preparation—all of which we have. Our founder, Attorney Jonathan Dichter, studied DUI law extensively after earning his law degree. The lawyers at our firm are certified field sobriety testing instructors, giving us intimate knowledge of DUI arrest procedures. Backed by extensive legal experience, the UW DUI attorneys at DUIHeroes have the resources needed to challenge the accusation made against you.

If you’re a University of Washington student who needs a proven defense to fight your allegations, call us at 1 (800) DUI-HERO or contact us online today. We offer a free initial consultation.