

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. Simply being charged with a crime 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 can seek the best possible result on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation today by calling us at (425) 296-9358 or by 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 5.00ng 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 DUI or related charges, call us at (425) 296-9358 or contact us online for a free consultation.


Average of 95% of First Offenses Reduced or Dismissed*
Proven, Respected & Recognized
At DUIHeroes, we exclusively defend DUI cases—nothing else. Our attorneys, including two former prosecutors, bring specialized insights and unmatched experience to the courtroom, ensuring you get the best possible defense.
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AmendedWRONG WAY DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE
Client had driven several times over the lane divider into oncoming traffic, smelled of alcohol, showed poor coordination, admitted to drinking, and gave a breath test over .18. – Kittitas County, WA
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AmendedDRUG DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE
Drug DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Oak Harbor, WA
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AmendedDUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE
DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. - Mountlake Terrace, WA
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AmendedDUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE IN EVERETT
DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Everett, WA
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DismissedDUI DISMISSED DUE TO ILLEGAL ARRESTClient was stopped for driving without headlights and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. The officer in question, however, was shown to have performed the tests illegally and improperly, both coercing and tainting the evidence. Client was arrested and booked into jail for DUI. At a motions hearing, a judge dismissed the case in full as the officer was found to have illegally obtained evidence and illegally arrested our client. - Mill Creek, WA
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Reduced3RD OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO NON-DRIVING OFFENSEClient charged with a 3rd offense above .15 breath test DUI. Presented evidence to the prosecutor about the validity of the traffic stop. DUI was reduced to Reckless Endangerment which is a non-driving related offense with no mandatory jail or licensing consequences. Client was thrilled! - Lynnwood, WA
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Reduced2ND OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR WITH NO JAIL OR FINEClient charged with a 2nd offense DUI in her lifetime. Prosecutor was presented with evidence that the blood vials used to draw her blood were expired and evidence that the Office who arrested her did so with a variety of tainted evidence. DUI was reduced to Negligent Driving in the 1st Degree and the court waived the fine and imposed no jail time! - Lynnwood, WA
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Amended3RD OFFENSE DUI
3rd offense DUI Amended to Reckless Driving through negotiation. - Lynnwood, WA
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Not GuiltyDUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL
Client slammed into a concrete barrier, admitted to seven bottles, and refused a test of his blood. - Lynnwood, WA
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Not GuiltyDUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL
Client refused a test of his breath. - Lynnwood, WA

We offer discounted services and flexible payment options for frontline healthcare workers, military personnel (active, retired, and reserve), teachers, and first responders as a token of our appreciation. When your future is on the line, you deserve a defense team that’s in your corner—just like you’ve been in ours.

When the Odds Are Stacked Against You
Our DUI Attorneys Are in Your Corner


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We know the system inside and out. With 50+ years of collective legal experience, our attorneys have the specialized knowledge and skill to fight for you.
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Results are everything. With thousands of successful cases and an average of 95% of first offenses reduced or dismissed*, our record speaks for itself.
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DUI defense isn’t just what we do...it’s all we do. We stay ahead of legal changes, leverage expert resources, and build cutting-edge defense strategies.
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A DUI arrest can happen anytime. That’s why we’re available 24/7. Call now for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Thousands Have Trusted Us
And we’ve delivered.
With 100% focus on DUI defense, we know what it takes to fight, win, and protect your future. See how DUIHeroes has changed lives, one victory at a time.
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A Great Result with Kaia“She got me a great result and I can’t thank her enough for her work.”
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Highly Recommend DUI Heroes“They are very professional and dedicated.”J- Jose Garrido
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They will be there for you until the end“Jonathan and his team are caring and compassionate.”
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Confident and Polished in Court“I never once felt like I didn’t put my life in the right person's hands. I can't stress enough how putting this life decision into him and his team's care benefited my life.”
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Highly recommend Kaia and the team“Kaia has been extremely communicative, easygoing, and understanding.”
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Competent, Caring, and Compassionate“A remarkable team of competent, caring, and compassionate attorneys.”O- Olaf


Arrested for DUI?
Act Fast—Don't Let a DUI Charge Destroy Your Future
As specialists in DUI defense, we have the proven strategies to protect your rights and your future.
