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Average of 95% of First Offenses Reduced or Dismissed*
Unlawful Police Stops Leaders in DUI Defense

Snohomish County Unlawful DUI Stop Attorneys

Fighting Unlawful Police Stops for DUI in Washington State

People charged with DUI are typically pulled over for some other reason, usually a traffic violation like speeding. In some cases, the officer’s “probable cause” or reason for stopping you may not be warranted or applicable. In such a case, if it can be shown that a police officer illegally stopped you, any charges against you arising from that illegal stop—including DUI—must be dismissed. The downside? It can be difficult to prove that a police stop was illegal, and, as such, it requires an experienced Washington DUI lawyer who can convince a judge or jury that the officer was acting outside the bounds of their authority.

DUIHeroes has developed a network of private investigators and expert witnesses in order to thoroughly investigate every element of your arrest: the circumstances, evidence, and witnesses—including the arresting officer. As certified instructors in field sobriety testing, we have insider knowledge about proper police procedure that allows us to more quickly spot civil rights violations. Sometimes, we can even establish the officer in question has a pattern of unlawful stops or uncover conflicting evidence from eyewitness testimony. While difficult to prove, defense on the basis of an unlawful police stop can also result in the complete dismissal of your DUI charge and case.

For more information about illegal police stops and DUI arrests in Washington State, speak to a DUI attorney at DUIHeroes by calling (425) 296-9358. We proudly serve Seattle, Everett, Lynnwood, and all of Washington State.

Understanding Probable Cause DUI Under Washington Law

You might’ve heard the phrase ”probable cause" in a movie or crime procedural on TV, and for good reason—its importance in real-life criminal cases cannot be overstated. Probable cause refers to an amount of observable evidence that gives police officers the authority to stop and search citizens when a crime has occurred, is about to occur, or is being perpetrated. If officers lack probable cause, they cannot stop or search a person without their consent.

When it comes to DUI investigations, probable cause requires officers to detect, with all their available sense, verifiable signs that a driver may be intoxicated. This can happen while observing the driver operate their vehicle or during a stop that was initiated for another reason (such as speeding or a broken taillight). In drunk driving cases, probable cause can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal of all charges.

Examples of probable cause in drunk driving cases include:

  • Swerving, drifting, or other erratic driving maneuvers
  • Slurring speech
  • Witnessing an intoxicated individual get into their vehicle
  • The scent of alcohol
  • The presence of an open container
  • Poor performance in a roadside sobriety test

When There Is No Probable Cause in a DUI Case

It’s important to remember that just because an officer believes he or she has probable cause does not mean the court will agree. However, when these officers proceed to detain or search an individual without probable cause, then that individual’s constitutional rights against illegal search and seizure have been violated. In most cases, this can mean that the case against the accused can be dismissed.

Suspects fearing arrest should have two goals going into a police interaction: withholding consent to any searches, and responding to all questions (outside of self-identification) with the request to call your lawyer. Field sobriety tests, including tests of physical coordination and portable breathalyzers, are strictly voluntary—compliance offers zero advantages. The express purpose of a field sobriety test is to establish probable cause, which means even a ‘passing’ performance makes arrest more likely.

Recognizing and asserting probable cause issues in DUI cases can be difficult, so it requires an unlawful DUI stop attorney with substantial experience in this practice area to know when their clients' rights have been violated. At DUIHeroes, we have dedicated our entire practice to DUI defense and staying on top of the latest changes and developments in DUI law. If you believe your DUI charge was the result of an unlawful stop for lack of probable cause (or any other reason), we urge you to contact our offices.

Defense for Illegal Police Stops in WA

Law enforcement and prosecution must prove that they have sufficient cause to stop you and were not choosing you arbitrarily or at random. In addition, once stopped, the officer only has a short amount of time to question you to detect evidence of DUI.

We always recommend to clients that if and when they are stopped to not argue with the officer but politely request to contact an attorney as soon as possible before answering any questions. The time to argue is with a lawyer at your side who can protect your rights and who understands the law. Call our offices if you have been arrested for DUI and believe it was an unlawful traffic stop. 

Contact DUIHeroes online or call (425) 296-9358 for help fighting an unlawful DUI arrest.

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.

  • Amended
    WRONG 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

  • Amended
    DRUG DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE

    Drug DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Oak Harbor, WA

  • Amended
    DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE

    DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. - Mountlake Terrace, WA

  • Amended
    DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE IN EVERETT

    DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Everett, WA

  • Dismissed
    DUI DISMISSED DUE TO ILLEGAL ARREST
    Client 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
  • Reduced
    3RD OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO NON-DRIVING OFFENSE
    Client 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
  • Reduced
    2ND OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR WITH NO JAIL OR FINE
    Client 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
  • Amended
    3RD OFFENSE DUI

    3rd offense DUI Amended to Reckless Driving through negotiation. - Lynnwood, WA

  • Not Guilty
    DUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL

    Client slammed into a concrete barrier, admitted to seven bottles, and refused a test of his blood. - Lynnwood, WA

  • Not Guilty
    DUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL

    Client refused a test of his breath. - Lynnwood, WA

Defending Those Who Serve

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
  • Over 50 Years of Legal Experience

    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.

  • Proven Results: Thousands of Cases Won

    Results are everything. With thousands of successful cases and an average of 95% of first offenses reduced or dismissed*, our record speaks for itself.

  • Washington’s Leading DUI Defense Firm
    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.
  • 24/7 Support & Free Consultations

    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.

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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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