Kirkland DUI Lawyers

Renowned DUI Defense Lawyer, Serving Kirkland & Beyond

Have you been charged with driving under the influence? The penalties for a DUI conviction can significantly impact your life, so it is especially important to seek help from a skilled DUI attorney in Kirkland after you have been arrested. High-quality legal representation and defense is your best chance at avoiding serious penalties like jail time, expensive fines, license revocation, probation, and more. Our commitment to clients means navigating these complex legal waters with confidence and precision.

DUIHeroes was founded in 2003 to provide dedicated support and legal representation for defendants facing DUI charges in Kirkland, Medina, Clyde Hill, and throughout Snohomish and King Counties. We offer proven strategies and tactics founded on a lifetime of study and results, as well as the inside knowledge that comes from having two former prosecutors on our trial team. This makes our firm your best option for fighting DUI charges of any kind. Our firm stays abreast of changes in DUI law to ensure we use the most current and effective strategies.

Arrested for driving under the influence? Put a trusted Kirkland DUI attorney on your side by calling (425) 296-9358 today.

Types of DUI Charges We’ve Successfully Defended

DUIHeroes has earned national recognition for protecting the people of Kirkland, Clyde Hill, Medina, and surrounding communities from DUI charges. Our singular focus on DUI defense has allowed us to develop a razor-sharp approach to these cases, resulting in a 95% average when it comes to getting first offenses reduced or dismissed*. Our Kirkland DUI attorneys build personalized defense strategies for every client, never relying on cookie-cutter methods. A tailored defense can make all the difference, and our detail-oriented approach reflects this understanding.

We can work on many different DUI cases that involve the following and more:

• DUI accidents
• Felony DUI
• First-time DUI
• Second-time DUI
• Hit-and-run
• Marijuana DUI
• Minor DUI
• Out-of-state DUI

After law school, our founding attorney further studied DUI law with the National College for DUI Defense. This extensive training in DUI law and procedures has equipped our firm with the impressive resources and insight necessary to build a strong defense for every client. Continuous legal education ensures our strategies remain sharp and responsive. Whether you’re facing first-time DUI charges in Medina or serious vehicular manslaughter charges in Kirkland, DUIHeroes has the cutting-edge knowledge and experience to protect your future.

Penalties for DUI in Kirkland & Clyde Hill, WA

Being arrested and charged with a DUI can lead to serious penalties, which is why you should not hesitate to secure the defense you need. Our DUI lawyers in Kirkland understand how frightening this time in your life can be, and we are here to help you regain control of your life. An arrest is not a conviction. Our nuanced understanding of the law means we can guide you through each step, minimizing potential negative outcomes.

A first-time DUI conviction can result in:

• Up to 24 hours in jail
• Up to 15 days of electronic home monitoring
• 90-day license suspension
• One-year installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device
• More than $900 in fines
• Court-ordered alcohol or drug counseling

Your professional life could be badly impacted by a DUI conviction, which is a punishment that most people don't even consider. For example, if you need your car and driver's license to get to work, then you could run into career problems after losing your license due to a DUI conviction. At-will employment means you can be terminated for any non-discriminatory reason, so your employer could legally fire you if you can't get to work on time after losing your license. 

If you drive to school each day, then losing your driver’s license could also cause you to lose those opportunities. You may even struggle to meet child custody obligations. Beyond immediate impacts, the long-term repercussions of such a conviction can resonate throughout various aspects of your life. To protect your life and livelihood, we can negotiate for a special driving permit that lets you keep going to and from work like normal, even if you are convicted of a DUI. This flexibility is essential for many clients who rely on their ability to drive for work and family responsibilities.

DUIHeroes can fight for you to ensure that the criminal justice system stays fair and honest. We know how to create defenses that argue for case dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, or significantly lowered sentencing requirements. Our previous clients can attest to the ways our strategies and tactics have changed their lives for the better, protecting them from the overly harsh penalties dictated by state law. Our dedicated approach means that each client receives the attention their individual situation demands. 

Local DUI Laws & Regulations in Kirkland

Kirkland operates under Washington State's stringent DUI laws, reflecting the state's commitment to road safety. It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This limit lowers to 0.04% for commercial drivers and is effectively zero for drivers under 21. In Kirkland, law enforcement employs Field Sobriety Tests and breathalyzers during DUI stops to determine impairment. The city is known for its active participation in state initiatives targeting impaired driving.

Drivers should also be aware of Washington's implied consent law, which means by operating a vehicle, you consent to BAC testing if stopped for suspicion of DUI. Refusal results in automatic license suspension. Understanding these local laws is vital for anyone facing DUI charges, as they shape defenses and potential consequences. Seeking help from knowledgeable attorneys can ensure you navigate these legal waters effectively.

Call a Kirkland DUI Lawyer Today

To be successful in challenging your DUI or criminal charges, you must have a lawyer who is familiar with the local courtroom, judges, and prosecutors who will be involved in your case. Our firm has earned a reputation in Kirkland, Clyde Hill, Medina, and throughout Snohomish and King Counties as one of the highest-performing DUI firms in the area. We understand the challenging nature of a criminal charge, which is why we are fully committed to every client that we take on. As our client, you can expect 24/7 availability and a limited caseload because our priority is giving your case the focus it needs to win. This dedication ensures that your legal needs remain at the forefront of everything we do.

Our founding attorney is a member of several prestigious associations, including the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the Citizens for Judicial Excellence. He frequently attends seminars in order to broaden and continue his legal education. By providing reliable counsel and discerning legal help, our Kirkland DUI attorneys aim to help each and every client find a favorable outcome for their charge. We continue to refine and hone our legal skills by being a steady member of local and national organizations that support DUI attorneys in Clyde Hill and beyond, as well as writing articles and teaching other attorneys proven defense tactics. Engaging with the legal community ensures we remain at the forefront of DUI defense.

DUI arrests in Kirkland, Clyde Hill, and Medina happen at all hours—but many of them happen late at night. That's why we have 24/7/365 availability for our DUI defense clients. Please call (425) 296-9358 immediately if you have been charged with a DUI, no matter what time or day it is. You can also call the same number if your friend or a family member has been arrested and needs legal counsel quickly before they are processed at the station. This immediate response can be a pivotal factor in the success of your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUIs

Can I Refuse to Take a Breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test?

Field sobriety tests are optional after being pulled over for suspicion of DUI, although the officer may insist otherwise. FSTs are designed to give officers probable cause to make an arrest and bring you into the station. They are not made to scientifically determine if you are sober. For this reason, it is often the safer option to refuse a field sobriety test. Knowing your rights in these situations can greatly benefit the outcome of your circumstances.

However, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test (either at the station or while pulled over), then your driver's license will be automatically revoked for one year. This administrative penalty can’t be challenged in criminal court, either. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you need to call an attorney as soon as possible to start defending your rights. Immediate legal consultation can help you navigate these difficult decisions.

Do You Have to Take the BAC Test?

When you are arrested for a DUI, the officer will likely compel you to take a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test when you get back to the station. This test is designed to gauge your intoxication based on the presence of alcohol in your blood by collecting a blood, breath, or urine sample. If your blood comes back with a BAC of .08 or higher, you'll face charges. Understanding what these tests entail can prepare you for the scenarios ahead. 

Before taking a BAC test, ask to call DUIHeroes at (425) 296-9358 as your first phone call in police custody. We answer the phone 24/7/365 and can tell you if you should take the test or refuse it. We don’t recommend you refuse a BAC or chemical test without first talking to us because refusal will result in the immediate revocation of your driver’s license. Our around-the-clock availability ensures you receive timely advice at critical moments.

How Long Will My License Be Revoked If I'm Convicted of DUI?

A first-time DUI conviction in Washington usually removes your license for 90 days. The more DUI convictions you have on your criminal record, the longer this license revocation becomes. It is possible to lose your driving privilege due to multiple DUI convictions permanently. Maintaining awareness of these consequences can be crucial.

What Are the Consequences of a Second DUI Conviction?

If you are convicted of a second DUI in Kirkland or anywhere in Washington, the consequences become more severe. You may face up to 30 days in jail, along with mandatory electronic home monitoring for up to 60 days. Fines may increase significantly, reaching well over $1,500. Additionally, your driver's license could be suspended for two years, and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device for 5 years after your driving privileges are reinstated. Engaging in court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment is also a possibility. 

How Can a DUI Affect My Career?

A DUI conviction in Kirkland can have lasting implications on your professional life. Beyond potential jail time and fines, a conviction may appear on your criminal record, which can be accessed by current and prospective employers. This can hinder your employment opportunities, particularly in fields requiring clean records or those involving driving responsibilities. At-will employment allows employers to terminate employment for non-discriminatory reasons, such as loss of driving privileges due to a DUI. Furthermore, certain professions, such as those in the transportation or government sectors, may have strict policies against hiring individuals with criminal records, complicating job prospects. It is crucial to consult a DUI lawyer to understand the full extent of a conviction's impact and to navigate these challenges effectively.

What Are My Defense Options for a DUI Charge in Kirkland?

Several defense options are available when facing a DUI charge in Kirkland. One common approach is challenging the legality of the traffic stop, as any evidence obtained through an unlawful stop may be inadmissible. Questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer or other sobriety test results can also be a viable defense, as these tests are susceptible to various influencing factors like device calibration and operator error. Another option involves demonstrating that you were not driving or were impaired due to a legitimate medical condition.

Looking for legal help with your criminal charges? Contact us or call (425) 296-9358 at DUIHeroes today!

Additional Resources on Kirkland

• Kirkland Map
• Kirkland Resources
• Information About Kirkland, WA

Courthouses We Serve

• Snohomish County District Courts South Division
• Snohomish County District Courts Everett Division
• Snohomish County District Courts Cascade Division
• Snohomish County District Courts Evergreen Division
• King County District Courts Redmond
• King County District Court Seattle
• Kirkland Municipal Court
• Edmonds Municipal Court
• Everett Municipal Court
• Marysville Municipal Court
• Bothell Municipal Court
• KCDC - Shoreline
• Seattle Municipal Court
• Lynnwood Municipal Court
• Skagit County District Court