Cited with a DUI?

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it can result in a license suspension, license revocation, fines, seizure of your car, a DUI arrest on your driving record for 15 years, potential jail time or home detention, and other serious consequences.

Even if this is your first DUI you could be facing a fine of $5,000 and up to one year in jail. Your license can be suspended for 3 months if your BAC was less than .15% or one year or more if it was over .15%. If your license is suspended, however, you may be able to have an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle. See our blog entry, “Ignition Interlock Driver License” for more information or call Blair & Kim, PLLC to see if you may be eligible for this type of license.

If you’ve had more than one DUI, the consequences can be even more severe. Additionally, you may have more than one DUI even if you haven’t officially been charged. In King County, you may be awaiting DUI charges for months. See our other blog entry, “King County Often Takes Months to File DUI Charges” for more about this topic.

For those over the age of 21, a breathalyzer test showing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher will result in a DUI arrest. For those under the age of 21, a BAC of .02% or potentially any evidence of alcohol in your bloodstream, could result in a DUI arrest. Even if you refuse a BAC test, you could have your license suspended for over a year.

If you’ve been cited with a DUI, you may be required to go to court within days of your arrest. If you miss this court date, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest. If you’re facing DUI charges, don’t wait until after your initial hearing to hire legal help. Contact Blair & Kim, PLLC to help defend you in court.

See http://www.dmv.org/wa-washington/automotive-law/dui.php to learn more about DUIs or call Blair & Kim, PLLC to speak with an attorney.