A misdemeanor DUI charge can leave a person facing strong penalties that permanently impact their life. A person may be arrested on misdemeanor DUI charges if they are found to be driving: (1) with a breath alcohol level of .08 or greater; (2) with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater; (3) with a blood alcohol concentration of 5.00 nanograms of THC or greater; (4) while under the influence of alcohol; (5) while under the influence of drugs, or; (6) while under the combined influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
All DUI charges are serious matters therefore it is important to ensure that you have a committed and capable defense attorney working for you. Cowan Kirk has handled more DUI cases than any current law firm in the Puget Sound region. Contact the Seattle DUI attorneys of Cowan Kirk by calling 866-822-1230 today for a case evaluation.
Penalties for Gross Misdemeanor DUI Convictions
In most instances, a person arrested for impaired driving will be charged with a gross misdemeanor DUI in a District or Municipal Court. DUIs in Washington carry a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. A person convicted of a DUI can be placed on probation for up to 5 years.
If a person is convicted of a misdemeanor DUI charge, they may face some of the following penalties:
- Mandatory jail time
- Mandatory Fines
- Mandatory License Suspensions
- Mandatory Probation
- Mandatory Alcohol Evaluations and Follow-Up Treatment if Necessary
- Mandatory License Suspensions
- Mandatory High Risk Insurance
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Restrictions
In addition to these criminal penalties, DUI convictions can result in the following collateral consequences:
- Loss of insurance
- Lost educational opportunities
- Lost job opportunities
- Loss of security clearance
- Loss of other professional licensing
- Deportation if not a United States citizen.
DUI charges are serious criminal allegations that may remain on a person's criminal record for the remainder of their life. That is why a strong legal defense is extremely important for anyone facing these charges. DUI defense has become a complicated area of law and science. An area where the Constitution intersects with an expansive legislative scheme. Consequently, you need a lawyer who specializes in this area of law.
Contact the Experience Seattle DUI Attorneys
If you have been charged with a DUI, we can help you fight these charges. For a consultation regarding your case, contact the Seattle misdemeanor DUI attorneys of Cowan Kirk at 866-822-1230.
