DUI Misdemeanor Defense
DUI Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Vancouver WA
Roger Priest is an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney in Vancouver WA with extensive courtroom experience in Washington state’s complex criminal laws.
DUI (or DWI) charges come in many varieties, but the vast majority of DUI charges are DUI misdemeanor charges. Specifically, they are gross misdemeanors. A gross misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. If this is your first DUI offense, it will definitely be charged as a DUI misdemeanor. DUI felony is a more serious DUI charge reserved for DUI offenders with multiple prior offenses.
DUI misdemeanor convictions in Washington carry five years of probation, hefty legal fines and fees, alcohol and drug treatment, an ignition interlock requirement, attendance at a Victim’s Panel, and a license suspension. There may also be options like Deferred Prosecution that divert a DUI out of the criminal justice system and can get the case eventually dismissed. In other cases, a DUI charge might be reduced to a reduced criminal charge like Negligent Driving or Reckless Driving. No two DUI cases are the same and can include alcohol, marijuana, more serious drugs, or even valid prescriptions. DUIs may require expert testimony, medical testimony relating to blood testing, or even affirmative defenses. A DUI attorney can help you decide whether your case should go to trial or be negotiated.
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Misdemeanor DUI License Suspensions in Washington
If you are charged with a DUI misdemeanor, chances are that you will be facing a license suspension before you even are released by the police. In most cases, law enforcement will initiate a Department of Licensing action against you. The action seeks to suspend your driver’s license for a term of either 90 days or 1 year. The term depends on whether you blow over 0.08% or refuse a breath test all together. If such an action is brought against you, you should be provided a Notice of License Suspension form. You only have 20 days to request a hearing to contest the license suspension, otherwise your license is suspended automatically based on the police reports. If you request a DOL hearing, you must pay $375 (or obtain a waiver based on indigency) and have an administrative hearing. If you win the hearing, your license will not be suspended by the Department of Licensing unless you ultimately are convicted of a DUI misdemeanor criminal charge.
Regardless of what occurs in a DOL hearing above, a conviction for first time misdemeanor DUI will result in a license suspension that lasts either 90 days, 1 year, or 2 years. To avoid a license suspension all together for an individual charged with a DUI, you would have to both win the DOL hearing and avoid a conviction on the underlying DUI criminal charge. Even if your license is suspended, you may qualify for an ignition interlock license which allows you to drive over the term of a DUI license suspension.
If You Have Been Charged With A DUI In Clark County or Vancouver WA, Time Is Of The Essence!
Call Our Office To Speak With Attorney Roger Priest Immediately.
(360) 281-7314Mandatory Minimum Jail for Misdemeanor DUI
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI in Washington, you must serve a mandatory minimum sentence in jail. Jail minimums vary depending on the serverity of the facts and how many prior DUIs you have. For a first time offender who blows just over the legal limit of 0.08%, 24 consecutive hours in jail are required. If the blow is above 0.15% or if you refuse a breath test, you must do no less than 48 consecutive hours in jail.
If you have prior DUIs in the last seven years, the mandatory jail time jumps considerably, so consulting with an experienced DUI attorney is vital.
DUI Probation
DUI probation in Washington is 5 years long and usually requires alcohol or drug treatment, compliance with the ignition interlock requirement and attendance of a Victim’s Panel. Although probation is handled differently in many counties, Clark County (where I predominantly practice) charges probationers $100 per month until the conditions of probation are complete. This typically means you have to complete the alcohol treatment and the Victim’s Panel quickly so you are charged for as few months of supervision as possible.
DUI Alcohol and Drug Treatment
If you are convicted of a DUI, the court will require that you obtain a chemical dependency evaluation from a Washington State approved treatment agency. During the evaluation, a treatment counselor will interview you, review the police reports, and decide what level of treatment you require. If they believe you don’t have a problem with drugs or alcohol, you may be required to do as little as 8 hours of treatment in the form of an Alcohol and Drug Informational School (ADIS). For more severe problems, you may be required to do outpatient, intensive outpatient, or even inpatient treatment.
Regardless of the charge, we can help. Call today to talk directly to Roger Priest and get the answers you need to take control of your case. We are available to meet right away. We can offer flexible payment plans. The consultation is free. What do you have to lose? Get the help of a criminal defense attorney today.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Roger handled my case promptly and painlessly. We are from out of state and had spoken with quite a few attorneys in the area before we made the trip. Roger was middle of the road cost-wise (which was truly fair)and was clearly competent, handling the case in one trip over as oppose to the two or even three trip process many of the others were communicating would be the case. I would hire again without a second thought. Thanks again Roger.
Shelley W
Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn’t be happier, Highly recommend!!
Karin Saltz
Roger Priest provided truly exceptional service for a family member of mine. He was an extraordinary value for the level of knowledge and proffessionalism he provided. My loved one got the deal of a lifetime thanks to him. If any of my friends or family are ever in a less than fortunate spot and need legal advice Roger will always be my #1 reccomendation.
Taylor Vance
Roger Priest is professional, intelligent and experienced, you can tell by the way he holds himself in court. Out of the 21 lawyers I interviewed and compared on an excel spreadsheet. I put my trust in Roger and he didn\'t let me down.
Aaron M
Roger Priest was my Criminal Attorney for a DUI case I had in 2018. Through out the whole process he was in contact and always was reassuring! He gave his honest opinion on rather or not if my case would be worth going to trial, which is hard to come by! Today I left the courtroom a free man to come home to my family with a lot of tension lifted off my shoulders because of how he was articulate and presented my defense. I am very lucky to have him in my corner and to be spared. I will take this experience as a wake up call because these opportunities don\\\'t come too often! Mr. Priest definitely deserves a 5 star rating for his devotion and overall performance.
JB
Roger Priest was referred to me by another lawyer (who could not take my case). Out of the 3 lawyers I reached out to Mr. Priest was willing to hear my case and not just try and convince me to take the easy route and plead out. He was informative, honest, and very tactical (in his approach with my case). Mr. Priest not only kept me updated with his plans and what to except he involved me in every aspect I could be in. He was very approachable and kind. I won my case, I wouldn’t have if I had gone with another lawyer. I am very satisfied with having had Roger Priest defend me. I hope to never have to use his services again but definitely would rehire him again (I wish I could hire him as my divorce attorney).
Alicia S.
I recently consulted Roger for my first and only legal matter. He explained at length the legal ramifications that i was facing and he listened closely to all my questions and concerns. He was very attentive and empathic towards my situation and did not rush through things. I would highly recommend Roger to anyone I know seeking legal representation.
Itzel Keefer
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