5 Reasons You Need a Seattle DUI Lawyer

When you are arrested and charged with DUI in Seattle or anywhere in the state of Washington, it can feel like there is no hope. The police have breathalyzer results showing you were under the influence at the time of the arrest. Beyond that, it is also just your word versus theirs.

As you face the penalties of a DUI, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to mitigate these consequences. Fortunately, a DUI attorney can help you during this difficult time. Without a lawyer on your side, you will have to face the full extent of DUI penalties. However, a lawyer may be able to help you avoid serious and often life-changing consequences after a DUI arrest. Here are the most common reasons why you might need a Seattle DUI lawyer.

#1: Avoid Jail Time

Depending on your prior record, you may find that you are facing jail time after a DUI arrest. Even if this is your first offense, if your BAC is significantly high, jail time is a real possibility. To avoid jail time after a DUI, you will need to hire a DUI attorney. Your lawyer may be able to have the charges against you reduced to a minor infraction or advocate for community service in lieu of jail time.

#2: Protect Your Record

A DUI goes on your record forever. However, it will cause the most damage in the first seven years. If you are arrested for multiple DUI offenses at any point in the first seven years, you can face enhanced penalties and consequences. As such, it is important to fight even first-time DUI charges aggressively to protect your record and prevent future harm.

#3: Safeguard Your Future

A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences that can affect your entire future. In many cases, having a DUI conviction can prevent you from gaining employment in certain fields. It can even impact your financial and educational opportunities. To safeguard your future and prevent long-term consequences from harming you, it is important to discuss your DUI case with an experienced Seattle DUI defense attorney.

#4: Navigate the Criminal Justice Process

The criminal process after a DUI is complex and difficult to navigate on your own. There are hearings, lots of paperwork and deadlines. There are prosecutors fighting to convict you. The legal process is complex and involves extensive knowledge of Washington state law, as well as federal law. That is why it is vital to have an experienced Seattle DUI attorney on your side from the start.

#5 Lower Costs

While you may not want to pay an attorney to represent you, the costs of hiring a DUI attorney are often far less than the costs of a DUI conviction. If you are convicted of DUI in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, you may need to pay fines, as well as higher insurance costs as a result of your DUI. According to a NerdWallet report, DUIs in Washington can cost up to nearly $11,000. Hiring an attorney may cost you significantly less, and safeguard your future at the same time to prevent further financial losses.

Arrested for DUI? We Can Help!

If you were arrested and charged with a DUI, it is important to know that you are not alone. Do you know where you can turn for help? To protect your rights and your freedom, you need an experienced Seattle DUI defense attorney on your side from Lewis & Laws, PLLC.

The experienced DUI defense lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC,  have helped and defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our confidential contact form. We know how to fight criminal charges aggressively. Call us today!