DUI Defense Lawyer in King & Snohomish Counties
If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Washington, you will probably lose your driver's license if you don't hire a lawyer to defend you. You may still lose your driver's license even if you do hire a lawyer — but at least you will have a fighting chance.
I'm Schöen Parnell, a DUI defense lawyer with offices in Lynnwood and Kirkland. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Washington state, you face an automatic suspension of your driver's license by the Washington Department of Licensing. To challenge this suspension, you must request a hearing with the DOL within 20 days of your arrest.
I have yet to see an individual prevail at a DOL hearing without legal representation. However, I have won numerous DOL hearings because I have a strategic approach to each case. I have taught even spoken at DUI Seminars, teaching other attorneys how to handle their client’s DOL hearing. Because of the time limit for filing your request for a hearing, you should talk to an experienced DUI attorney right after your arrest. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Washington DOL Driver's License Suspension Periods
- If your BAC is .08 or greater (.02 if you are a minor) 90 days
- If you refused to take a breath or blood test One year
- If this is your second or subsequent DUI or refusal Two years
Defenses in DOL Driver's License Suspension Cases
The defenses available to you at your DOL hearing will be very fact-specific to your situation. They may include:
- Was there a legal basis for the police to stop you?
- Was there probable cause to arrest you?
- Were you advised of the implied consent warnings?
- Was the breath or blood test properly administered?
- Was your blood alcohol content (BAC) .08 or higher?
- Did you actually refuse the breath or blood test?
Within a few weeks after your hearing, you will receive notice from the DOL as to their decision. If you won, the driver's license suspension/revocation action against you is canceled. If you lost, the notice will say your license is suspended and you must stop driving for the appropriate amount of time. An additional consequence of losing this hearing includes the requirement of SR-22 high-risk auto insurance for three years.
Free Consultation With an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney
Contact DUI defense lawyer Schöen Parnell day or night for a free consultation.
