Facing criminal charges of any kind can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience. A momentary lapse in judgment or a simple misunderstanding can upend your life in an instant, putting your future in jeopardy. Although the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) are well-known, many people find themselves accused of a DUI offense at some point. Like most states, Washington imposes harsh penalties for DUI convictions, including potential imprisonment, costly fines, mandatory license suspension, participation in alcohol or drug education classes, and other restrictions on your future and freedom. If law enforcement has arrested you for a DUI crime in Vancouver or Clark County, you need effective and reliable criminal defense services to ensure that your legal rights remain protected at every turn. For decades, The Vern McCray Law Firm, PLLC, has been providing vigorous and aggressive DUI defense services for those facing criminal charges in Clark County. Give our office a call as soon as possible to start exploring your options and mounting a strong defense that keeps your future bright.
Understanding DUI Charges in Washington State
Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is considered a crime in Washington State. When law enforcement arrests you for a suspected DUI, you will likely face the mandatory suspension of your driver’s license as well as a separate criminal DUI charge. The arresting officer should provide you with a Hearing Request form that allows you to request an administrative hearing before the Department of Licensing (DOL), during which you may dispute the mandatory driver’s license revocation. However, you must file this request within seven calendar days of your arrest. Although this is a civil hearing, you can still enlist legal representation to defend your best interests and advocate for the restoration of your driver’s license. It’s worth noting that the DOL case has no impact on the DUI criminal case, which is handled as a separate matter.
Depending on the specifics of the DUI charge you are facing, you and your DUI defense lawyer may explore and implement various legal strategies to have the charges dismissed or reduced. Even if the charges cannot be reduced, your criminal defense lawyer will work hard to defend your best interests and obtain the most favorable outcome possible given the specifics of the case. While you may not consider a DUI conviction to be the end of the world, the penalties can be significant and present substantial challenges as you attempt to move forward. It’s best to rely on your skilled and experienced Vancouver DUI defense lawyer to advocate on your behalf and seek to secure the most fair and appropriate outcome.
The Penalties For DUI Convictions in Washington State
The consequences of a DUI conviction in Clark County depend on several factors, such as the amount of alcohol in your blood at the time of your arrest, whether the incident involved property damage or personal injury, and whether you have any previous DUI convictions. Most first-time DUI offenders will be charged with a gross misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. Moreover, you can expect to face a mandatory license suspension of at least 90 days, as well as up to five years of formal probation.
If you have one or more prior DUI convictions on your record, you can expect to face more serious penalties for any subsequent DUI offense. For instance, a second DUI conviction carries a sentence of at least 30 days in jail and a license suspension for at least two years. DUI incidents that cause injury or death to another person carry weightier charges with more lasting consequences, such as several years behind bars, costly fines, and other significant limitations. Since the impact of a DUI conviction can be severe, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable and experienced Clark County DUI defense lawyer who will fight hard to protect you at every turn.
Experienced Clark County DUI Defense Attorney Ready to Assist You
Attorney Vern McCray began his legal career prosecuting DUI crimes over 30 years ago. You can trust that he has the comprehensive and time-tested experience necessary to provide the high-quality and reliable legal defense services you deserve. The Vern McCray Law Firm proudly handles a wide range of DUI cases, including hit and run, vehicular assault, attempting to elude an officer, negligent or reckless driving, disorderly conduct, obstructing law enforcement, and more. Since founding his law practice, DUI defense lawyer Vern McCray has successfully obtained hundreds of dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, civil compromises, and reduced charges on behalf of his clients. Reach out to our office today to get started with a trusted, caring, and highly qualified Vancouver DUI defense lawyer.
