Kitsap County DUI Lawyers

Accused of DUI? Talk to an Experienced Washington DUI Attorney Today!

Are you looking for a DUI lawyer in Kitsap County? Our attorneys know the laws. We help drivers get back on the road after a driving under the influence or physical control arrest. With over 45 years of combined experience, our team knows how to pursue a favorable result on your behalf.

Speak with our Washington DUI lawyers during a free consultation by contacting us at (360) 526-8191.

What are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Washington?

In Washington, driving under the influence penalties are some of the toughest in the nation. Even being accused of DUI can cause you to lose your driver’s license for at least 90 days and require expensive high-risk insurance for years.

If you are convicted of a first time DUI, you could face the following sanctions:

• Up to a year in jail
• Fines up to $5,000
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• A license suspension of 90 days
• Alcohol or drug education

If you are convicted of a second DUI, you could face the following sanctions:

• Up to a year in jail
• Fines up to $5,000
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• A license suspension for two years
• Alcohol or drug education

If you are convicted of a third DUI, you could face the following sanctions:

• Up to a year in jail
• Fines up to $5,000
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• A license suspension for three years
• Alcohol or drug education

In Washington, the DOL takes action to suspend the driver’s license of virtually any driver who is arrested for DUI, regardless of what happens in court. Even if you are not immediately charged in court, if you don’t act quickly, you will still lose your license. You only have 7 days from the date of the incident to challenge the suspension. The DOL can impose a suspension/revocation anywhere from 90 days to 4 years for a DUI arrest, even if a jury finds you not guilty. It is crucial to contact a Kitsap County DUI attorney immediately following a DUI arrest.

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests in Washington

The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is made of up 3 individual tests:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test - For this test the officer will observe the eyes of the person in question as they slowly move a pen or small object back and forth to look for indicators in each eye that the person is impaired.
• Walk-and-turn test - For this test, the officer instructs the person to take nine steps, touching heel-to-toe in a straight line and the return back. The officer is looking for signs that the person is under the influence such as not being able to keep their balance or not following the instructions properly.
• One-leg stand test - For this test, the officer instructs the person to stand with one foot off the ground and hold it for about 30 seconds or until told to put it down. The officer looks for signs of intoxication such as swaying, hoping or using their arms to balance.

What is Washington’s Implied Consent Law?

In the state of Washington, when applying for and accepting a driver's license, every driver has given their "implied consent" to submit to either breath or blood tests upon being arrested on charges of DUI. You do have the right to refuse the test, however the refusal results in at least a one-year revocation or suspension of the person’s driving license.

You Need a Kitsap County DUI Lawyer Who Knows the Court System

We are skilled, experienced attorneys, and familiar with dozens of challenges to every stage of DUI prosecution. Was the original traffic stop legally valid? Were constitutional safeguards regarding search and arrest followed by the police? Was the BAC test administered according to the procedures mandated by Washington law? Any failure by police to observe the letter of the law weakens the prosecution’s case and provides the accused a legal defense and important negotiation leverage.

Who represents you in a DUI case is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your attorney should be someone you can trust; someone you can talk to—but also someone who is willing and able to fight to protect you in court and in the DOL process to save your driver’s license. A poorly handled case will cost you thousands of dollars in fines and fees. A good lawyer can often save you more than their fees.

Judges are making important decisions about your case starting at your first court appearance. They can require that you install an ignition interlock, be on electronic home monitoring, or have to post bail or go to jail. You should have the best DUI attorney with you from the first minute you appear in front of the judge.

Call for a FREE Consultation with Our Kitsap County DUI Attorney

At Glisson & Morris, our attorneys are professional, aggressive, and committed to helping you. We will fight to protect your rights and make sure you get the fair treatment that you deserve in the complex world of DUI defense. Our goal is getting you back on the road and moving on with your life as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Don’t go to court alone! Talk to a Kitsap County DUI defense attorney before you appear in front of a judge. Call us today at (360) 526-8191 or contact us online.

We represent clients charged with DUI in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Kingston, Olalla, Poulsbo, Tacoma, and around Kitsap County and Pierce County Washington.