Vancouver WA DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or drunk driving charge in Vancouver, WA can be overwhelming and life-altering. A single arrest can leave you with a permanent criminal record and severe consequences, including mandatory jail time, license suspension, costly fines, probation, and potentially years of using an ignition interlock device (IID). Washington State enforces some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, and law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts treat these charges more seriously than some violent crimes. Don’t face this challenging situation alone. Our experienced Vancouver DUI attorney is here to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Why DUI Charges in Vancouver, WA Are So Serious

It’s not always obvious whether a few drinks will push you over Washington’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%—or lower for certain drivers, such as those under 21 or commercial vehicle operators. Many people find themselves unexpectedly facing a DUI charge, even after moderate drinking. The penalties can include:

• Mandatory minimum jail time (e.g., 1–364 days for a first offense, depending on BAC and circumstances)
• License suspension (90 days to a year or more, with possible IID requirements)
• Hefty fines (thousands of dollars, plus court costs and fees)
• Probation and community service
• Felony charges for repeat offenses or severe incidents like Vehicular Assault

Drunk driving charges can vary, including DUI, Physical Control of a Motor Vehicle, Negligent Driving in the First Degree, felony DUI, or Vehicular Assault, each carrying its own set of complex legal consequences. Only a skilled attorney can navigate this intricate area of law and advocate effectively on your behalf.

Fighting Your DUI Charge

During a DUI traffic stop, police officers must adhere to strict legal procedures to build a valid case against you. A knowledgeable Vancouver DUI attorney will thoroughly review the officer’s actions to identify any errors or violations that could weaken the prosecution’s case. I will analyze every aspect of the police investigation, including:

• Probable Cause to Stop: Was the traffic stop legally justified, or did it violate your constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures?
• Probable Cause to Arrest: Did the officer have sufficient evidence to justify your arrest, or were there procedural mistakes?
• Mistakes in the Field Sobriety Test: Were the tests administered correctly, or were there errors in execution or interpretation?
• Errors in the Breath Test: Were the breathalyzer results accurate, or were there calibration issues, improper administration, or other technical flaws?
• Violations of Your Rights: Were your rights under Washington law or the U.S. Constitution infringed upon during the stop, arrest, or testing?

Every DUI case is unique, and with hundreds of cases handled, I understand how to tailor a defense strategy to your specific situation. Whether your case requires a vigorous trial or strategic settlement negotiations, I will tirelessly fight to protect your rights and achieve the results you deserve, minimizing the impact on your life, license, and future.

Washington State DUI Law

A DUI in Washington is defined under Revised Code of Washington (R.C.W.) 46.61.502. You can be charged with a DUI if you operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, or if you are under the influence or “appreciably affected” by alcohol or other drugs. This means you can face charges even if you refuse a BAC test or if the officer believes you’re impaired by substances other than alcohol, such as prescription medications or marijuana.

When a police officer conducts a traffic stop, they must follow strict legal guidelines to act within the law. In Washington, drivers are protected by constitutional rights against unreasonable traffic stops. Only an experienced DUI attorney can determine whether the officer conducted a lawful stop and identify any violations that could lead to evidence being suppressed or charges being reduced or dismissed.

Experience Vancouver DUI Attorney

Navigating a DUI charge requires expertise in Washington’s complex DUI laws and a deep understanding of local court procedures in Vancouver, WA. Our skilled attorneys have the knowledge and experience to:

• Challenge the prosecution’s evidence, including BAC tests, field sobriety tests, and traffic stop legality.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, such as downgrading to Negligent Driving or securing alternative sentencing.
• Protect your driver’s license and minimize long-term consequences, like employment or insurance issues.
• Provide compassionate, personalized representation to guide you through every step of the process.

First DUI Penalties

Washington has mandatory minimum jail sentences for DUI offenders, depending on how many prior DUI’s you have received in the prior 7 years and whether your BAC test was over .15 or you refused the test.   Washington has enhanced DUI penalties if your BAC test was over .15 or you refused the BAC test all together. In addition to the penalties below, you will be required to complete a victims impact panel, an substance abuse assessment and comply with recommended treatment and pay fines and fees.
Mandatory minimum penalties for a first DUI charge in Washington are:

Second DUI Penalties

If you have a DUI conviction within seven years of your current charge you are facing drastically increased mandatory minimum penalties. In addition to a jail sentence, DUI mandatory minimums include a sentence to electronic home confinement (EHC), DUI Victim’s Panel, Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment, use of an Ignition Interlock device, 5 years probation, license suspension and costly fines. 

Third DUI Penalties

If you have two prior DUI convictions within seven years of your current charge, the minimum penalties increase under Washington law. These penalties are listed below and include DUI Victim’s Panel, Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment, mandatory use of an Ignition Interlock device, 5 years probation, license suspension and costly fines.

Three or More Prior DUI Convictions

If you have three or more convictions within 10 years, then the state can charge you with a felony DUI. This DUI charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. The sentencing range you face is determined by how many prior DUIs you have along with any prior felony convictions. The standard sentence recommendation on a first-time felony DUI is approximately 13 months in prison.

Free Consultation – Hire an Experienced DUI Attorney

Kris Carrasco is experienced in handling DUIs and other criminal and traffic offenses.  Kris can help you navigate through the complex laws involved with a DUI can help you get the best possible results in your case.  If you are charged with a DUI in the Vancouver area – call today for a free, no obligation case evaluation.