In this article, you will learn…
- What happens to your driver’s license if you refuse a breath test,
- Why you should hire an attorney to represent you in a DUI case, and
- How to determine what attorney is right for you.
What Happens To My Driver’s License After I Refuse To Submit To A Breath Test?
If you refuse to submit to a breath test, you will retain your physical driver’s license card. You will be given seven days to request a Department of Licensing Hearing. If you don’t request a hearing, you’ll receive a notice that your license will be suspended or revoked for one year.
If you do request a hearing within seven days, your driver’s license will remain intact and valid until you have a right to a hearing on that matter. Department of Licensing hearings can be tough, it is good to have an experienced attorney fighting those hearings.
Should I Represent Myself In A DUI Case Or Should I Hire A Lawyer?
You should always hire a lawyer when you’re charged with a DUI. You want someone to represent you who is familiar with…
- Applicable laws,
- The court system,
- How prosecutors operate,
- How particular judges operate, and
- The overall process.
You want an attorney who is able to guide and advise you throughout the process to eliminate any delays or unnecessary complications. An attorney will be able to help navigate you through the system and ensure that your rights are protected. Often, an attorney can help to minimize the consequences of your charges just by having a good understanding of how the system works.
How Do I Find The Best Qualified DUI Attorney In My Area?
To find the best qualified attorney in your area, you want to start by calling and meeting with a couple of different attorneys. The attorney you hire will…
- Discuss your options,
- Guide you through the legal process,
- Be your mouthpiece in court,
- Be your advocate,
- Advise you,
- Help you navigate your legal situation, and
- Protect your rights and privileges under the law.
It’s important to choose an attorney you feel comfortable speaking with and who you can trust. Meeting with a couple of attorneys will give you the opportunity to ask questions and access your comfort and confidence level with each option.
Some things you want to know about your attorney are…
- How they operate,
- How their law firm operates,
- How they communicate with their clients,
- Do they personally handle their cases, or do they pass them off to younger associates, and
- How accessible they are to their clients.
It isn’t uncommon for a person to hire an attorney and, on their day in court, be met with an attorney they have never even seen before. Many law offices have younger associates who may handle some court appearances. It can be jarring to expect your attorney to be with you in court and, instead, be met with a new person on a day that is already stressful to you.
It can make a huge difference to understand upfront how your case will be handled and who will actually be handling it. Make sure you have that discussion when you’re meeting with attorneys to decide who you want to represent you.
How Much Should My DUI Attorney Cost? Do I Need The Most Expensive Attorney In Washington State Or Can I Go For The Cheapest? Does Price Matter?
There are several variables that can go into determining the cost of a DUI case in Washington. These include…
- What the charges are,
- How many charges there are,
- Are there other pending cases, or
- What your criminal history looks like.
Having the most expensive lawyer is not necessarily going to give you an outright dismissal or the best possible results. Then again, sometimes you get what you pay for. So, the best practice is to meet with a few different attorneys, get a couple of different price ranges or payment options, and get a sense of what will make you comfortable and give you a good feeling about hiring someone.
What Are The Collateral Consequences If I Do End Up With A DUI Conviction In Washington State?
Some of the collateral consequences of having a DUI conviction in Washington State include…
- Having to serve jail time,
- Having to have an ignition interlock device,
- Having your commercial driver’s license revoked or suspended if you drive for work,
- Having a conviction on your record could impact your employment opportunities,
- Having a conviction on your record could end your military career, and
- Travel plans could be impacted as some countries won’t permit entry if you have a conviction.
There are many short- and long-term consequences of ending up with a DUI conviction. It could negatively impact your current and future career opportunities, your relationships, and even your travel plans.
For more information on the Aftermath Of A DUI Arrest In Washington, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (253) 222-4878 today.
