Practice areas / DUI
Charged with a DUI in Chelan County? Time matters.
Few things feel as isolating as a DUI arrest. What happens to your license? Will your employer find out? Will this follow you forever? The questions spiral fast. Most of the time, the reality is more manageable than the fear, and the earlier you act, the more options you have.
A DUI arrest triggers a Department of Licensing suspension that runs separately from your court case. You have seven days from the citation date to request a hearing. How the two suspensions work.
Do this now
- Check your license status on the Washington DOL website with your license number and birthdate, and make sure the DOL and the court have your current address.
- Request your DOL hearing within 7 days. You can do it yourself or I can do it for you. Missing the deadline means suspension under the implied consent law.
- Talk to a DUI lawyer before you talk to anyone else about the case. I will look at the stop, the arrest, and the breath or blood testing. Problems in any of those change everything.
Don't do this
- Don't ignore it. DUI charges don't go away. Missing a court date adds a warrant and, often, jail.
- Don't overshare with police. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used.
- Don't rely on forum advice. Well-meaning friends and Reddit threads don't know your facts.
What makes DUIs different in Washington
A DUI is a gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. The maximum is rarely imposed. What sets DUI apart is the mandatory minimum: judges must impose certain penalties based on your blood alcohol level, your history, and other factors. Probation violations also trigger mandatory sanctions, including 30 days of jail or electronic home monitoring.
That is why DUI defense is tailored, not templated. The breath machine, the field sobriety tests, the reason for the stop and the way the officer read your rights all get examined.
Not every DUI ends as a DUI
Many DUIs in Chelan County are amended to lesser charges: reckless driving, negligent driving in the first degree, or negligent driving in the second degree, which is a traffic infraction with no jail. See the reduction ladder and the penalties at each rung.
Questions people ask me
How long do I have to request the DOL hearing?
Seven days from the citation date. If you miss it, the administrative suspension starts automatically.
Will I go to jail for a first DUI?
The mandatory minimum is 24 or 48 hours depending on your BAC, and courts often allow alternatives. Reductions to negligent driving avoid it entirely. It depends on the facts, which is what the consultation is for.
Does my employer find out?
Not from the court directly. Some licenses and commercial drivers have reporting obligations. Tell me what you do and I'll tell you what applies.
What does it cost?
A flat fee for all pretrial representation, quoted before you hire me, with a payment plan available. Fees explained.
Don't wait
Call me today at (509) 630-3492 for a free consultation. Let's take the first step toward protecting your rights, your record and your future.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours.