Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges in Washington. The state takes impaired driving seriously, imposing harsh penalties that can include jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. After a DUI arrest, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future—but you have rights, and you have options.
Bellevue criminal defense attorney, Mark S. Treyz, has spent years defending clients against DUI charges throughout the Puget Sound region, scrutinizing every element of the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses and build a strong defense strategy. If you are facing a DUI charge in Bellevue, the time to act is now. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and your future.
Why Work with The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz?
- Our Bellevue DUI defense lawyer, Mark S. Treyz, brings more than 30 years of legal experience to your defense, which he will leverage to scrutinize every detail of the prosecution’s case and build the strongest possible defense strategy.
- Our firm will dedicate the resources necessary to conduct a thorough, independent investigation of your case and guide you through every step of the legal process with clarity and compassion.
- We represent cases throughout the Puget Sound region, giving us deep familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and the procedures that can make or break a DUI defense.
Washington State DUI Laws to Know
Under RCW 46.61.502, there are two ways that Washington State can secure a DUI conviction:
- When your breath or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving
- When the prosecution can demonstrate that your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, regardless of your BAC level
To build their case, prosecutors typically rely on evidence such as breath or blood test results and the observations documented by law enforcement officers. These observations may include descriptions of erratic driving, the odor of alcohol, bloodshot or watery eyes, slurred speech, and poor coordination.
A DUI conviction in Washington is also permanent. State law does not permit the vacation or expungement of DUI convictions. If you are arrested for a DUI in Bellevue, it is essential to work with a criminal defense lawyer who can fight for your future and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Bellevue
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington are severe, even for first-time offenders:
- For a first-time DUI offense with a BAC below 0.15%, you may face one day to one year in jail, fines up to $5,000, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and the potential installation of an ignition interlock device. If your BAC was 0.15 percent or higher, the penalties increase, with mandatory ignition interlock requirements and fines starting at over $1,000.
- A second DUI conviction within 10 years can result in a minimum of 45 days in jail, fines up to $5,000, a two-year license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock installation.
- If you accumulate three or more DUI offenses within ten years, or if you have a prior conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while impaired, your DUI charge may be elevated to a Class B felony. This carries the possibility of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
When to Hire a Bellevue DUI Defense Attorney
From the moment you are arrested for DUI, your future is at risk. A conviction can result in jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. The state is already building its case against you. To protect your rights, you need a Bellevue DUI defense lawyer on your side from the very beginning.
At The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz, we start working on your defense immediately. Our first step is to conduct a comprehensive review of your case. We examine every detail of the traffic stop and any breath or blood testing that was performed. We look for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the evidence that could work in your favor.
From there, we guide you through each phase of the legal process with clarity and compassion. We handle the administrative hearing to contest your license suspension, prepare your defense for court proceedings, and keep you informed every step of the way. You will always know what to expect next, and you will have direct access to your attorney to ask questions and discuss your concerns. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case while making a difficult situation as manageable as possible.
Washington State’s Implied Consent Statute for DUIs
When you obtained your Washington driver’s license, you implicitly agreed to submit to breath or blood alcohol testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. This agreement is codified under RCW 46.20.308, known as the implied consent statute.
Refusing to submit to testing carries serious consequences, including administrative license suspension, high-risk insurance requirements, and the potential for the officer to obtain a search warrant authorizing a blood draw without your consent. Additionally, your refusal can be used as evidence against you in criminal proceedings.
However, you do retain certain rights under this statute. You have the right to consult with an attorney before deciding whether to submit to testing, and you have the right to challenge the validity of test results if you do submit. Your attorney will analyze the testing procedures and equipment calibration records to identify errors or inconsistencies that could weaken the state’s case against you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bellevue DUI Lawyer
A DUI charge in Bellevue can upend everything you’ve worked for. But an arrest is not a conviction, and the evidence against you may not be as strong as it appears. If you have been arrested for DUI, do not wait to seek the legal guidance you need. Contact the Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz today at (253) 272-8666 to discuss your case and start fighting back.