One moment you’re driving home, and the next, you’re facing flashing lights, field sobriety tests, and the very real possibility of losing your license, your job, and your freedom. If you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Puyallup, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the legal system can feel designed to work against you. That’s where our Puyallup, WA criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz comes in.
With years of experience defending clients throughout Puyallup and Washington state, Mark S. Treyz knows how to challenge DUI charges at every turn—from questioning the legality of your traffic stop to contesting the reliability of breathalyzer results. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and start building your defense with a lawyer who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Washington State DUI Laws and Penalties
In Washington, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers of non-commercial vehicles is 0.08% within two hours of operating a vehicle. To convict you of DUI, the prosecution must prove not only that your BAC exceeded this limit, but also that the test was accurate and reliable, and that you were actually driving within the specified timeframe.
The penalties for DUI convictions in Washington escalate with each offense:
- For a first DUI conviction, you face up to 365 days in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of at least two full days in jail or 15 days of electronic home monitoring.
- Second DUI convictions carry even harsher consequences. You face up to 365 days in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000, but the mandatory minimum sentence jumps to 30 days in jail or 60 days of electronic home monitoring.
- For a third DUI conviction, the penalties become severe. You are looking at a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail, up to one year, or 120 days of electronic home monitoring, plus the $5,000 maximum fine.
Washington also operates under an implied consent law. This means that by driving on Washington roads, you have automatically agreed to submit to a blood or breath test if you are lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing these tests carries its own set of administrative penalties, including automatic license suspension.
Why You Need a Puyallup DUI Defense Attorney
The consequences of a DUI conviction extend far beyond fines and jail time. You may face license suspension that can make it impossible to get to work, a criminal record that follows you for years, and potential job loss, especially if your employment requires driving. The stakes are simply too high to navigate these charges alone.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz brings dedicated, personalized attention to every DUI case. Our Puyallup DUI defense lawyer understands the nuances of Washington DUI law and knows how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. From examining the calibration records of breathalyzer machines to reviewing dashcam footage for procedural errors, every detail matters—and every detail is scrutinized.
When you choose our firm, you’re not just another case number. We will take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. With extensive experience in Puyallup courts and relationships with local prosecutors and judges, you benefit from both legal guidance and local knowledge.
Common Defense Strategies for DUI Charges in Washington
When you are facing DUI charges, a Puyallup DUI defense attorney can employ several strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop: If the officer didn’t have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over, any evidence gathered during the stop may be inadmissible. Your attorney can argue that the stop violated your Fourth Amendment rights, potentially leading to dismissal of your case.
- Questioning field sobriety test reliability: Field sobriety tests are notoriously subjective and can be affected by numerous factors unrelated to intoxication: weather conditions, uneven pavement, or physical disabilities, for example. Your attorney can challenge whether these tests truly demonstrate impairment.
- Contesting breathalyzer and blood test accuracy: These tests are not infallible. Improper calibration, administration errors, medical conditions, or even certain foods can affect results. Your Puyallup DUI defense attorney can bring in expert testimony to question the accuracy of your BAC reading.
- Asserting violations of your constitutional rights: If law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest—through unlawful search and seizure, failure to read your Miranda rights, or other constitutional violations—any evidence obtained may be suppressed. The charges may even be dismissed entirely.
- Presenting alternative explanations: Many signs that officers interpret as intoxication can result from fatigue, medical conditions, or allergies. Your attorney can present evidence of these alternative causes.
What to Do If You Are Arrested on Suspicion of DUI in Puyallup, WA
If you find yourself arrested for DUI in Puyallup, stay calm and do not say anything. Anything you say can be used against you, so exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing basic identification information. Do not attempt to argue your innocence or explain yourself to the officer—save those discussions for your attorney.
Request to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. You have the right to legal representation, and the sooner you have an experienced DUI defense lawyer reviewing your case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney: not friends, not family members, and certainly not on social media. Prosecutors can and will use your own words against you.
Don’t Face DUI Charges Alone—Call Mark S. Treyz Today
A DUI charge in Puyallup can feel overwhelming and frightening. You’re worried about your license, your job, and your future, and you’re not sure where to turn. A charge is not a conviction, and you have the right to defend yourself.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides aggressive, experienced DUI defense that challenges every aspect of the prosecution’s case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results. Contact us at (253) 272-8666 for a confidential consultation and trust our Puyallup DUI defense lawyer to fight for your future.