by cooneylaw | Sep 12, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Folks arrested for DUI in Washington State do not immediately lose their driver’s license. The key word is “immediately.” Most people face a license suspension starting 30 days after their DUI arrest, but doesn’t start right away. Confusion about the timing of license...
by cooneylaw | Jul 11, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
A conviction for DUI, which might occur after being accused and going through the court process, has a wide range of penalties. Washington State law lists mandatory minimum penalties for different levels of DUI. Generally, these include jail time, fines and loss of...
by cooneylaw | Jun 27, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Most DUI charges in Washington State are gross misdemeanors and not felonies. Gross misdemeanors have a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Washington law makes Felony DUI a Class B crime carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a...
by cooneylaw | May 23, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
A DUI charge in Spokane usually triggers a First Appearance court hearing the next business day. At this hearing the judge will read your rights and the consequences of a DUI conviction, which may include jail time, fines, loss of driver’s license, ignition interlock...
by cooneylaw | Mar 28, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
A DUI charge in Spokane will most likely lead to two separate cases: a criminal case in court and a separate Department of Licensing (DOL) administrative case. These are two completely independent cases. You can win one and lose the other. The court case usually...
by cooneylaw | Mar 21, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
An experienced DUI attorney can help someone facing a criminal charge in countless ways. From explaining early deadlines to mapping out trial strategy, a DUI attorney will relieve the fear of the unknown and help you focus on family and work during this stressful...
by cooneylaw | Mar 7, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Most DUI’s in Washington State are misdemeanors and have a 7 year look back to determine offense level. Offense levels dictate the mandatory minimum penalties if you’re actually convicted of a DUI or the related charge of Physical Control. A new DUI arrest will most...
by cooneylaw | Jan 24, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Washington State DUI laws set the legal limit for alcohol at .08 if you’re 21 years of age, but there’s talk about lowering this limit. Setting any legal limit creates layers of confusion about what’s lawful and what’s safe. Limits imply drivers can legally drive with...
by cooneylaw | Jan 3, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Historically, there have been more DUI arrests in Spokane during the holiday season. Many people take time off from work around the holidays and might have an extra drink when they’re out for dinner or while watching their favorite sports team at the bar. Others might...
by cooneylaw | Dec 13, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Most folks accused of DUI in Spokane will have an initial court hearing or First Appearance the next business day after their arrest. However, in some situations these initial court hearings are delayed for two to three weeks. Unfortunately, this delay leads some...