by cooneylaw | Jun 14, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Determining DUI Offense Level: Step Two Folks who get a first offense DUI often face another DUI later in life. An old misdemeanor DUI will most likely count as a prior offense sentence enhancer if it’s within seven years of the new Washington State DUI. Sometimes...
by cooneylaw | Jun 7, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Washington State DUI law sets mandatory minimum penalties for convictions. The law also sets sentencing enhancements, or higher penalties, when folks have other DUI’s within 7 years. To determine whether a misdemeanor DUI is a first, second or third offense you must...
by cooneylaw | Mar 8, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
A DUI charge In Spokane, Washington will normally lead to a First Appearance court hearing within a few weeks of the arrest. During this hearing the judge will recite your constitutional rights and the potential consequences of a DUI conviction, which may include jail...
by cooneylaw | Feb 22, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge in Spokane or anywhere in Washington State will most likely lead to two separate cases: a criminal DUI charge in court and a separate Department of Licensing (DOL) administrative case. These truly are two different and...
by cooneylaw | Feb 15, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
DUI convictions have a wide range of penalties. Everyone accused of a DUI in Washington State is at risk of: Jail time, Fines, fees and court costs, Loss of driver license, Installing the ignition interlock device, Paying high automobile insurance rates, Attendance at...
by cooneylaw | Jan 4, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Most DUI’s in Washington State are misdemeanors and have a 7 year look back period to determine whether it’s a first offense. An old DUI or Physical Control arrest might count as a prior offense or “sentence enhancer” for a new DUI arrest if the old arrest occurred...
by cooneylaw | Nov 9, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Roadside DUI tests or Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) are supposed to be voluntary. Even if you refuse them, law enforcement can still arrest you for DUI if they observe other signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Recently, a high profile Spokane Resident was arrested for...
by cooneylaw | Oct 13, 2020 | Criminal Defense, DUI
There’s a panic moment anytime you’re driving and see emergency lights directly behind you. If you get pulled over and the officer has any hint that you’ve been drinking or consuming drugs, even prescription medications, then there will be a DUI investigation. In...
by cooneylaw | Aug 25, 2020 | Criminal Defense
We all know road rage when we see it: extreme or prolonged tailgating, dangerous weaving in and out of traffic or even a driver aggressively using their horn, yelling and shaking their fist at another driver. A Spokane news article described some folks involved in a...
by cooneylaw | May 26, 2020 | Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence
Stay-home and shelter-in-place orders can create stress between spouses and domestic partners. Disputes can arise over changing finances, home-schooled children and even interruptions to hobbies and other enjoyable activities. Spokane County already has one of the...
