by cooneylaw | Jan 30, 2024 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Washington State DUI laws set mandatory minimum penalties for convictions, including higher penalties if there are priors within 7 years. To determine whether a misdemeanor DUI is a first, second or third offense you must look at the dates of other DUI arrests, dates...
by cooneylaw | Jan 2, 2024 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Most folks accused of DUI in Spokane have a 7-day deadline to try to save their driver license through a Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) case. This DOL case is independent from the court case, which means you can win one and lose the other. The 7-day...
by cooneylaw | Dec 26, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Roadside DUI tests are voluntary in Washington State and most folks under investigation are better off refusing them. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) can be difficult to perform correctly under perfect environmental conditions. They’re even harder to pass...
by cooneylaw | Dec 12, 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 | Sep 26, 2023 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Washington State DUI laws set the legal limit for alcohol .08. This alcohol limit is based on nearly 100 years of medical research. When the state legalized marijuana, the DUI laws were also changed to add a legal limit for marijuana intoxication. This marijuana DUI...
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...
