DUI

DUI

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs is also referred to as a DUI or sometimes DWI.

The Adult DUI

The charge for an adult is DUI.

A Driving Under the Influence is a gross misdemeanor, which has a maximum of 364 days in jail and additional court penalties.

  • Requires a blood alcohol content of .08 or,
  • 5 nanograms or higher for Driving under the influence of Marijuana or,
  • In the alternative, be under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol.

Underage DUI

The charge for someone under the age of 21 is Driver Under Twenty-One consuming alcohol or marijuana and is operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle.

An Underage DUI is a misdemeanor, which has a maximum  of 90 days in jail and additional court penalties.

For a minor the blood alcohol content is .02.

Driving Under the Influence is a serious crime, with serious penalties for you.

  • You could be arrested.
  • Face a Driver’s license suspension.  
  • You will have assorted Court hearings including an Arraignment, Pre-Trial hearings, Trial, Sentencing.
  • Sentencing can include Jail, Fines, Scram Bracelet, Drug and Alcohol Evaluation, Treatment, Ignition Interlock, SR 22 filing Insurance.  

In the long term

  • You may need to have background checks done, that will bring this back to the surface years from now.
  • Some Countries, including Canada, do not allow you to enter if you have been convicted of  a DUI.

Drinking? Driving? Don’t!

If you are drinking and travelling, plan to have a designated driver, call a friend, call a cab, call a tow truck, or Stay.

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

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Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

Understanding a DUI Stop

Understanding A DUI Stop

You have been out for some fun, enjoying a few alcoholic beverages. You grab your keys, hop into the driver’s seat and get on the road.  

Soon you notice the red and blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror. Now you realize that you could be charged with a DUI.

If you have committed a traffic infraction, an officer will pull you over.  

The officer will notice if there is an odor of alcohol or drugs from the car. He will look to see if your eyes are glassy or bloodshot. He will observe if your speech is slurred and your mannerisms seem to be impaired.  

The Field Sobriety Test

With a reasonable suspicion of drunk driving, the officer will ask you to step out of the car and complete a field sobriety test.

A field sobriety test is a series of 3 tests that will be administered by an officer to determine the impairment of the driver and establish probable cause for arrest.  

Test one is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test  

The officer will watch the driver’s eyes, as the driver follows a slowly moving object. This is usually done with a writing utensil or a small flashlight.  

Test two is the walk and turn test.  

This requires the driver to listen, follow instructions, while performing the simple physical movements.  The driver will be asked to take nine steps, heel-to-toe along a straight line, and then turn on one foot and return to the starting position walking along the same straight line heel-to-toe.  

Test three is the one-leg stand test.  

The driver will be asked to stand with one foot approximately six inches off of the ground and then will be directed to count aloud by thousands until the officer directs the driver to place the foot down.  

The officer will be looking for indicators of impairment, which include swaying while balancing, use of the arms for balance, hopping to help maintain balance, and placing the foot down for balance.

Breath Test

The officer may also ask you to take a portable breath test to measure your blood alcohol content.

Should you Take the Test

It is important that you speak with an attorney prior to taking any type of test to determine your ability to drive.

The officer may place you under arrest and you may be taken to jail if you refuse to take the tests.  

Knowing your Rights

The arresting officer is required to notify you of your right to talk to an attorney, within a reasonable amount of time.

It is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible to help determine which course of action you should take to help with your situation.

What are the Consequences?

Receiving a DUI is a serious offense and may lead to time in jail, suspension of your license, probation and many other requirements or penalties.

We know that DUIs can be a life changing event but it is not the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.