Chelan County, Washington DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for suspicion of impaired or drunk driving in Washington can result in significant legal, financial and social penalties. Even for first offense you could be facing jail, fines, loss of job and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

When weighing the cost of hiring an attorney, consider the impact of a DUI in Washington on your freedom and your future. Having professional legal guidance will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible disposition of your case.

Chelan County Washington DUI Lawyer Brett Nagle has the legal experience and knowledge of Washington DUI laws to make a positive difference in the outcome of your case. As a former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney, he understands both sides of a DUI arrest. That insight will better help him prepare an aggressive and effective defense for you.

Time is very critical in preparing a WA DUI defense. The State is already building its case against you and you are just days away from losing your driver's license. To begin getting the legal help you need, contact Wenatchee, WA DUI Attorney Brett Nagle by completing the secure online form to the left or calling (509) 329-6325.

The initial review of your case is free, with no further obligation. Once Attorney Brett Nagle has a better understanding of your arrest, he will be able to outline some legal remedies and discuss his fee. Act now for the best result.

Under past legal statutes, the term for drunk driving was DWI, which stood for driving while intoxicated in Washington State. The state was required to prove intoxication to achieve a conviction. This entailed showing that a motorist's blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit of 0.08%.

Under current law, the offense is termed DUI or driving under the influence in Washington. The State needs only to prove impairment from alcohol or drugs to the point of operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner.

Arresting officers will collect information in an effort to prove impairment. This can include use of field sobriety tests (FSTs), noting physical observations such as bloodshot eyes or slurred speech, asking the suspect to answer a list of questions, or collecting a breath or blood sample to test BAC. You can be arrested for WA DUI with a BAC below 0.08% or with no BAC evidence. In fact, refusing to submit to a chemical test for blood alcohol content will lead to enhanced penalties.

An officer's decision to arrest you may be based on incorrect observations. While impaired or drunk driving in Chelan County, Washington is never condoned, even responsible social drinkers are subject to arrest for presence of alcohol. Regardless of the nature of your specific arrest, you are still entitled to a legal defense.

Chelan County DUI Attorney Brett Nagle believes you are innocent until proven otherwise. He will challenge the police and State's evidence and seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed. To learn more about your situation and legal options, request a free consultation from Brett Nagle.

Following an arrest for DUI in Chelan County, two separate and distinct cases will be filed. One is for the prosecution of the criminal arrest, which is carried out in the court system. The other is a civil case filed by the Department of Licensing that seeks to suspend or revoke your driver's license. The DOL has sole discretion to issue or suspend driver licensing in Washington State. This means you could lose your license before the outcome of your criminal case.

You can contest the DOL action by requesting a special hearing with them. You must, however, make that request, and file a required fee, within 20 days of the date of your arrest. Failure to act in time will result in the automatic suspension of all driving privileges. If you drive with a suspended license and are stopped for any other traffic offense, you will be subject to additional criminal charges and jail for up to one year.

The length of a license suspension is influenced by a number of factors. To learn more about your license, contact Wenatchee DUI Attorney Brett Nagle.

The majority of arrests for driving under the influence in Chelan County are filed as gross misdemeanors. You will be subject to fines, court costs, jail and the required installation of an ignition interlock device in your car. There are mandatory minimum penalties if you are convicted. The extent of the penalties is influenced by your BAC at time of arrest, number of prior arrests for DUI in WA during the previous seven years and whether you refused to submit to a breath or blood test. The court can also require completion of an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program and purchase of high-risk auto insurance coverage.

Those with multiple prior DUI offenses on their record, or who caused injury or death while impaired, will be charged with a felony. This will result in enhanced penalties, including a prison term.

Perhaps the most significant impact of being convicted of Washington DUI is the ensuing criminal arrest record. Such a mark could be found with a simple background check and lead to loss of job, reduced future employment options, a damaged credit score and even the inability to travel to Canada.

It is important to consult a qualified Washington criminal defense attorney who understands the DUI court system and relevant laws. Chelan County DUI Lawyer Brett Nagle has the experience and expertise that you need.

Wenatchee Washington DUI Lawyer Brett Nagle is a former Washington State Deputy Prosecutor who now focuses on helping those accused of alcohol related moving violations, including DUI, DWI and BUI - Boating Under the Influence. Brett Nagle grew up in Snohomish County and received an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington. He earned a juris doctorate from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, where he made law review and supervised other students in publishing legal articles.

Attorney Nagle has extensive experience in case and trial preparation for WA DUI/DWI and has received specialized training in the application of breath tests and field sobriety tests. He is a member of the National College of DUI Defense and the Washington State Bar Association.

Get the legal information you need to help avoid loss of driver's license or being sentenced to jail. Contact Chelan County Washington DUI Attorney Brett Nagle immediately for a confidential and free consultation. Simply complete the on-line form to the left or call (509) 329-6325.