Whatcom County, Washington DUI Lawyer

Drunk driving in Washington is a serious offense and Washington DUI laws are some of the toughest in the nation. The penalties for a first-offense misdemeanor can include jail and loss of license. There are significant fines, assessments and court costs. You could even lose your job and leave your future in jeopardy. In addition to severe legal and financial consequences, family, friends and co-workers may look down on you socially.

Naturally, following an arrest of any kind, especially a Washington DUI, you are probably experiencing emotions humiliation, depression and uncertainty. While driving under the influence in Washington is never condoned, there is hope. Hiring an experienced and qualified DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer will ensure that your voice is heard in court and that your rights are preserved.

Whatcom County Washington DUI Lawyer Rico Tessandore offers a complete drunk driving defense. He is committed to protecting your rights, defending your liberty and fighting for the best possible resolution for you. Besides providing strong and competent legal representation, he knows how stressful your situation is and will take the time to explain things to you and guide you through the entire defense process.

While each case is unique, Whatcom County DUI Attorney Rico Tessandore will try to get your charges reduced or your case dismissed. The Law Offices of Rico Tessandore strive to offer the most aggressive and intelligent defense to those accused of driving under the influence in Whatcom County, Washington.

To begin getting the help you need and deserve, contact Bellingham WA DUI Attorney Rico Tessandore and ask for a free initial consultation. Once he better understands the details of your arrest he will be able to outline his fees and your legal options. To schedule a free, no obligation meeting, call (360) 961-2454 or complete the on-line form to the left.

With an office location in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham, Attorney Rico Tessandore will answer your questions and concerns. Getting a DUI is not a time to panic or hope things will work out; it's a time to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will professionally fight for your rights.

Besides being booked into jail, the consequences for driving under the influence in Whatcom County, WA can be quite severe. The penalties can include a mandatory jail term, court fines, automatic suspension of driver's license and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. You could either lose your auto insurance or pay significantly higher premiums and be required to carry an expensive SR-22 provision. In certain situations, a repeat offense for DUI in Washington is considered a felony.

A conviction for DWI in WA will also result in a permanent criminal record, which will have potentially life-changing consequences. A simple background check could lead to loss of your existing job and reduced future employment options. It would affect your credit rating, requiring you to pay higher interest on credit accounts or keeping you from qualifying for a mortgage. Canada is using improved data sharing with the United States to enforce its long-standing policy of denying entry to those with a criminal record.

It is important to try to keep your record clean. For immediate help, contact Bellingham DUI Lawyer Rico Tessandore and request a free initial consultation.

During an arrest for WA DUI, the officer usually punches a hole in your driver's license and provides you with a form to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL). You must act quickly. You only have 20 days to send in this form. If you do not, your license will be suspended automatically.

Attorney Rico Tessandore will advise you on the DOL hearing process and the advantages of requesting a hearing. If you want to see if your license can be saved, contact Whatcom County DWI Lawyer Rico Tessandore now.

Bellingham Washington DUI Attorney Rico Tessandore provides a complete defense to those accused of drunk driving in Whatcom County. Mr. Tessandore is a former prosecutor who spent years learning the dynamics of DUI litigation. He has invaluable insight into the criminal justice system, and that experience will make a difference in your case

Attorney Rico Tessandore graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts. During law school, he clerked for then Chief Federal District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro. Mr. Tessandore completed his undergraduate studies at Seattle University. Having significant experience in both criminal and civil litigation, Mr. Tessandore has the unique knowledge of both the criminal and civil ramifications surrounding a DUI.

A Washington native, Mr. Tessandore regularly serves as a pro-tem judge in Superior, District and Municipal courts throughout the Puget Sound area. He also frequently serves as an arbitrator. He is a member of the Whatcom County and Snohomish County Bar Associations, and the immediate Past President of the Snohomish County Bar Association. Mr. Tessandore has successfully handled thousands of cases to resolution. Let his experience work for you.

The Law Offices of Rico Tessandore accept many forms of payment. Before you hire an attorney, please contact Criminal Defense Attorney Rico Tessandore to discuss your case.

Time is very important when responding to an arrest for DUI in Washington. For immediate help and answers to your questions, contact Bellingham DUI Attorney Rico Tessandore by filling out the form to the left or calling (360) 961-2454. Your inquiry is confidential and phones are answered at all hours, so call now.