Felony Drunk Driving in Washington State

Drunk driving is a serious offense in Washington State, and when certain aggravating factors are present, it can escalate to felony charges. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we understand the complexities and severe consequences associated with felony drunk driving. If you or a loved one is facing these charges, it is crucial to seek expert legal representation. Contact us at (360) 334-6277 to get the support you need.

What Constitutes Felony Drunk Driving?

In Washington State, a standard DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge becomes a felony under specific circumstances. According to Washington’s DUI laws, RCW 46.61.502, several factors can elevate a DUI to a felony:

  1. Multiple Prior DUI Convictions: If a driver has been convicted of DUI three or more times within ten years, subsequent offenses can be charged as felonies. This is often referred to as a “persistent offender” status.
  2. DUI with Prior Felony DUI Convictions: A DUI charge becomes a felony if the driver has prior felony DUI convictions. This reflects the state’s emphasis on punishing repeat offenders more severely.
  3. DUI with Serious Injury or Death: If a drunk driving incident results in serious bodily injury or death, the driver may face felony charges. This includes charges of Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide, under RCW 46.61.520 and RCW 46.61.520, respectively.

Penalties for Felony Drunk Driving

The penalties for a felony Drunk Driving in Washington State are severe and can include:

Prison Time: Felony DUIs can result in lengthy prison sentences. For instance, a Class B felony conviction could lead to a prison term of up to 10 years.

Fines: Substantial financial penalties can be imposed. Depending on the specifics of the case, fines can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

License Suspension: A felony DUI conviction often results in a lengthy driver’s license suspension or revocation, which can significantly impact daily life and employment.

Mandatory Treatment Programs: Felony DUI offenders are usually required to complete alcohol or drug treatment programs, which can be extensive and costly.

Probation and Community Service: In addition to prison time, offenders may face probation and community service requirements, adding further burden to their lives.

Criminal Record: A felony DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can have lasting effects on employment opportunities, housing applications, and more.

Navigating a felony DUI charge requires an experienced defense attorney who can craft a robust legal strategy. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we employ various defense tactics, including:

Challenging the Evidence: We examine the evidence collected by law enforcement to ensure it was obtained legally and accurately. This includes scrutinizing breathalyzer tests, field sobriety tests, and arrest procedures.

Questioning the Accuracy of Testing Devices: Breathalyzers and other testing devices must be properly calibrated and maintained. We investigate whether any issues with these devices might have affected the results.

Examining Police Procedures: We assess whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the stop and arrest. Any deviations from protocol could potentially lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Pursuing Plea Bargains: In some cases, negotiating a plea deal may be in the client’s best interest. We work to achieve the most favorable outcome possible, whether that involves reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.

Facing a felony DUI charge is a daunting and complex situation. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer offers dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation to navigate these serious charges. If you need help with a felony DUI case, contact us at (360) 334-6277 for a consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and working towards the best possible outcome.

Your defense is our priority. Let us help you through this challenging time with experienced and compassionate legal support.