My sister was accused of DUI here in Washington and her DUI lawyer is in the process of reviewing her case. I heard that she was not read his Miranda rights during the arrest or something. What will happen to her DUI case now, will it be dismissed?

Elias

Spokane, WA

Unfortunately, your sister’s DUI case in Spokane, Washington would not be dismissed if she was not read her Miranda rights. The Miranda warnings should be given if the person accused for DUI is already under “custodial interrogation.” If the person is under custody, he/she will not be free to leave or terminate the investigation. Interrogation would be the direct questions or their functional equivalent designed to elicit incriminating information.

While there is no debate that the questions that are asked by the police officer are an ‘interrogation,’ it has been decided by the courts that most of the questions directed to the DUI suspects are asked before the person is in custody for the purposes of Miranda. In other words, in most DUI cases, there is no legal obligation for the officer to advise the DUI suspect of his/her rights. If there is a Miranda violation, it would merely result in the suppression of statements that are obtained as the result of the violation.

I got charged with DUI in Washington and it seems impossible for me to get out of this. Would it still be possible for me to win my case or shall I just give it up?

Mae

Bellevue, WA

Nothing would be impossible and anything could still happen if you try to fight your DUI case in Washington. All you need is a DUI lawyer who has an extensive track record of fighting and winning DUI cases. Through an experienced DUI lawyer, it’s not only possible to get DUI charges reduced to a lesser offense, but in some cases, a good DUI lawyer can be able to get them dismissed entirely. The DUI lawyer can also be able to put up DUI defenses applicable in your case. The line of DUI defense includes arguing constitutional violations and challenging blood alcohol content test results.

A DUI specialist would systematically review police reports for any lapses and inconsistencies in procedure. The DUI lawyer could also request complete disclosure concerning the machine used to test your blood alcohol level, the lab certification and the personnel involved in the maintenance and operation of the machine. With all these DUI defenses and more, you don’t have to think that it would be impossible for you to get out of your DUI charge.

I know that it is necessary for me to get a DUI lawyer to defend me in my DUI case here in Washington. But what are the things that I need to know when hiring a DUI lawyer?

Stephanie

Enumclaw Plateau, WA

The first thing that you would need to take note when hiring a lawyer to defend you on your DUI case in Washington is that the lawyer practices mainly on DUI cases. A lawyer who focuses his/her attention in DUI cases is what your really need because this kind of has knowledge and materials necessary for you to fight your DUI charge.

Next is that you also have to know if the lawyer is trustworthy. We know that some lawyers have a reputation for being money-hungry fast talkers. So, would you be comfortable in talking with this person? Make sure that the lawyer treat you with respect and is patient and upfront with you. If you don’t feel that the conversation is right, chances are that lawyer is not the one for you. Also, the DUI lawyer should explain exactly what he/she will do for you and would let you know if there are any extra charges for certain services, also known as “hidden fees.”

They say that I would have to hire a lawyer to represent me in my DUI case in Washington. I’m still thinking twice in doing so because it may cost me a lot of money. Is it really expensive to hire a DUI lawyer?

Evan

Yakima, WA

People caught operating a motor vehicle who are driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol are charged with a criminal offense. It is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of Washington. Compared to other lawyers, DUI lawyers have a detailed knowledge of DUI laws and have a good experience in handling DUI cases. They are familiar with all the nuances and particulars involved with DUI offenses. People involved in DUI cases are strongly advised to consult and hire the services of an experienced and well-qualified attorney because the law enforces harsh measures on offenders.

The fee actually depends on the arrangement. Make sure that the fees fully clarified and are set in a written contract to protect yourself. Some DUI lawyers ask for an initial retainer. Some give ‘all-inclusive’ packages, but be careful with this kind of lawyer. You always have to make sure that the package covers extra costs such as those related to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) license hearing, the fee for the expert witness, fees for blood reanalysis (if needed) and subpoena costs, among others. In general, DUI lawyers charge $500-$1,000 but it may go up in cases of repeat offense.

Now, you won’t be entitled to free representation in all DUI cases. Typically it’s just felony cases and quite a few misdemeanor cases that have this privilege. Even so, there are many legal aid non profits which can help you find low cost lawyers or payment plans.

Publicly appointed lawyers have a stigma associated with them that, since they work for the government, they are low quality and are likely to lose. While these stereotypes may prove true for some, in the majority of the cases of lawyers they are very good at representing people in a court of law and especially since they have an experience working right in there,