Reader’s Question:

Do I have a right to an attorney when I am stopped for a DWI investigation by the Washington police?

Mark

Bellingham, WA

The law in Washington provides that all people brought to a halt for driving with Intoxication initially do not have the privilege to an attorney. In actual fact, you do not have a privilege to even talk to a lawyer until after the primary investigation on the street of Washington is complete and you have been brought to jail. Most citizens of Washington do not comprehend that subsequent to their arrest, in which they are not at liberty to speak to a lawyer when confronted with the decision of taking or refusing a blood, breath or urine test. Keep in mind, that it is still a best to request an attorney when you are first stopped by the police and you want to continue requesting to speak with your lawyer before continuing further with any of the law enforcement officer’s other other requests. Requesting to speak to an attorney is one way of protecting yourself. The hired attorney will help you go through the process while the investigation is on going. The lawyer can help you a great deal with the investigation by representing you in court or just simply to talk to the law enforcements. The attorney can also help clarify and explain the law regarding DWI especially if you don’t know anything.