2024
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Our Recommended Top 19
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Seattle DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Featured Provider
(60)Why choose this provider?
Paul Hanson: Lynnwood DUI Lawyer is prepared to assist clients by providing the services of an experienced DUI attorney near Seattle. Attorney Paul Hanson has over 37 years of experience practicing law and previously served as a prosecutor for Lynnwood City. His firm fights on behalf of clients when addressing legal accusations and criminal charges against them, as well as penalties put forth by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Assistance is also available for traffic tickets.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Hanson - Principal | Active | 41 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (28)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
DUI Heroes is a criminal defense law firm serving the community of Everett and the nearby areas. The firm's legal team provides representation to those who have been accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol. It examines the circumstances around the arrest to determine if the stop was valid and if the field sobriety test was properly administered. Partner Jonathan Dichter is affiliated with the National College for DUI Defense.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Dichter - Partner | Active | 20 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Matto Law Firm serves clients that need criminal defense in the metro of Seattle. The firm is dedicated to defending the rights of individuals accused of DUI and other criminal offenses. It prepares a thorough and aggressive defense so that the charges can be reduced or dropped. It also works to minimize the penalties faced by the accused. The firm's attorney, Jag Matto, is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. He was a former public defender at the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jagjit Matto - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
| Jagjit Matto - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Community Law Firm, PLLC, represents clients dealing with DUI cases in the Seattle and Bellevue areas. Its lawyers work to obtain a “not guilty” verdict at trial, a dismissal prior to trial, or a reduction to a lesser charge for its clients. The firm also handles cases related to criminal defense, traffic infractions, personal injury, and family law. It also advocates for eliminating language and cultural barriers and ensuring that everyone has access to proper legal counsel.
- Marijuana
- Reckless Driving
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Grigoriy Sarkisyan - Principal | Active | 11 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Antone Weber Law Office handles DUI cases for clients in the Seattle area. It helps individuals in negotiating alternative outcomes to contested hearings and minimizing the potential impact of DUI charges. It examines the traffic stop, arrest, and evidence to determine if the police procedure is correct. Antone Weber, the founding lawyer, represents clients who received traffic tickets, violations, and DUI charges in county and city courts in the metro and nearby locations. He has been practicing law since 2005.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
Sheed Law Offices PLLC represents clients in Seattle and the surrounding areas. It defends clients charged with DUI, questioning the objectivity and fairness of sobriety tests performed on the client. Daniel Sheed, the firm's attorney, also handles BUI cases, traffic crimes, theft, assault, and domestic violence, advocating for the accused and upholding their rights. As a former public defender, he protected the rights of those who could not afford a lawyer to defend themselves and gained extensive courtroom experience.
- Alcohol
- Drugs
Why choose this provider?
Wood Sims Law PLLC serves individuals facing criminal charges in Seattle and nearby locations. It offers counsel and representation to defendants, helping them resolve DUI offenses resulting from reckless driving and vehicular assault. The legal practice conducts investigations to collect evidence and helps clients file disputes to settle imprisonment and license suspension penalties. It also deals with matters involving domestic violence and sex crimes. One of the firm's lawyers, Cory Wood, has been in the field of criminal law since 2005.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Sims - Owner and Partner | Active | 11 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Leist Law Office, PS represents clients in Seattle facing DUI charges. Scott Leist also handles other driving-related offenses, including hit and run, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and negligent or reckless driving. He also deals with speeding tickets and traffic infractions and violent crimes, and theft and drug offenses. As a former Seattle Police officer and prosecutor, Scott knows how to cross-examine police officers and witnesses on the stand and challenge each case.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Leist - Principal | Active | 24 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Wood Law Defense is a locally owned and operated criminal defense firm in Seattle. Its founding attorney, Cory Wood, provides legal representation for drivers accused of DUI as they face court trials and administrative actions of the Department of Licensing. He discusses with alleged impaired drivers the possible outcomes of their DUI case, including dismissal, jail time, license revocation, ignition interlock, probation, and monetary fines. He also handles cases involving misdemeanors, traffic offenses, gun rights, probation violations, and expungement proceedings.
- Alcohol
- Drugs
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Robert Flennaugh II, PLLC, has been advocating for the rights of each individual since 1996. It represents Seattle clients facing the possibility of jail time, license suspension, or fines due to DUI/DWI charges. Flennaugh and his team assess individual circumstances and evidence, create defense strategies, and prepare cases for trial. Flennaugh is a member of the NACDA and NTL. He serves on the board of directors of the Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 3.0 (34)
- 5.0 (21)
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
St. John Law Group LLC is a Seattle-based law firm. The firm represents clients in cases involving DUI, minor DUI, negligent driving, reckless driving, traffic violations, and boating under influence. Founder Quita St. John is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Washington Defender Association, and the King County Bar Association. St. John has over a decade of experience in DUI defense, juvenile, and criminal litigation and has litigated over 50 jury trials in her career.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Quita St. john - Principal | Active | 18 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.5 (18)
- 4.7 (2)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 2008, David O Defense is a criminal defense law firm serving clients in the Seattle, Washington, metro area. The firm handles DUI and DWI cases, defending clients against the possible penalties of jail time, fines, community service, classes, and drivers' license suspension. David O Defense also handles assault, burglary, and domestic violence matters. Attorney David O received the AVVO Clients Choice Award – DUI Attorney and was rated in Washington Law and Politics Magazine as a Rising Star.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| David O - Senior Attorney | Active | 22 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Since 1999, Eric Schurman, Attorney at Law has been providing legal services to the Seattle community and the neighboring areas. Schurman provides guidance and representation to individuals charged with a crime, including DUI. This lawyer is dedicated to researching the historical background of a client's alcohol-related violation to help them avoid or minimize long-term and permanent consequences, including incarceration, driver's license revocation, and fines. He also serves as a defense lawyer to people charged with drug violations and domestic violence.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Schurman - Principal | Active | 26 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Scudder Law Firm provides legal services for clients in and around Seattle. Before opening her private practice in 2014, Michelle Scudder worked as a prosecuting attorney, where she worked on numerous trials involving violent crimes, sex crimes, DUIs, and weapons possessions. She also worked as a supervising attorney in the District Court Unit, focusing on DUI cases. Having been a prosecutor, Scudder provides clients with the dedication, experience, and commitment to advocating to protect their rights aggressively.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Scudder - Principal | Active | 17 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (3)
Why choose this provider?
Richard J. Troberman is a criminal defense attorney who serves Seattle and the neighboring areas. He has experience representing clients charged of minor offenses to serious felonies, including DUI, arson, domestic violence, drug possession, homicide, and rape. He takes his time in answering his clients' queries and provides solutions to their legal problems. Troberman has more than 40 years of experience in the federal court. He was also a teacher and frequent lecturer on forfeiture law throughout the United States and Canada.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Troberman - Member | Active | 49 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Newton & Hall Attorneys at Law, PLLC offers legal counseling to individuals accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Seattle and surrounding areas. It covers all DUI cases' elements, such as motor vehicle crimes, marijuana DUI, vehicular assault and homicide, and repeat and felony DUI. It helps clients avoid the penalties, such as license suspension, fines, treatment and rehabilitation requirements, and jail time. One of its lawyers, Keith Hall, also has the license to practice in California and Nevada.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Hall - Managing Attorney/Partner | Active | 20 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Ly H. Tran is an independent boutique firm representing clients in Seattle. The firm has been operating since 2015, providing legal advice in matters involving DUI defense. Its primary attorney, Ly Tran, works with defendants to fight for their cases and prevent potential jail time, fines, driver's license suspension, and community service. He also takes on cases involving negligent and reckless driving and traffic tickets. Tran serves as a board member for the Vietnamese Bar Association and the Madrona Community Council.
- DUI Defense
- DWI
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Stefanie Dorn provides legal counsel to clients facing criminal charges in Seattle. Stefanie Dorn is a criminal defense lawyer who aims to protect the rights of individuals charged with DUI, misdemeanor, and felony. She determines whether defendants convicted for DUI can qualify to expunge DUI amended to reckless or negligent driving. For over 12 years, the attorney has helped hundreds of individuals. Dorn is an active member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Stefanie Dorn - Principal | Active | 16 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Edmund Allen offers legal services to clients in need of representation in DUI cases. It serves individuals throughout Seattle, defending clients who are facing DUI or DWI charges by focusing on getting charges dismissed or reduced. Its legal staff evaluates case evidence, including police reports, blood tests, and sobriety testing procedures, prior to handling any plea negotiations. The firm also represents clients in civil proceedings brought by the Washington State Department of Licensing, helping clients keep their driving privileges.
- DUI Defense
- DWI
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Hanson: Lynnwood DUI Lawyer | 3400 188th St SW Suite 565, Lynnwood, WA98037 | View More | ||
| DUI Heroes | 16708 Bothell Everett Highway, Mill Creek, WA98012 | View More | ||
| The Matto Law Firm | 119 First Ave South Suite 500, Seattle, WA98104 | View More | ||
| Community Law Firm, PLLC | 701 Fifth Ave, Suite 4200, Seattle, WA98104 | View More | ||
| Antone Weber Law Office | 1700 Westlake Ave N. Suite 200, Seattle, WA98109 | View More | ||
| Sheed Law Offices PLLC | 1833 N. 105th St. Suite 101, Seattle, WA98133 | View More | ||
| Wood Sims Law PLLC | 645 SW 153rd Ave STE. C-2, Burien, WA98166 | View More | ||
| Washington Traffic Defense | 3326 160th Ave SE #215, Bellevue, WA98008 | View More | ||
| Wood Law Defense | 645 SW 153rd Ave STE. C-2, Burien, WA98166 | View More | ||
| The Law Offices of Robert Flennaugh II, PLLC | 810 3rd Avenue Suite 500, Seattle, WA98104 | View More | ||
| St. John Law Group | 3227 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, WA98144 | View More | ||
| David O Defense | 2211 Elliott Avenue Suite 200, Seattle, WA98121 | View More | ||
| Eric Schurman, Attorney at Law | 119 1st Ave S #500, Seattle, WA98104 | View More | ||
| Scudder Law Firm | 705 Second Avenue Suite 1111, Seattle, WA98104 | View More | ||
| Richard J. Troberman | 520 Pike Street, Suite 2500, Seattle, WA98101 | View More | ||
| Newton & Hall Attorneys at Law, PLLC | 610 Central Ave South, Kent, WA98032 | View More | ||
| The Law Office of Ly H. Tran | 9860 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA98118 | View More | ||
| The Law Office of Stefanie Dorn | 1700 7th Ave Suite 2100, Seattle, WA98101 | View More | ||
| The Law Office Of Edmund Allen | 705 2nd Ave, Ste 1111, Seattle, WA98104 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Seattle, Washington?
206-625-5011 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Seattle.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Seattle, Washington?
To obtain a copy of a police report related to your case in Seattle, you can send a written request to the Office of Public Records & Open Public Meetings at 4311 11th Ave NE, #360, Seattle, WA 98105-6203. You can also contact them at 206-543-9180 or by email at pubrec@uw.edu.
What are the potential consequences of a DUI in Seattle?
DUI in Seattle is classified as a gross misdemeanor but can become a class C felony under certain circumstances. Even for a gross misdemeanor DUI, mandatory minimum penalties include fines, jail time, and license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car. These penalties can significantly impact your life, so it is important to seek legal help if you are facing a DUI charge.
Is it necessary to hire a Seattle DUI attorney if you are guilty?
Yes, because without legal representation, pleading guilty may lead to mandatory and severe penalties. A DUI lawyer will suggest that you plead not guilty and require a prosecutor to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal or an alternative resolution to prevent a DUI conviction. Even if you are guilty, a DUI lawyer can mitigate the consequences and help you obtain a favorable outcome.
Does it matter which law enforcement agency arrested you for DUI in Seattle?
Yes, it does. The prosecution and the court that will handle your case depend on the agency that arrested you. If a County Deputy or Washington State Trooper arrested you, the county prosecutor's office will handle your case. However, if a city officer from Seattle or Bellevue arrested you, the case goes to that city's municipal court. Different prosecuting agencies handle Washington DUI cases in unique ways; therefore, engaging a local DUI attorney familiar with the jurisdiction where your case is being heard is crucial.
How long will your license be suspended if you get arrested for DUI in Seattle?
Your license will be suspended for a minimum of 90 days to a maximum of two years if you get arrested for DUI in Seattle. This automatic suspension can only be avoided if you request a hearing within seven days of the arrest. If convicted of DUI, the suspension ranges from 90 days to four years, depending on the severity of the incident and prior offenses. It is important to note that the suspension only starts 45 days after the conviction, so you will have a short window to plan accordingly.
Is it possible to remove a DUI from your driving record in Seattle?
If you have been convicted of DUI in Seattle, it is important to know that the conviction will remain on your driving record permanently. Unlike some other types of criminal records, DUI convictions cannot be expunged from your driving record. It is crucial to consider the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction when deciding how to handle a DUI charge.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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