Defending DUIs
- All DUI’s are tough. The public is rarely on the driver’s side, and the Government’s formulaic narrative is always backed by experts, and designed to frame their too often subjective conclusions in an extremely objective light. Additionally, the law requires a finding of guilt based on arbitrary blood alcohol and THC ratings which reflect the political climate in which the law was drafted. Finally, the collateral consequences of a DUI conviction are extensive and exceptional. The Court can, and does, sentence individuals convicted of DUI to a maximum of 364 days in jail. In select circumstances, a DUI can be a felony. (See the most recent DUI Sentencing Grid)
- The mandatory minimum’s for DUI are also exceptional, and include: jail time; fines; expensive counseling, monitoring and assessments; suspensions of driving privileges and more.
- Then there are wide-ranging professional ramifications – especially for those serving in the military; those with commercial driving licenses; and those seeking professional licenses and degrees. Your ability to freely travel between international borders can also be jeopardized by DUI conviction. Additionally, a DUI can have grave consequences for your family – potentially affecting everything from a child-custody dispute to an application for US Citizenship.
Defending DUIs requires technical understanding and courtroom experience.
Chris Van Vechten has both prosecuted and defended DUI cases. He knows what you face and how best to face it. Chris embraces a multi-prong defense, encouraging clients to get involved and framing solution tailored to their goals.
Most importantly, If you were recently pulled over, you need to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible, even if you haven’t been formally charged yet. Why? Because the government can and does legally destroy video and audio evidence that is not requested within a narrow time frame.
For example, the City of Puyallup currently has a policy of destroying 911 recordings 90 days after recorded, and jail video is destroyed every 60 days. Meanwhile, the law allows Puyallup to file charges against you up to two years after you were arrested.
Waiting and hoping that the government will forget about you is too much of a risk, so get proactive early and get good counsel!
