DUI Lawyer Serving Snohomish County
Charges of drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs are very serious and even the first arrest for DUI or DWI includes mandatory jail time. Additional punishment for a DUI in the state of Washington is based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and if there are any prior offenses. At the Law Office of Michael P. Sheehy, PLLC, a Snohomish County criminal defense lawyer has helped clients avoid jail time and other harsh punishments for DUI. If you are in need of a DUI defense attorney who handles each and every case personally and competently, call our office for an initial consultation. We may be able to help you or someone you care about who is faced with a drunk driving charges. Whether it is a first offense, 3rd offense, DUI involving a hit and run, driving with a suspended license, underage DUI or any driving under the influence charge, Snohomish County DUI Attorney Sheehy has the knowledge and ability to get results for the client.
Washington DUI Penalties
Fines, driver’s license suspension or license revocation, jail time, mandatory substance abuse program enrollment and other penalties for DUI vary depending on several factors. For a BAC of 0.08 to 0.15 and no prior offenses in the past 7 years, an offender can get anywhere from 1 day to 1 year in prison, up to $5000 in fines and fees, 90 day driver’s license suspension and the court may decide that a treatment program for substance abuse is required. A third DUI within 7 years with a BAC of 0.15 or higher can result in 4 months to 1 year in jail, 4 year driver’s license revocation, up to $5000 in fines and fees and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
DUI Defenses
A Snohomish County DUI defense lawyer at our firm has helped clients get an outcome they never thought possible by providing skilled, knowledgeable DWI defense. The penalties for even a first DUI conviction are very harsh and include mandatory jail time of 1 day to 1 year, up to $5000 in fines and fees, 90 days suspended driver’s license among additional possible punishments. The client’s defense begins with a thorough examination of all the evidence of the arrest including any tests done and all procedure. Field tests can be highly subjective and breathalyzer machines may be misused or out of calibration. Even blood tests done in a medical facility can be wrong due to lab errors. Additionally, a DWI defense attorney may be able to get a community service commitment or electronic home monitoring (“house arrest”) granted in lieu of imprisonment.
Contact us to speak with a Snohomish County defense attorney who may be able to help you avoid these harsh punishments for an alleged DUI.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Underage DUI/DWI Charges
Has your underage child been charged with the juvenile crime of drunk driving or other DUI? While the criminal court system does not impose as harsh penalties for minors as adults convicted of a DUI or DWI, the consequences are still severe. This is why you need a Snohomish County criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to avoiding any criminal convictions from tarnishing your son or daughter’s record and affecting their future. Defense Attorney Michael P. Sheehy is passionate about criminal defense and together with a dedicated support staff, does everything he can to get the best outcome possible for the given circumstances. He has personally helped clients in the areas of Lynnwood, Marysville, Edmonds, Bothell, Everett and Mill Creek and all of Snohomish County. We may be able to help you with your underage DUI case.
A minor can be charged with drunk driving if his or her blood alcohol concentration (bac) is 0.02 or higher. If an officer determines that the minor has failed a field sobriety test, breathalyzer (breath test), blood test or suspects that that individual has been driving under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, he or she will be detained. The next legal action is the administrative hearing which may result in your child’s driver’s license being suspended. However, penalties may exceed a driver’s license suspension. While minor DUI is a misdemeanor, a conviction can result in up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $1000 in fines and fees. If you are concerned that your child’s future will be greatly impacted due to a criminal conviction for drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs, get the help of a knowledgeable DUI and juvenile crimes attorney who knows what’s at stake.
Contact a Snohomish County minor DUI defense attorney at our office immediately after your underage son or daughter has been arrested for drunk driving.
Michael has represented me on 3 cases and each time his attention to detail and personal touches really impressed me. In two of the cases he was able to keep the charges off my record and for the third I felt confident he did all he could to minimize the impact on my life. As a former prosecutor himself, he understands how that side works and he has personal relationships with many of the local prosecutor’s offices. I saw first hand how this helped on multiple occasions. It was also apparent that Mike studies up on the latest legal trends and info and is very knowledgeable on a wide range of topics including DUI laws, marijuana laws, etc.. I have zero reservations recommending Mike and would trust him with my future again in a heartbeat.
Marcus
Michael worked hard on my case and he kept me updated through the whole process. His assistant was also very kind and informative. I thought we had a great team and it made me feel secure. He was way ahead of the curve compared to other attorneys I have worked with. His advice was invaluable and he made me look like a champ by the time the case was over. I not only stayed out of jail but was able to save my license. I am STILL employed and I owe it all to Mr. Sheehy. THANK YOU.
M.R.
Mr. Sheehy was very professional and collected when it came to my DUI. Sheehy and his team managed to dig into the police report and knew the DUI process quite well, I was in good hands. Thankfully he managed to reduce the charge into a MIP after 5 court dates.
Junior Esquivel
Michael P Sheehy changed my DUI case from Reckless driving to negligent driving with $400 court fines. He was highly recommended by my cousin who was also helped in his divorce case. He is very knowledgable and easy to work with. I am so happy he was able to give me my freedom back. Thank you so much Michael P Sheehy
Chudokan Alejandro
I was facing charges of a DUI in which I had tested at more than twice the legal limit, and a “failure to stop and give information” charge. This was my first offense, but due to the nature of the charges, it wasn’t looking too good for me. I had also heard from many sources that the judge was notoriously strict. I decided to hire Michael Sheehy after reading some reviews online and attending a free consultation. His fees were very reasonable and I liked his demeanor. I felt I could trust him. It turned out to be a very good choice. I was offered a two-year deferment with the conditions being very minimal. The “failure to stop” charge was dropped completely and the DUI reduced to a Reckless Endangerment upon meeting the conditions set forth in the judgement. After two years, his office contacted me to remind me of my upcoming court date and Michael actually showed up for the court date. I was very impressed by this as he was certainly not obligated to do so. His secretary, Bobbi, is extremely helpful, friendly, and available and a real pleasure to work with. I would recommend this team to anyone who is facing a DUI.
Jason Pratt
I had a DUI citation with a blood alcohol reading well over the limit, and Michael was very professional about making a deal with prosecution to have the dui charge dropped to a reckless operation. Extremely pleased with the results, and definitely will be referring Mr. Sheehy to anyone that needs a good lawyer!
Travis Beckel