Seattle DUI Defense Attorney

Helping Clients Fight Driving Under the Influence Charges

Regarded as one of the area’s top attorneys, Kevin Trombold has earned several positive reviews and holds a current rating of 4.4/5.0 stars based on 31 reviews. Clients consistently describe our law firm as honest, aggressive, and compassionate.

An award-winning defense lawyer with one of the most respected law firms can maximize your chances of seeing a favorable outcome in your case.

What Is the Legal Limit in Washington?

In Washington state, like everywhere in the country, it’s illegal to drive a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You commit the crime of driving under the influence (DUI) if you have a breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath.

DUIs are “per se” laws, which means:

Once you’re shown to have a BAC at or above 0.08, you’re considered to have violated the DUI law
This applies regardless of whether you’re actually too impaired to operate a car
Driving with a BAC over 0.08 isn’t necessarily dangerous in every case — but it is illegal

Can You Get a DUI for Drugs?

Almost everyone has heard of a DUI for alcohol, but many people ask, “Can you get a DUI for drugs?” Washington’s laws are startlingly broad on what you have to be “under the influence” of. The statute states you can be found guilty for being under the influence of “intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug.”

Prescription Medications Count

“Any drug” is incredibly broad — and yes, it includes medications your doctor prescribed. Washington’s DUI law states that being legally entitled to use a drug “shall not constitute a defense against a charge of violating this section.”

This means:

You can be arrested for DUI even while taking medication exactly as prescribed
You can face both fines and jail time for driving on that medication
Common culprits include drugs for anxiety, headaches, nausea, or vomiting, as well as medications that help you focus or stay awake

Travelers who take prescription medicine should always talk to a doctor about whether it’s safe to drive. If you’ve been charged, contact an attorney for DUI advice — the sooner you make the call, the better.

Can You Still Get a DUI for Weed?

Some people wrongly assume that because marijuana is legal in Washington, it’s fine to drive under the influence of it. That’s not the case. Washington has set a legal standard for marijuana impairment: 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood.

Marijuana and drugs can’t be measured with a breathalyzer
You’ll be asked to submit to blood testing, which looks for active drug metabolites
A DUI with weed or drugs carries the same penalties as an alcohol DUI
A first offense is a misdemeanor, but circumstances like an accident with bodily injury can elevate it to a felony

How Does a Field Sobriety Test Work?

If an officer notices slurred speech or other signs of intoxication after pulling you over, they’ll administer a field sobriety test. You’ll be asked to step out of the vehicle and perform a series of tasks.

What the Test Involves

The officer will explain each task before you begin. You may be asked to:

Recite the letters of the alphabet
Walk in a straight line
Perform simple balance and coordination exercises

Field Sobriety Test vs. Breathalyzer

There’s an important difference between the two:

A field sobriety test measures your balance, coordination, and behavior
A breathalyzer test reads your blood alcohol concentration after the field test

Officers record your behavior during field tests to gather as much evidence as possible for court — even when a breathalyzer is available, because they want observational evidence of impairment. Note that there is no official field sobriety test for drugs, though people under the influence of drugs often perform poorly on the standard test.

Common DUI Defense Strategies

A DUI arrest is not the same as a conviction, and Washington law gives an experienced defense attorney several ways to challenge the state’s case. While DUI charges can be dismissed in Washington only rarely, the right strategy can lead to reduced charges or a more favorable outcome.

How the State’s Case Can Be Challenged

Challenging the traffic stop. The state must have had a lawful basis for pulling you over. Challenging the legality of the traffic stop is one of the most common defenses — if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion, the evidence gathered afterward may be suppressed.
Proving driving or physical control. The state must prove you were actually driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. This element isn’t always as clear-cut as prosecutors assume.
Attacking breath test reliability. Breath test machines require precise calibration and certified operators. Errors in calibration, maintenance, or operation can render results unreliable and inadmissible.
Questioning field sobriety tests. Standardized field sobriety tests are subjective and prone to errors. Poor road conditions, nervousness, footwear, and certain medical conditions can all produce results that mimic impairment.
Identifying Miranda rights violations. If you were questioned in custody without being advised of your Miranda rights, statements you made may be thrown out.

An attorney with extensive experience handling DUI cases knows how to spot these procedural vulnerabilities and build a strong defense around them.

Can You Get a DUI Without a Driver’s License?

Any person who operates a vehicle while under the influence can be charged with DUI — meaning yes, you can get a DUI with no license. In fact, you may face additional charges for driving without a valid license.

Is a DUI a Felony or Misdemeanor?

DUI is charged as a gross misdemeanor in Washington. However, it can be elevated to a Class B felony in certain situations.

When a DUI Becomes a Felony

Your DUI will be charged as a Class B felony if:

You have four or more prior DUI offenses on your record within the last 10 years, or
You have a prior vehicular homicide or vehicular assault conviction, or
You seriously injured or killed someone while driving under the influence

Additional Charges and Reductions

You may face added charges if a gun is found in the car or if you caused an accident due to impairment
In some cases, our attorneys may be able to get your charges reduced to reckless driving — the lesser of the two charges

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?

The legal penalties for a DUI conviction are only the most obvious consequences. A DUI conviction also creates a lasting criminal record and real-world fallout:

Auto insurance rates almost always climb after a conviction
If you drive for a living, you may have to find other employment
A criminal charge can follow you on background checks for years

Penalties for a Minor DUI

If you’re arrested for a minor DUI:

Your license is automatically suspended for 90 days, but no additional suspension follows a conviction
There’s no mandatory jail time or fines
A judge can still impose up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines at their discretion
Typically, judges opt for community service, work crews, and alcohol evaluation or classes instead

What Are the Penalties of a DUI?

An arrest for driving under the influence raises immediate questions: Will you lose your license or your job? Will your insurance rates go up? Will you spend time in jail?

If convicted, penalties can include:

Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
A large fine
A long probation period
Court-ordered alcohol treatment
A prison sentence, if the conviction is for a felony DUI

If you’re charged with driving under the influence in the greater Seattle area, contact experienced DUI attorney Kevin Trombold at once.

Just How Serious Are Washington’s DUI Laws?

Washington’s DUI laws are among the toughest in the nation, and the state prosecutes these cases aggressively. Understanding the scale of DUI enforcement helps explain why acting quickly with a Seattle DUI defense lawyer matters so much.

DUI Enforcement in Washington

Over 29,000 DUI cases were filed in Washington last year, reflecting how actively law enforcement pursues these charges
Washington’s implied consent statute means that by driving on state roads, you’ve already consented to chemical testing — and it triggers administrative license processes involving possible suspension or revocation entirely separate from your criminal case
Because DUI penalties are so severe, even a first-time DUI conviction can carry harsh penalties that affect your finances, freedom, and future

Why Early Legal Guidance Is Critical

A knowledgeable attorney should explain Department of Licensing (DOL) issues early in your case to prevent additional problems down the road. The administrative and criminal tracks move on separate timelines, and a misstep on either one can cost you your license or weaken your defense. Getting an experienced attorney involved immediately protects your rights on both fronts and gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

How Long Is Your License Suspended After a DUI in Washington State?

After being charged with a DUI in Seattle, one of the most pressing concerns is how long you’ll lose your driving privileges. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) enforces automatic suspensions after a DUI arrest — even before a conviction — making it essential to act quickly with help from a Seattle DUI defense lawyer.

When Does License Suspension Begin?

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, your license suspension typically begins 60 days after your DUI arrest. Unless you request a hearing with the DOL, your driving privileges will automatically be revoked.

During this suspension period:

You cannot legally operate a vehicle without a valid restricted or ignition interlock license
Driving with a suspended license is a gross misdemeanor under Washington law, punishable by hefty fines, jail time, and an additional suspension period

How Long Does a DUI Suspension Last?

The duration depends on your blood alcohol concentration, prior DUI charges, and whether you refused a breath test:

First-time DUI arrest: 90 days to 2 years
Second or subsequent DUI offense: 2 to 4 years
Felony DUI or vehicular assault: License revocation for several years plus mandatory ignition interlock installation

A Seattle DUI attorney can assess whether the arresting officer had probable cause or whether procedural errors occurred during your test or stop — both of which can be powerful defenses in restoring your driving privileges.

Regaining Your Driving Privileges

Even after a DUI arrest, you may qualify for an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License (IIL), which allows limited driving privileges during your suspension. To apply, you must:

Complete an official application with the Washington DOL
Provide proof of insurance (SR-22)
Install a state-approved ignition interlock device in your vehicle
Pay the required fees and maintain compliance throughout your restricted period

A DUI lawyer in Seattle can help you navigate this process, avoid application errors, and meet all eligibility requirements.

Pro Tip: Applying for an ignition interlock license early can help you maintain employment, family responsibilities, and daily routines while your case is pending in King County or Pierce County district courts.

What Is the DUI Court Process in Seattle?

A Seattle DUI case moves from arraignment through pretrial hearings to a negotiated resolution or trial. The court that hears it depends on where and by which agency you were arrested.

The first appearance in court is typically the arraignment, where you learn the charge and enter a plea. Knowing how the DUI process works early helps you avoid missed deadlines and costly mistakes.

Which Court Hears Your Case

Seattle Municipal Court. Many DUI cases from arrests inside city limits are filed here.
King County District Court. Arrests by state or county agencies are often filed here instead.
Other local courts. Arrests in nearby cities may go to that city’s municipal court, each with its own procedures.
Underage drivers. Drivers under 21 can face an underage DUI charge, which carries its own rules and penalties.

What Happens at Each Stage

Arraignment. The court reads the charge, you enter a plea, and release conditions may be set.
Pretrial hearings. Your attorney reviews the evidence and can file motions challenging the stop, the testing, or statements you made.
Resolution. The case may be dismissed, resolved through a negotiated agreement, or decided at trial.

Local court familiarity can influence negotiation strategies in DUI cases. Our firm regularly appears in Seattle and the surrounding King County courts and knows how each one operates.

Can a DUI Be Reduced or Dismissed in Washington?

Yes, a DUI charge can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense, such as negligent driving, or dismissed entirely. The outcome depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case, your prior offenses, and whether your constitutional rights were respected.

No outcome is guaranteed, but a careful review of the evidence often shows where the state’s case is vulnerable. This applies even to a first-time DUI.

Factors That Shape the Outcome

Strength of the evidence. Weak driving observations, unreliable test results, or gaps in the police report can limit what prosecutors can prove.
Constitutional rights issues. An unlawful stop or a violation of required procedures can lead to evidence being suppressed, which may result in a full dismissal.
Prior offenses. Earlier DUI convictions within the lookback period raise the stakes and narrow your options, and enough of them can lead to a felony DUI charge.
Medical issues. Some conditions can affect field sobriety performance and test results.

Possible Resolutions

Reduction to negligent driving. A lesser charge can carry lighter penalties than a DUI conviction.
Case dismissed. Suppressed evidence or an unprovable element can end the case.
Trial. If the state cannot meet its burden, a not guilty verdict is possible.

How a Seattle DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help You Keep Your License

When your ability to drive is on the line, hiring an experienced Seattle DUI lawyer is critical. A skilled attorney understands how the DOL administrative process differs from criminal court and can act fast to protect your rights.

Requesting a DOL Hearing

The only way to prevent an automatic suspension is to request a DOL administrative hearing within 20 days of your arrest. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and gives your attorney a chance to challenge the state’s evidence.

Here’s how your attorney can help:

File your hearing request with the Washington DOL before the 20-day deadline
Review whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion or probable cause for your traffic stop
Examine breath test results, maintenance records, and any bodycam or dashcam footage
Present valid information and cross-examine officers to identify errors or inconsistencies
Argue to maintain your driving privileges until your DUI case is resolved

If the hearing officer finds procedural errors or insufficient evidence, your license may be reinstated immediately.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

Failing to request a hearing within 20 days means you automatically lose your license — regardless of the outcome of your criminal DUI case. Because the suspension is administrative, not criminal, it happens even if your DUI charges are later dismissed.

That’s why it’s vital to contact a Seattle DUI defense attorney immediately after your arrest. Prompt action can preserve both your driving privileges and your legal options in court.

Strategic Legal Defense Against License Suspension

Attorney Kevin Trombold and his team have extensive courtroom experience successfully defending individuals charged with DUI throughout Washington. Their proven approach includes:

Investigating all legal challenges, including improper test administration or rights violations
Fighting for DUI dismissals or reduced penalties through negotiation or trial
Helping clients apply for restricted or ignition interlock licenses
Exploring alternative sentencing options, such as electronic home monitoring or alcohol treatment programs
Protecting commercial drivers, professionals, and first-time offenders from career-threatening license suspensions

Working with a local law firm familiar with the municipal courts in Seattle, Mercer Island, Kirkland, and Bellevue ensures your defense strategy aligns with regional procedures and judges’ expectations. Kevin Trombold’s firm combines decades of experience defending DUIs across King County and Pierce County. Call today for a free consultation.

What Should You Do After a DUI Arrest?

No matter what type of offense you’re charged with, the penalties for DUI are severe. Impaired drivers put everyone on the road at risk, and Washington punishes the crime harshly as a result.

Your Next Steps

You’ll need a lawyer to represent you throughout the legal process, especially in court
The court that handles your case depends on where you were arrested
Understanding how a DUI charge works is complicated — this is not a good time to make mistakes

Don’t put your future in the hands of an inexperienced attorney. If you’re accused of driving under the influence, contact our office by phone or email today. We charge no fees for the initial consultation, where we’ll learn about your case and discuss the legal resources available to you.

Arrested for Drunk Driving? Our DUI Defense Attorneys Fight on Your Behalf

DUI lawyer Kevin Trombold and his team will challenge the results of any chemical DUI tests and determine whether police had probable cause to stop you. If there’s a flaw or error in the state’s case, he will find it and exploit it on your behalf.

With over two decades of experience and a reputation for legal excellence respected by judges, prosecutors, and peers, Kevin Trombold routinely helps clients win dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges.

If you’re charged with DUI, contact the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold at 206-249-9656 or through our online form for a free initial consultation. Our office is located at 720 3rd Ave, Suite #2015 in Seattle, WA.