Impaired driving is a serious problem. In 2023, the Washington State Patrol investigated close to 2,900 DUI-related crashes across the state. Law enforcement is cracking down on DUIs across the state. Right here in Pierce County, DUI arrests have gone up sharply to keep our roads safe. If you're one of the many people facing a DUI in Pierce County, you have legal support ready.
With over 30 years of combined experience in criminal law across Washington State, our Pierce County-based DUI attorneys know the best strategies for a winnable DUI defense. We understand the nuances of local court procedures and can guide you through the whole process.
Our Pierce County DUI attorneys have a long track record of results in Pierce County District and Superior Courts. We build strong legal defenses based on the facts of your arrest, the reliability of the officer's observations, and the accuracy of any chemical testing. You don't have to take a plea deal just to move on. We'll review every detail and push back hard where the law allows. Our local team is ready to protect your rights. Call our Pierce County law office now to schedule your free legal consultation.
Why Do I Need An Attorney For A DUI In Pierce County?Under Washington State law RCW 46.61.502:
"A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state and the person."
To deter DUIs in the community, Washington State provides broad prosecutorial discretion. You can even face a DUI charge if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below 0.08, simply based on an officer's observations and/or field sobriety tests. There are four important things you need to know about a DUI charge:
Washington State's DUI laws are strict. It doesn't take much to get charged. Under RCW 46.61.502, you can be arrested even if you only had one drink or were taking your prescription medicine. All it takes is one bad decision, and suddenly, you're facing a charge that can follow you for years. An experienced Pierce County DUI attorney can contest weak evidence, demand strict adherence to constitutional procedures, and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.
What Happens With A DUI Conviction In Pierce County?In Pierce County, DUI sentencing is governed by RCW 46.61.5055, which imposes mandatory penalties based on prior history, test results, and whether you refused sobriety tests like a breath or blood test. These penalties escalate quickly with each subsequent offense, and even a first-time conviction can result in permanent marks on your criminal record. With mandatory minimum laws, Pierce County judges have very little flexibility when it comes to DUI sentencing. If you're convicted, you're looking at:
Pierce County prosecutors take an aggressive approach to DUI enforcement. Once convicted, the sentence is only the beginning of financial burdens, restricted mobility, and criminal history, which follow you long after the case is closed. Washington State law seeks to penalize DUIs swiftly and severely, with few opportunities for leniency. Without strategic legal intervention from a Pierce County attorney, even a single misstep can trigger a cascade of long-term consequences. Don't face this alone. Call our Local Pierce County defense lawyers now for a free DUI consultation.
Your DUI FAQs Answered By Our Pierce County Legal TeamA: Possibly. Prosecutors in Pierce County may offer a plea reduction in certain cases, often to a lesser criminal charge, usually negligent driving in the first degree (RCW 46.61.5249). Still, your eligibility depends on your prior record, BAC level, and other case facts. We negotiate aggressively for favorable plea deals when appropriate, but dismissal or acquittal remains our top priority.
A: Absolutely. Even though cannabis is legal in Washington State m, you cannot drive. Under RCW 46.61.502, if your THC level hits 5.00 nanograms per milliliter or more, that's enough to charge you with a DUI. However, even if you're below that number, you can still get arrested if the officer thinks you are driving high.
A: You can refuse to take a breathalyzer, but it's not a free pass. Under RCW 46.20.308, Washington State's implied consent law, saying no to a breathalyzer triggers an automatic license suspension: 1 year for a first refusal and up to 2 years if you've refused before. On top of that, the prosecutor can use your refusal as evidence in court. Refusing might feel like a smart move at the moment. However, it usually ends up making things more legally complicated.
A: Absolutely, with the right legal strategy, you can fight any criminal charge. You can win a DUI case with a skilled Pierce County attorney who specializes in DUI. We challenge the stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood test procedures, chain of custody, and the arresting officer's credibility. All of the prosecution's evidence must meet strict legal standards. Many DUI charges are reduced or dismissed through skilled litigation and motion practice.
A: A second DUI within seven years carries a minimum sentence of 30 - 45 days in jail, license revocation for 2–3 years, and mandatory ignition interlock for 5 years. A third offense increases jail time to at least 90 days, with up to 5 years of probation. Pierce County judges rarely deviate from the statutory minimums for repeat offenders.
A: Yes. If there was a crash, especially one that caused injuries or property damage, your DUI case gets a lot more serious. Prosecutors can tack on extra charges like reckless endangerment or even vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522. You will have more jail time, higher fines, and a bigger fight in court. We've seen plenty of Lakewood DUI cases go this route, and the consequences can escalate fast. Even without added charges, prosecutors and judges consider aggravating circumstances like accidents when determining sentencing and plea eligibility.
Pierce County DUI arrests don't just happen in the abstract. They happen right outside the front gates of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in the turn lanes at the Tacoma Mall, or along the winding roads near Point Defiance Park. We've represented drivers who stopped outside the LeMay Car Museum after a night event on Pacific Avenue near the TCC campus and pulled over just blocks from Cheney Stadium after a Rainiers game. These aren't hypotheticals. These are real streets, real places, and real people facing serious charges.
Whether your arrest happened cruising down Ruston Way, cutting across the Narrows Bridge into Gig Harbor, or heading out of downtown Puyallup near Pioneer Park, we know the terrain, and more importantly, we know the courts that handle these cases.
We've defended clients who were stopped near Wild Waves on their way home from the Washington State Fair or while heading through Spanaway late at night. Pierce County isn't just where we work. It's where we live. We understand what it means to protect your record, your license, and your future in the exact places that make Pierce County home.
You Need An Attorney For A DUIYou need a lawyer for a DUI. The laws in Washington state are very strict. If the court finds you guilty, you could lose your license, pay fines, and go to jail. A lawyer can fight. They can argue the DUI and help you get out of trouble. Call our Pierce County law office and talk to a lawyer for free.
Our DUI Attorneys In Pierce County Know How To Fight DUI ChargesWith decades of combined experience in Washington State DUI law, we know how to challenge the stop, question the tests, and push back on weak evidence. We've handled cases all over Pierce County, and we know how to build a smart, aggressive defense based on your unique situation.
Schedule a free consultation today to talk about your case, your options, and what we can do to protect your future.