Seattle Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

Washington Felony DUI Charges

In 2007, a bill was passed in Washington which made driving under the influence a felony offense under certain circumstances.  If a person is charged with DUI and they have 4 or more prior offenses in a ten year period, it will be considered a felony DUI.  A “prior offense” is defined as a conviction for DUI, a successfully completed deferred prosecution, or a conviction for negligent driving 1st degree, reckless driving, or reckless endangerment.  If the defendant has a prior conviction for alcohol related vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, a DUI charge could also become a felony offense. 

If you are facing felony DUI charges, you are going to need representation from an advanced lawyer who is familiar handling this type of criminal charge.  The Seattle DUI defense lawyers at our firm realize the seriousness of felony DUI charges and will handle your case accordingly.  Considering how severe felony DUI charges are, you will need the best representation you can find and the DUI lawyers at our firm can provide this.

Seattle Felony DUI Penalties

The sentencing range for a felony DUI conviction varies depending upon criminal history. People convicted of felony DUI will not be eligible for special provisions such as the “first time offender waiver” or a “special drug offender sentencing alternative” because of the serious nature of this offense.  Even though felony DUI is a Class C felony, it cannot be vacated from a person’s criminal history after 5 years like most other Class C felony offenses.  A felony DUI may be removed from a person's criminal record after a 10 year period - and only then if all required conditions have been met and the individual is otherwise eligible.

Having a felony offense on your record can negatively affect many aspects of your life and will make it difficult to find employment, housing, and approval for other types of financial credit.  A Seattle DUI lawyer will help protect your rights and make sure your life is not adversely affected by a felony DUI. 

Contact a Seattle DUI Defense Attorney today to discuss your felony DUI charges!