A DUI in Ferndale, Washington is just as serious as a DUI anywhere else in Washington, and even more so than in the other 49
states due to Washington’s strict DUI laws. In all 50 states a DUI charge is classified as a misdemeanor unless you have several
priors or there was a serious injury or fatality accident involved. Specifically, in Washington a DUI is a gross misdemeanor which
means the defendant can spend no more than 364 days in jail. In Washington, you face a fine of up to $5,000 and license suspension
on top of that. DUI is not to be taken lightly, which is why many choose to seek out legal assistance from a DUI lawyer in Ferndale,
Washington.
The impact a DUI conviction can carry throughout your lifetime makes defending yourself in this situation a a top priority over different criminal charges. DUI cases are often very technical, requiring expert analyzation and defense strategies, and thorough knowledge of Ferndale, Washington DUI and traffic laws. An experienced Ferndale DUI attorney is able to challenge the results of your BAC tests to your advantage.
To test for impairment, authorities in Ferndale several tests for proof of alcohol or drugs in a DUI case. BAC tests look for the blood alcohol concentration in your blood or breath.
Roadside BAC Breath Test: DURING THE INVESTIGATION, Ferndale police use portable breath tests. These tests are easy to administer on the side of the road due to the presence of portable breathalyzers that provide immediate results. While convenient, they are fallible as they do not distinguish between individuals. They are prone to inaccurate readings, especially in the presence of chemicals like paint thinner, gasoline, or even a person's diet. But simply blowing over a .08 on the roadside can result in your arrest for DUI. Then, you will be subject to an evidentiary breathalyzer test at the police station after your arrest.
BAC Blood Test: AFTER THE DUI ARREST, In Washington state, when you get your driver’s license, you impliedly consent to take these intrusive tests should they ever be requested. Refusing to do so can have drastic consequences in court. The blood test is usually viewed by a jury as more accurate than the breath test, but despite the fact that only trained medical professionals are able to administer it, there can still be lab errors. Blood tests also read how much alcohol is in your blood at the time the test is taken and not while you were driving; which is bad news considering it takes an hour for your body to process a single drink.
BAC Urine Test: DURING FERNDALE PROBATION FOR DUI, Urine tests are the least accurate form of BAC testing, but they are still used in cases where the other tests are not available. As intrusive as a blood test, urine tests show results that are much higher or lower than the actual BAC in the blood.
If you have been stopped or arrested for a DUI in Ferndale, don't hesitate to contact MyTrafficMan to be connected with a top caliber DUI and traffic attorney in Washington. We have an alliance of experienced Ferndale DUI attorneys, with a network of offices in Whatcom, Skagit, King, and several other counties. We are your link to the state's top caliber lawyers for DUI, criminal defense, car accident claims, and speeding violations. Call us at (360) 734-0908 today for a free legal consultation.
