In Snohomish County alone, there have already been over 230 alcohol-related crashes as of August 2025. Across Washington State, the total is in the thousands. These numbers highlight just how seriously law enforcement takes DUI cases and how quickly things can move after an arrest.
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, what you do next can have a lasting impact on your life.
Stay Calm and Cooperative, but Guard Your Rights
When the flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror, your first instinct might be to explain yourself or defend your actions. Resist that urge. Be polite and follow the officer’s instructions, but remember that you have the right to remain silent.
Other than providing your name, address, and identification, you don’t need to answer questions about where you’ve been or whether you’ve had anything to drink.
Even a casual comment like “I only had a couple” can be used as evidence against you.
Understand Washington’s Implied Consent Law
Washington’s implied consent law means that if you’re lawfully arrested for DUI, you’ve already agreed to submit to a breath or blood test. Refusing a test is allowed, but it comes with automatic and severe penalties.
For example, refusing a breathalyzer can result in:
- First offense: Two-year license suspension and at least two days in jail
- Second offense: Three-year suspension and at least 45 days in jail
- Third offense: Four-year suspension and at least 120 days in jail
These suspensions are longer than if you had taken the test and failed.
When Police Can Take Blood Without Consent
There are exceptions. If you’re involved in a serious crash that causes injury or death, or if you’re unconscious, police may take a blood sample without your consent.
How Prosecutors Prove DUI Without a Test
Even without a breath or blood test result, prosecutors can still try to prove impairment. They may rely on officer observations, field sobriety tests, dashcam footage, or witness testimony.
Your defense lawyer can work to challenge each piece of that evidence, sometimes by pointing to medical conditions or environmental factors that could explain your behavior.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer Immediately
DUI laws in Washington are strict, and the penalties go beyond the courtroom, affecting your license, insurance rates, and even your job. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to examine the evidence, question testing procedures, and negotiate for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing options like treatment programs.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Snohomish County, don’t wait. Contact Scott Lawrence of Snohomish Law Group today for a free consultation and start protecting your future.
