Very rarely do people believe they are too drunk to drive until it is too late. Unfortunately, they don’t realize the consequences of their actions until after they have been arrested for driving under the influence, caused a car accident or worse, injured someone as the result of their drinking and driving. Any way you look at it, there is no excuse for driving after you’ve been drinking.

Being arrested for driving under the influence holds lifelong implications. If you have ever been charged or arrested with a DUI, think of the numerous ways your life will affected afterwards. The punishments vary from state to state but all are severe. You’ll have your driver’s license suspended; your car impounded; and face hefty fines. If driving is a big part of your job, a DUI arrest could mean your termination of employment as most companies will not hire or retain people with a criminal record.

One such state that has quite strict DUI laws is Washington. Were you aware that the state DMV has the power to suspend or revoke your driver’s licenses upon arrest for a DUI? You read that correctly. You can lose your license simply by being arrested for a DUI regardless if you are convicted or not. This is why it is so important to contact a reputable Washington DUI attorney shortly after your arrest.

Additionally, the state of Washington makes you attend a mandatory assessment and treatment program after a DUI conviction. The state will schedule a meeting with your Seattle DUI attorney to make an assessment on your relationship with alcohol and/or drugs. You will be assigned to attend a treatment program based on that assessment. These treatment programs are mandatory and tend to be part of your conviction sentences. The Washington DMV will not reinstate your driver’s license unless the assessment and treatment aspects of the sanction are fulfilled.

When someone is arrested on drunk driving charges in Washington, one of the first things they must think about is hiring a Seattle DUI attorney to represent them in court. The first and probably the most important aspect to understand is that not all lawyers are the same. You’ll want a lawyer who specializes in DUI law. You wouldn’t hire a divorce lawyer to handle your criminal defense case, would you? It only makes sense to hire a Washington DUI attorney for your case.