Arrested for DUI? Here is what to do next

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 Posted on April 09, 2019 in Uncategorized

# Arrested for DUI? Here is what to do next | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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# Arrested for DUI? Here is what to do next

On Behalf of The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart](https://www.michaelaustinstewart.com/ "Posts On Behalf of The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart") | Apr 9, 2019 | [Criminal Defense

No one should get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. During the last St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Washington police arrested 59 drivers in King County alone.

A first DUI conviction in Washington state can still bring disastrous consequences. For a first offense, drivers can still face up to one year in jail as well as up to $5,000 in fines. It is best to begin mounting a defense immediately right when the police arrest you. Here are the essential steps to take to have the best shot of getting out of this situation all right.

Take the chemical test

Due to Washington’s implied consent laws, you must submit to a chemical test at the police station after the cops arrest you. If you refuse this test, then the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license. The police may still have plenty of evidence to suggest your intoxication, so you are better off taking the chemical test and cooperating for the time being.

Exercise your rights

You should exercise your right to an attorney right away before you talk to any police officers at any stage of the process. When you are at the jail, the cops may ask you questions to try to get you to incriminate yourself. You must know your rights and request a questioning with your lawyer present.

Request a hearing at the DMV

Once you get out on bail, you need to request a DMV hearing. You only have a limited timeframe to do this, so there is no time to waste. This hearing will be your chance to retain your driver’s license. In the event you do not attend this hearing, then the DMV could suspend your license automatically. Once your license is secure, you can begin preparing for the arraignment however your attorney sees fit.

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The first few hours after an arrest can be incredibly stressful, but they may also be incredibly important for your case. Anything you say during questioning could be used against you in court, even if police appear sympathetic to your circumstances. During this time, protecting your rights is absolutely critical. If you have been accused of a crime, do not hesitate to get in contact with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on how to respond.

Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has decades of experience representing clients throughout Pierce County and the South Puget Sound in serious felony cases. When you work with our firm, your case will receive close attention from a seasoned trial attorney who will explore all of your options to fight the charges in court.

Proven experience representing clients in high-stakes criminal matters

When your freedom, reputation, or career is at risk, you need a respected and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart's successful case results speak to his diligence and willingness to fully investigate a charge. Across his 30-year career, he has obtained favorable outcomes for many clients, routinely securing sentencing terms well below the government's request as well as dismissals and not guilty verdicts.

Past case results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Instead, they show the lengths we are willing to go to protect our clients. You only get one chance to protect your freedom and your name in a criminal case, so you should not settle for anything less than the best when looking for the right attorney.

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Case Results

Our firm has a demonstrated history of successes in criminal defense cases, frequently securing ideal outcomes through our fierce advocacy.

Felony DUI Dismissed

Achieved after court found no probable cause for the traffic stop

Felony Domestic Charges Dismissed

Secured after further investigation revealed death threats were falsified

Firearm Charge Dismissed

Achieved after it was revealed that the officer conducted a warrantless search without reasonable suspicion

Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case

Defendant was completely exonerated after extensive cross-examination and arguments from defense

More Case Results

Reputable criminal defense trusted by local communities

Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has a reputation for being extremely tough in the courtroom while being approachable and personable with his clients. His main goal is to set you at ease while providing aggressive representation in court, taking a stand to protect your rights. We are available 24/7, as we remain in close communication with our clients in every case.

Our firm has also been recognized with many awards for our excellent client service and strong representation. Some of these accolades include placement in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, recognition as a Super Lawyer, and a 10.0 Avvo rating. We have also earned many 5-star reviews from clients we have personally helped through difficult situations, highlighting the trust we have built up across Tacoma and the wider community.

Strong counsel when you need it most

You can trust our firm to handle your case with the tact and care that it deserves. We know how to manage the media in cases that garner public attention—having taken on cases featured in CBS, The Washington Times, The Seattle Times, and other outlets—working to protect our clients' privacy as we build a careful defense. We also know how to navigate communication with police and prosecutors to minimize any possible risks.

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Whether you are facing property crime charges, allegations of violent crime, or sex crime accusations, our firm will seek the best possible outcome to your case. To accomplish this, we carry out in-depth investigations to uncover all of the relevant facts, allowing us to build a nuanced argument to present to the court. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart is a trial-tested criminal defense lawyer with the skills and legal knowledge to present a strong case on your behalf.

If you have any questions about how we can help with your situation, do not hesitate to reach out. Seeking early legal counsel is critical for making sure that you are fairly represented during the criminal proceedings.

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Verdict Spotlight

Felony DUI Dismissed

Achieved after court found no probable cause for the traffic stop

Felony Domestic Charges Dismissed

Secured after further investigation revealed death threats were falsified

Firearm Charge Dismissed

Achieved after it was revealed that the officer conducted a warrantless search without reasonable suspicion

Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case

Defendant was completely exonerated after extensive cross-examination and arguments from defense

See More Verdicts

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Attorney Michal Austin Stewart has decades of courtroom experience defending clients accused of felony crimes.

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