Commercial DUI Defense in Seattle

I Personally Handle Your DUI Charge & CDL Issues

A DUI allegation can put a commercial driver’s license and livelihood at risk while also creating a criminal court case. At Hale Law Enterprises, I represent people accused of DUI offenses and address the separate legal and administrative proceedings that can follow an arrest.

I’m Attorney Matthew T. Hale. I’ve practiced law for 30 years, and my firm has handled thousands of cases. You work directly with me throughout your case.

Call (206) 207-4776 for a free, confidential consultation with a Seattle commercial DUI lawyer about the charge and the deadline for protecting your driving privileges.

BAC Limits & Penalties for Commercial Drivers

The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operating a commercial motor vehicle is 0.04%. For drivers age 21 and older, the general limit is 0.08%. These separate thresholds matter because a CDL holder may face action against commercial driving privileges even when the reported BAC is below the general limit.

Potential consequences for a CDL include:

• One-year disqualification: A first incident involving operation of a commercial motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher may result in a one-year CDL disqualification.
• Three-year disqualification: The first-incident period may increase to three years when the driver was transporting hazardous materials.
• Lifetime disqualification: A second incident involving operation of a commercial motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher may result in lifetime loss of commercial driving privileges.

When a CDL holder’s reported BAC exceeds 0.08%, the licensing hearing addresses both personal and commercial driving privileges. Below that threshold, the hearing addresses commercial privileges. The facts of the incident and applicable licensing rules determine how these provisions apply to an individual case.

The Licensing Hearing & Criminal Case Follow Separate Tracks

A commercial DUI arrest can trigger two distinct proceedings. The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) controls the administrative suspension process, while the court handles the criminal accusation. An outcome or deadline in one proceeding doesn’t automatically resolve the other.

Administrative Licensing Hearing

A driver generally has seven calendar days from the arrest or notice to request a DOL hearing concerning an administrative license suspension. Missing this short request period can limit the opportunity to contest the agency action, so the arrest date and notice documents require prompt review.

The hearing focuses on licensing action rather than guilt in the criminal case. For a commercial driver, the consequences may extend beyond personal driving privileges and prevent the driver from performing commercial work.

Criminal Court Proceedings

A Seattle DUI case typically proceeds through arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial if it isn’t resolved earlier. At arraignment, the accused enters a plea, and the court may address release conditions. Pretrial proceedings can involve review of the stop, testing procedures, reports, recordings, and other evidence relevant to the charge.

A deferred finding can keep certain traffic infractions from appearing as convictions when its conditions are completed. A CDL holder can’t use this process to keep a moving violation off the driver record and isn’t eligible for a deferred finding on a traffic infraction in district court.

Where Seattle Commercial DUI Cases Are Heard

The court with authority over a case depends on where the arrest occurred and the level of the alleged offense. Seattle Municipal Court typically hears qualifying DUI cases arising within its jurisdiction. King County District Court’s West Division also serves Seattle and may hear a case based on the arrest location.

Felony-level DUI charges proceed in Superior Court rather than municipal or district court. Because venue and offense classification shape the process, I review the charging documents and arrest location before explaining what to expect at arraignment and later hearings.

Preparation Focused on Your License & Livelihood

Commercial DUI defense requires attention to both the criminal allegation and the licensing consequences that may affect employment. I personally review the facts, explain the legal process, and discuss the available response options based on the individual circumstances. I don’t delegate the case to a junior associate.

My work has included defending NBA athletes, executives at large companies, and people accused of serious crimes. I’m also a member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Clear communication is especially important when a driver is managing court dates, licensing notices, and employment concerns at the same time. I explain the purpose of each proceeding so clients can make informed decisions without interpreting unfamiliar legal documents alone. Consultations and defense services are available in English and Spanish.

Act Before the Licensing Hearing Deadline

A free and confidential consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the arrest, reported BAC, and any licensing notice you received. I can review the immediate procedural issues and explain how the criminal and administrative tracks relate to your circumstances.

I’m available around the clock for emergency legal needs. The contact form is also available for inquiries about a Seattle commercial DUI charge and concerns about your CDL.

Call (206) 207-4776 to speak with Attorney Matthew T. Hale about your DUI charge and CDL concerns.