High BAC DUI Defense in Snohomish County

Facing a 0.15 BAC Allegation? Get Direct Attorney Guidance.

Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. Under Washington law, a result of 0.15 or higher can increase mandatory minimum penalties and driver’s license consequences. Although this allegation is sometimes called an aggravated DUI, Washington generally addresses an elevated BAC through its DUI sentencing provisions rather than as a separately named offense.

At Hale Law Enterprises, I personally handle each case. I review the alleged test result, traffic stop, testing procedures, prior record, and approaching deadlines. I also explain the separate choices presented by the criminal charge and Department of Licensing action.

Call (206) 207-4776 for a free initial consultation about your Snohomish County DUI arrest and any deadlines that may require immediate attention.

How a 0.15 BAC Allegation Changes the Penalty Analysis

Washington permits a DUI charge based on an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving. Prosecutors may also pursue a charge based on alleged impairment, even if the test result is disputed or below that threshold.

An alcohol concentration of at least 0.15 places the case in a higher statutory penalty category. For someone without a qualifying prior offense in the preceding seven years, this category carries higher mandatory minimum jail and fine provisions than a lower-BAC allegation. Depending on the case, other consequences may include probation, an ignition interlock device, license restrictions, and alcohol-related assessments.

A high reading doesn’t automatically make the charge a felony DUI. A DUI may become a class B felony when a person has three or more qualifying prior offenses within 15 years or certain prior convictions for felony DUI, vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide. The complete driving and criminal history must be reviewed to determine the applicable charge and sentencing framework.

The Criminal Case & DOL Action Follow Separate Tracks

A DUI arrest can start two proceedings with different rules and deadlines. The criminal court addresses the charge and any court-imposed penalties. The Washington Department of Licensing separately decides whether to suspend or revoke driving privileges through an administrative action.

The Department of Licensing generally requires a hearing request within seven days of arrest. A favorable hearing result doesn’t prevent a separate license consequence if the criminal case later results in a conviction, so both proceedings require prompt attention.

These documents can help identify the immediate issues:

• Arrest and release paperwork: The citation, complaint, booking documents, and release conditions.
• License notices: Any Department of Licensing notice and instructions for requesting a hearing.
• Testing records: Breath-test printouts, blood-test paperwork, and documents provided by law enforcement.
• Court notices: The assigned court, hearing date, appearance instructions, and case number.

How I Review the Evidence Behind a High BAC Result

A test result must be considered in the context of how the stop, arrest, sample collection, and analysis occurred. Through detailed case preparation, I examine the prosecution’s evidence and identify factual or legal issues that require further review.

My review may address:

• The traffic stop: Whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop the vehicle and expand the investigation.
• Officer observations: Statements about driving, speech, balance, appearance, and behavior.
• Field sobriety tests: Instructions, administration, footwear, lighting, weather, surface conditions, fatigue, injuries, and medical limitations.
• Breath testing: Test timing, operating procedures, instrument records, maintenance, and calibration documentation.
• Blood alcohol testing: Collection procedures, chain of custody, laboratory methods, and supporting records.
• Alcohol timeline: How the timing of drinking, driving, arrest, and testing compares with the prosecution’s theory.

More Than 25 Years of Direct Criminal Defense Representation

I have more than 25 years of criminal defense experience and have handled thousands of cases, including DUI allegations and other serious charges. Clients work directly with me rather than being passed to a junior associate. My work has included representing everyday individuals, NBA athletes, and executives at major Northwest companies in high-stakes criminal cases.

I also make the legal process easier to understand by explaining the allegations, evidence, deadlines, and available paths. This information allows clients to make informed decisions about their cases. I’m available by phone 24/7 and provide consultations and legal services in English and Spanish. I’m also a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

Identifying the Correct Snohomish County Court

Snohomish County District Court adjudicates criminal traffic cases through its Cascade, Everett, Evergreen, and South divisions. The assigned court can depend on where the alleged conduct occurred and which jurisdiction appears in the charging documents.

Review the citation, release paperwork, charging documents, and court notices rather than assuming where the case will proceed. These materials may identify appearance requirements and court deadlines that apply separately from the Department of Licensing process.

Prepare for a Free Initial Consultation

A written timeline can help organize what happened before the stop, during field sobriety testing, and at the breath or blood test. If available, bring the citation or complaint, release paperwork, Department of Licensing notice, test records, and court documents. I can evaluate the alleged BAC level, prior history, current license status, assigned court, approaching deadlines, and any allegation involving a collision or injury.

Call (206) 207-4776 to request a free initial consultation with Hale Law Enterprises. I personally handle each case and can discuss your next steps in English or Spanish.