Facing a DUI in Washington While on Leave from the Navy? Here’s What You Need to Know:
Getting a DUI while on leave in Washington can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially for active-duty Navy personnel. Whether you are visiting family, taking a short break, or stationed temporarily in Washington, a DUI charge can have serious consequences on both your military career and your civilian life.
At LaCross & Murphy in Port Orchard, Washington, we understand the unique challenges service members face and are here to help you navigate the legal process. With years of experience defending DUI cases in Kitsap County, home to Naval Base Kitsap, our firm provides strong, aggressive, committed legal representation to protect your future.
Understanding Washington DUI Laws
In Washington, driving under the influence (DUI) means operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:
- 0.08% or higher for drivers over 21
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21
- Any amount if impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, including prescription medications and marijuana
A DUI charge is taken seriously in Washington and can result in severe penalties, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time. If you are in the Navy, the consequences could be even more severe, impacting your military standing and future career.
Consequences of a DUI While on Leave from the Navy
If you are charged with a DUI while on leave, the penalties can vary depending on factors such as your BAC level, prior offenses, and whether an accident occurred. Potential consequences include:
- License Suspension: A first-time DUI can result in a 90-day suspension or more.
- Fines: DUI fines in Washington can range from $990.50 to $5,000 (plus assessments).
- Jail Time: A first offense can lead to 1 to 364 days in jail, depending on the circumstances.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You may be required to install an IID in your vehicle.
- Impact on Military Career: A DUI can lead to non-judicial punishment (NJP), reduction in rank, loss of security clearance, or even discharge from the Navy.
An experienced Kitsap County DUI attorney can help you fight these charges and work toward minimizing the penalties or even getting them dismissed.
Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
If you are arrested for DUI while on leave, taking immediate action is critical. Here’s what you should do:
1. Stay Calm and Compliant
- Cooperate with law enforcement, but remember that you have rights.
- Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing basic identification.
- You are not required to perform field sobriety tests.
2. Understand the Implied Consent Law
- Washington’s implied consent law means that by driving in the state, you agree to take a breath or blood test if suspected of DUI.
- Refusing a test could lead to an automatic license suspension and be used as evidence against you.
3. Request a License Reinstatement Hearing Immediately
- You only have seven days to request a hearing with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) to contest your license suspension.
- A DUI attorney can represent you in this hearing and fight to keep your driving privileges.
4. Report the Incident to Your Commanding Officer
- While reporting a DUI is never easy, failure to do so can lead to further disciplinary action.
- Your CO may initiate administrative or military judicial proceedings against you.
5. Hire a Washington DUI Attorney
- A local DUI attorney, like LaCross & Murphy, understands state laws, military regulations, and court procedures.
- We can investigate your case, challenge evidence, and negotiate for reduced charges or dismissals.
How a Washington DUI Affects Your Navy Career
For Navy personnel, a DUI while on leave is not just a civilian offense. It can have serious military consequences. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI can lead to:
- Captain’s Mast (NJP): This could result in pay reduction, restriction to base, extra duties, or loss of rank.
- Court-Martial: In serious cases, you could face federal charges and imprisonment.
- Loss of Security Clearance: A DUI conviction may make you ineligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
- Separation from Service: Repeated or severe offenses could lead to an administrative discharge or even a dishonorable discharge.
If you are in the Navy and facing a DUI charge, legal representation is crucial to protect both your civilian and military career.
Can You Fight a DUI Charge?
Yes! Just because you were arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. There are several defense strategies that can be used, including:
- Challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer tests
- Questioning the legality of the traffic stop
- Proving that field sobriety tests were improperly conducted
- Identifying violations of your legal rights during the arrest
A strong DUI defense can mean the difference between severe penalties and a favorable outcome. LaCross & Murphy has a proven track record of aggressively defending Navy personnel against DUI charges and helping clients avoid the harshest consequences.
Why Choose LaCross & Murphy for Your DUI Defense?
When facing a DUI charge in Washington, you need an attorney who understands both the civilian and military legal systems. At LaCross & Murphy, we:
- Have extensive experience handling DUI cases in Kitsap County
- Understand the unique challenges that service members face when charged with DUI
- Know the local court system, prosecutors, and judges
- Provide personalized defense strategies tailored to your case
- Fight aggressively to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible
A DUI charge does not have to define your future. If you were arrested while on leave in Washington, contact LaCross & Murphy today for a consultation. We are here to provide strong, dedicated legal representation when you need it most.
Contact the DUI Defense Lawyers at LaCross & Murphy in Kitsap County Today
Don’t wait to start building your defense. If you or a loved one is a Navy service member facing a DUI charge while on leave in Washington, call LaCross & Murphy at 360-447-9365 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.
