Issaquah High BAC DUI

DUI with BAC of 0.15% or Higher

Under state law, anyone who drives with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Washington. When a person’s BAC is 0.15% or higher, they face even harsher penalties. Known as a “high BAC DUI,” a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher can result in a minimum of two days in jail or 30 days of at-home electronic monitoring, at least $500 in fines up to $5,000, and a one-year driver’s license suspension, even if it is your first time being charged with DUI.

If you have been arrested for DUI with a high BAC, it is critical that you speak to a knowledgeable DUI attorney who can help you protect your rights and fight your charges. There are several options when it comes to defending against these charges, and our Issaquah high BAC DUI lawyers can help.

To speak to an attorney at DUIHeroes, call (425) 296-9358 or contact us online. Your consultation is completely free and always confidential.

Understanding Washington’s BAC Laws 

Breath alcohol concentration, or BrAC, is one way law enforcement measures a person’s level of intoxication. For non-commercial Washington State drivers who are at least 21 years old, it is illegal to drive with a BrAC of 0.08% or higher. If someone operates a motor vehicle with a BrAC of at least 0.08%, they can be arrested for DUI and may face significant penalties, such as jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and more.

 Certain factors can enhance DUI penalties, including: 

• Having a high BrAC (0.15% or higher) 
• Having another DUI conviction in the last seven years
• Refusing to take a breath or blood test
• Driving with a minor under 16 in the vehicle 
• Causing an accident that results in bodily injury or death 

Even if none of the other factors are present, simply having a BrAC of at least 0.15% can result in enhanced penalties. The amount of alcohol that must be consumed to reach a BrAC of 0.15% varies significantly based on a person’s gender, their weight, and how quickly the alcohol was consumed.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI with a BrAC of 0.15% or Higher?

In Washington State, the penalties for a high DUI vary but may include: 

• A minimum of two days (28 hours) in jail or 30 days of electronic home monitoring
• A minimum fine of $500 or a maximum fine of $5,000
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle 
• A one-year driver’s license suspension 

The criminal penalties and administrative consequences of a high BrAC DUI conviction are incredibly serious. In addition, a conviction can lead to significant negative effects on various aspects of your life, possibly harming your career, future opportunities, and reputation.

Defending Against High BrAC DUI in Washington

When you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, especially with a high BAC, law enforcement often tries to make it seem like a conviction is inevitable—but this is not true. In fact, there are many potential defenses to high BAC DUI charges in Washington State. 

Some examples of possible defenses to these charges include: 

• Challenging the Validity of the BAC Test: BAC tests are not infallible. Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and maintained; blood tests must be correctly administered, and the chain of custody must be secure. Any deviation from standard procedures or mistakes in the testing process can render the results inaccurate.
• Examining Whether the Officer Had Probable Cause: Law enforcement must have probable cause, or a valid reason to pull someone over. If there was no probable cause, but you were pulled over anyway and then charged with DUI, it’s possible that your rights were violated. 
• Determining Whether Other Factors May Have Played a Role: Certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of intoxication, and things like acid reflux or diet can affect BAC tests. Our team can examine whether any outside factors may have been present at the time of your arrest. 

Our attorneys have completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course, the same course Washington law enforcement officers must take. Founding attorney, Jonathan Dichter, also frequently lectures on DUI defense strategies and has authored multiple published works on DUI defense and the DUI process. With this knowledge, as well as the experience of former prosecutors on our team, we are well-equipped to aggressively challenge the charges against you. 

Choose a Firm with a Winning Reputation 

At DUIHeroes, we are relentless advocates for our clients. Since 2009, we have helped clients have their charges reduced or dismissed in an average of 95% of first-offense cases*. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome in any given case, we can guarantee that, when you choose our firm, your case will get the attention it deserves. We understand that you are facing a stressful, uncertain time; our job is to make things as simple and clear as possible. As a client, you will always have direct access to your attorney, as well as real-time updates through our secure client portal. 

If you’ve been arrested for high BAC DUI in Issaquah or anywhere in King County, Snohomish County, or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help. Our team can answer your questions and provide the personalized counsel you need to move forward. 

For a free consultation with a high BAC DUI lawyer in Issaquah, call DUIHeroes now at (425) 296-9358.