Mukilteo Drug DUI Lawyers

Defending Against Charges of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

In Washington, “driving under the influence,” or DUI, doesn’t just apply to alcohol impairment. When officers believe a driver is under the influence of drugs—whether marijuana, prescription medication, or any other substance—they can arrest that person for driving under the influence of drugs, or DUID. Often, these cases rely heavily on subjective observations and complicated science, leaving a lot of room for error.

If you were arrested for drug DUI in Mukilteo, you’re facing charges that can affect far more than your immediate circumstances. A conviction can land you in jail, result in heavy fines, and impact your job, your professional goals, and your future opportunities. The good news is you don’t have to face this alone. At DUIHeroes, defending DUI and DUID cases is all we do. Our legal team brings over 50 years of combined experience, advanced DUI training, and the insight of two former prosecutors who know how these cases are built from the other side. We’re here to protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, and guide you through every step of the process with personal attention and support.

Call (425) 296-9358 for a free consultation with a Mukilteo drug DUI lawyer. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.

Drug DUI Charges in Mukilteo, WA

Under RCW 46.61.502, Washington law makes it a crime to drive while “under the influence of or affected by” any drug. 

That includes:

• Marijuana
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Illegal substances

In addition to evaluating driver behavior, Washington sets a per se THC limit of 5.00 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood. For all other drugs, prosecutors rely on officer observations, body camera footage, field tests, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations, and toxicology reports, each of which can be challenged.

In Mukilteo, officers sometimes call in DREs or request a blood draw, especially when impairment doesn’t appear to be alcohol related. But these methods are not foolproof. As your defense team, we examine every step of the state’s investigation to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or procedural violations.

Penalties for Drug DUI in Mukilteo

A drug DUI conviction carries the same penalties as an alcohol DUI in Washington.

Depending on the facts and your history, you may face:

• Up to 364 days in jail or electronic home monitoring
• Fines ranging from $350 to $5,000 for a first offense
• Court-ordered treatment and alcohol/drug evaluations
• Probation and strict monitoring conditions

Additionally, you could face a driver’s license suspension through the Department of Licensing (DOL) of 90 days or more, as well as mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation on reinstatement, though this depends on the circumstances of your case. No matter what, the penalties for a drug-related DUI can disrupt your life long after the case ends, which is why a strong defense matters from the very beginning.

How Our Mukilteo Drug DUI Lawyers Can Build Your Defense

Drug DUI cases are complex, and prosecutors in Snohomish County often rely on technical evidence that must be handled with precision. Our team can challenge every angle of the state’s case, depending on the situation.

This may include: 

• Reviewing Officer Conduct and the Legality of the Stop: If the stop wasn’t justified or procedures weren’t followed, we work to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
• Challenging Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluations: DRE evaluations depend heavily on subjective assessments. We scrutinize whether the officer followed protocol, used proper terminology, or made unsupported conclusions.
• Examining Toxicology Testing and Lab Reliability: Blood tests must meet strict requirements for collection, storage, labeling, and analysis. We dig into lab notes, chain-of-custody records, and potential contamination issues.
• Exploring Medication Context: Lawful use of prescribed medication is not necessarily the same as impairment. When appropriate, we consult with medical professionals to clarify therapeutic levels and challenge assumptions made by police or prosecutors.

We intentionally limit our caseload so that our clients receive personal attention, direct communication with their attorney, and a defense strategy tailored to the details of their case. If you need a skilled drug DUI lawyer in Mukilteo, choose DUIHeroes.

Washington Drug DUI FAQ

Can I Be Arrested for DUI Even If I Have a Prescription?

Yes. Washington law focuses on impairment, not legality. Even prescribed medications can lead to charges if an officer believes your ability to drive is affected. We often challenge these claims with medical evidence and scientific analysis.

How Long Will a Drug DUI Stay on My Record?

It depends, but often, a DUI conviction remains on your driving record permanently. It can also have long-term consequences for employment, insurance, and professional licensing.

Do I Have to Take a Blood Test?

Refusing a blood test could also result in harsher penalties, such as a longer jail sentence or steeper fines, if you are convicted. Whether you took or refused a test, we can advise you on how those facts affect your defense.

Talk to a Drug DUI Attorney in Mukilteo Today

A drug DUI arrest can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At DUIHeroes, we combine compassion, advanced legal training, and decades of experience to protect your future and help you make informed decisions every step of the way. We act quickly, communicate clearly, and fight aggressively to challenge weak evidence and secure the best possible outcome.

Call (425) 296-9358 or contact us online for your free consultation. We’re available day and night to help you take the next step forward.