Felony DUI Attorney in Kenmore, WA

DUI-Exclusive Defense for the Most Serious Drunk Driving Charges

A felony DUI charge isn’t simply a more serious version of a standard DUI. It’s a different category of case entirely, filed in King County Superior Court, governed by the Sentencing Reform Act, and carrying the possibility of years in prison rather than days in jail. If you’ve been arrested in Kenmore on a felony drunk driving charge, critical deadlines began running the moment you were taken into custody.

DUIHeroes handles DUI cases exclusively. Founding attorney Jonathan Dichter brings over 20 years of DUI defense experience, and our team has represented thousands of clients across Washington State. We answer calls 24/7, and we offer free initial consultations.

When a DUI Becomes a Felony in Washington

Under RCW 46.61.502 and RCW 46.61.504, a DUI charge elevates to a felony in two situations. The first is when a driver has three or more prior DUI-related offenses within the past fifteen years. The second is when the driver has a prior conviction for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide while under the influence, regardless of when that conviction occurred.

The sentencing framework is equally serious. Felony DUI carries a seriousness level IV under Washington’s sentencing grid, and the range is determined by an offender score, not a flat penalty table. Because the prior offenses that trigger the felony charge also count toward that offender score, defendants facing the three-prior prong typically face a minimum range of 22 to 29 months in prison. Under the vehicular assault or homicide prong, the minimum range is 13 to 17 months. Beyond prison, a conviction also triggers license suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, fines, alcohol treatment, and community custody.

Kenmore felony DUI cases are typically heard at King County Superior Court, where the procedural complexity is substantially higher than at the district court level, where misdemeanor DUI cases are resolved.

How We Defend Felony DUI Cases in Kenmore

Every felony DUI defense starts with a thorough review of the evidence. We examine whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and whether breath or blood test results hold up to scrutiny. Procedural errors at any stage can affect the admissibility of evidence and the strength of the state’s case.

Our team includes two former prosecutors, which gives us direct insight into how the state assembles a felony DUI case and where its arguments can be challenged. Jonathan Dichter completed the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) student course, the same certification required of Washington DUI-arresting officers, and finished NHTSA’s Advanced Roadside Impairment Driver Enforcement class. He is also a Qualified Instructor for the NHTSA/IACP DWI Detection and SFST course. 

That level of technical knowledge shapes how we challenge evidence in court.

The DOL Hearing Deadline

In Washington, you have seven days from the date of arrest to request a Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing to contest administrative license suspension. That deadline runs whether or not a court date has been scheduled. Missing it can lead to an automatic suspension. We handle the DOL hearing alongside the criminal defense so neither track falls through.

Building the Defense Before the State Does

The earlier we’re involved, the more options remain open. Evidence can be preserved, the DOL hearing can be requested in time, and the defense strategy can take shape before the prosecution’s case is fully assembled. We intentionally limit our caseload so every client receives focused, detailed attention, not a file handed off to a junior associate.

The Credentials Behind Our Felony DUI Defense

Jonathan Dichter is the Washington State Delegate for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), a member of the NCDD faculty, and sits on multiple NCDD committees. He also authored Innovative DUI Trial Tools (7th ed., James Publishing), a national strategy guide used by DUI defense attorneys across the country. These aren’t honorary titles. They reflect a level of engagement with DUI law that shapes how we approach every case, including felony charges.

Jonathan Dichter has been recognized in the Washington Super Lawyers list for 2023 through 2026, and he is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers. DUIHeroes earned the Seattle Times 2025 Best in the PNW Gold award for DUI/DWI Law (and Silver in 2024 and 2026). Since 2009, 95% of the first-time DUI offenses we’ve handled have been reduced or dismissed*, a track record that reflects how seriously we approach every level of this work.

Clients receive a complimentary copy of Jonathan’s DUI Survival Guide and access to a secure client portal for real-time case updates and direct messaging with our team. Interpreter services are available in most languages.

What to Expect After a Felony DUI Arrest in Kenmore

After a felony DUI arrest, Washington court rules generally require you to appear before a judge without unnecessary delay, typically the next court day. Prosecutors routinely request high bail and restrictive release conditions, including immediate ignition interlock device installation. The seven-day DOL hearing deadline is already running. Acting quickly can help preserve options that are available on a fixed schedule.

Felony DUI cases require immediate, focused attention from attorneys who handle DUI law. If you or someone you know is facing a felony drunk driving charge in Kenmore, contact DUIHeroes now for a free consultation. We can help you understand where your case stands.