If you are reading this, it might be because you or someone you know has been arrested for or charged with Driving Under the Influence, or DUI in the state of Washington. Whether the arrest happened only hours ago, or you just received notice of your first court date months after the arrest, you are probably anxious, upset and confused.

We understand. For many people, a DUI is their first experience with the court system and it can be frightening. DUI is a unique crime because people arrested for DUI are usually just regular folks who did not intend to commit an offense and who were likely unaware that they were even breaking the law.

Nonetheless, a DUI charge is serious and most Washington cities and counties devote significant time and resources to DUI prosecution. Just being arrested for DUI can have serious consequences, including loss of your driver’s license, having to place an ignition interlock in your car and electronic home detention. The consequences of conviction include mandatory jail time (even for a first offense), enormous fines and court costs, and alcohol treatment.

Scott is at the forefront of DUI defense. Washington DUI Attorney Scott Leist can say what no other Washington Driving under the influence lawyer can: he understands DUI cases because he has both arrested and prosecuted DUI offenders. Scott managed a team of prosecutors and staff within the King County Prosecutor’s Office – the largest prosecutorial body in the state – that handled and tried thousands of DUI cases every year. Scott has personally tried dozens of DUI cases to verdict not to mention his other felony criminal trial experience.

As a police officer from 1993-2000, Scott daily gained valuable insights into DUI enforcement while investigating and arresting drivers suspected of DUI. Scott performed field sobriety tests thousands of times on real people in field conditions. He conducted hundreds of evidentiary breath tests on suspects. He understands what happens on the street and at the police station because he has been there.

Since leaving the prosecutor’s office, Scott has devoted his practice almost exclusively to defending good drivers who find themselves in bad situations. Scott has received, and given, unparalleled training about the pseudo-scientific tests that police and prosecutors use to accuse and convict DUI suspects. From pretrial negotiations to DOL hearings, from evidentiary motions to trial, Scott is committed to providing you both with the best defense and personal attention to help you and your loved ones walk through this process with dignity.

Choose the right advocate. Even decades later, a Washington DUI conviction can haunt you through a permanent criminal record, missed employment opportunities, increased insurance costs, inability to travel (a DUI conviction prevents you from entering Canada) and financial hardship. Due to these consequences, it is of the utmost importance to hire a driving under the Influence lawyer who knows how to defend you in court and through trial if necessary. For a free initial consultation with lawyer Scott Leist please click on the link below.