DUI Defense

At Valdez Malcolm we understand how a DUI affects our client's lives. That is why we are dedicated to keeping our law practice small. We know that good legal representation means being available to talk to our clients when they need to talk.

Your phone call will always be answered by an attorney— not a receptionist. You may even text message your attorney directly.

Karlie Valdez and Sean Malcolm have been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST).  We know exactly how law enforcement is supposed to instruct you on these "sobriety tests" and we will make sure this evidence is challenged in your case.

Most importantly, when you hire Valdez | Malcolm for legal representation on a DUI you can rest assured that you have an attorney who is going to work hard for the result you want and help you get your life back on track.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI it is important to speak with an experienced DUI attorney right away.

Call Karlie Valdez at 206-718-4498 (cell) or Sean Malcolm at 206-228-9514 (cell) to schedule a free legal consultation.

At the consultation we will explain what to expect after a DUI arrest and answer your questions. We will advise you on when to request a contested hearing with the Department of Licensing and explain the court process. The best way to find the right DUI lawyer is to meet the lawyer in person and ask questions about his or her experience.

What should I do if I am stopped for a DUI in Washington?

Be polite. Hand the officer your license and registration.

“Have you been drinking?”

Politely tell the officer “my lawyer advised me to not answer any questions.”

Whatever you say, remember that it will be written word-for-word in the police report. So do not lie! Invoking your right to remain silent is always better than making up a story that is not true.

“Step out of the car please. I’m going to have you do some field sobriety tests.”

Ask if you are being arrested. You do not have to perform field sobriety tests (SFST’s). SFST’s include following an object with your eyes, the one leg stand, and walking heel to toe.

Most officers will make it seem like you must do these tests, but under Washington law you may simply say “no thank you.”

The officer now wants me to do a breath test on the roadside.

This is called the Portable Breath Test (PBT). Again, you are not required to give a breath sample in the device officer’s carry in their vehicles. The only purpose of this test is to help the officer decide whether or not to arrest you.

The officer has arrested me and now I am being asked to take a breath test at the station.

Take the breath test at the station! In Washington, this device is called the Datamaster.

If you drive a vehicle in the state of Washington you have already consented to the breath test under the “Implied Consent Law.” This law basically states that you must take the breath test or you will lose your driver’s license. It also provides that if you take the test and blow over the legal limit you will lose your license.

This law makes it seem like there is no hope for your license either way you decide— but remember this:

If you take the breath test you increase the chances of your lawyer getting you a good outcome in both the DOL proceeding and the court proceedings. If you refuse to take the breath test your license to drive will be revoked for one year or more! If you are unsure about what to do ask the officer to speak to an attorney.

Should I talk to the public defender the officer provides when I get to the police station?

Yes, talk to the lawyer provided at the police station! The officer will connect you with a lawyer who is “on call” and will look out for your interests by giving you legal advice.

Washington Criminal Rules require that, at the earliest opportunity once you’ve been placed in custody, you be provided access to a telephone, the telephone number of the public defender and any other means necessary to place you in communication with a lawyer.

Even though it is an excellent idea to hire a private lawyer after you are released you should speak to the lawyer who is “on call” for the police station at the time that you are arrested.

If you or a friend has been arrested for DUI call Valdez | Malcolm.

Karlie Valdez
(206) 718-4498 (cell)
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Sean Malcolm
(206) 228-9514 (cell)
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