Being charged with a DUI in Washington State can feel overwhelming. The penalties are serious and can include license suspension, steep fines, mandatory treatment programs, ignition interlock devices, and even jail time. Fortunately, a DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. With the right legal approach, many DUI cases can be challenged successfully.

Below are some of the top DUI defense strategies used in Washington State cases, and how an experienced DUI defense attorney can apply them to protect your rights.

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop

Every DUI case begins with a traffic stop. Under Washington law, police officers must have reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation or crime occurred before pulling you over.

A DUI defense attorney may challenge:

• Whether the officer had a valid reason for the stop
• Dashcam or bodycam footage that contradicts the officer’s report
• Stops based on vague or unsupported observations

If the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered afterward—including breath or blood test results—may be suppressed.

2. Questioning Field Sobriety Test Accuracy

Field sobriety tests are often presented as proof of impairment, but they are highly subjective and prone to error. In Washington DUI cases, attorneys frequently challenge:

• Improper instructions from the officer
• Uneven road conditions, poor lighting, or bad weather
• Physical limitations, injuries, or medical conditions
• Nervousness or fatigue being mistaken for impairment

These tests are not pass-or-fail exams, and their reliability can be questioned in court.

3. Challenging Breathalyzer Results

Breath test results are a central piece of evidence in many DUI cases—but they are not infallible. A DUI defense lawyer may challenge breathalyzer evidence by examining:

• Whether the device was properly calibrated and maintained
• Operator error or improper testing procedures
• Interfering substances such as mouth alcohol
• Medical conditions like acid reflux, diabetes, or respiratory issues

Errors in testing or equipment can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

4. Examining Blood Test Procedures

Blood tests are often used when breath testing is unavailable or refused. However, strict rules apply to how blood is collected, stored, and tested in Washington.

Defense strategies may include:

• Challenging improper blood draws or lack of a valid warrant
• Identifying chain-of-custody errors
• Questioning lab testing methods or contamination

Any deviation from proper protocol can call the results into question.

5. Addressing Implied Consent Issues

Washington’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to testing when lawfully arrested for DUI. However, officers must clearly explain the consequences of refusal.

A defense attorney may examine:

• Whether implied consent warnings were properly given
• Whether language barriers affected understanding
• Whether the refusal was voluntary or coerced

Mistakes in this process can impact both the DUI case and license suspension proceedings.

6. Challenging Probable Cause for Arrest

Even after a traffic stop, an officer must have probable cause to make a DUI arrest. If the arrest was premature or unsupported, the case may be weakened.

Defense strategies often focus on:

• Inconsistencies in the officer’s report
• Lack of observable impairment
• Conflicting evidence from video footage or witness testimony

7. Protecting Your Driver’s License

A DUI arrest can trigger an administrative license suspension separate from the criminal case. DUI defense attorneys often fight these suspensions through administrative hearings.

Potential strategies include:

• Challenging test results
• Arguing improper arrest procedures
• Seeking restricted or ignition interlock licenses when available

8. Negotiating Reduced Charges or Case Dismissal

Not all DUI cases go to trial. In some situations, strong legal advocacy can result in:

• Reduced charges
• Alternative sentencing options
• Case dismissal due to lack of evidence

Early legal representation is often key to securing these outcomes.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Washington DUI Cases

DUI laws in Washington State are complex, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions. A skilled DUI defense attorney understands how to analyze evidence, identify procedural errors, and build a defense strategy tailored to your specific case.

At Partovi Law. P.S., we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals facing DUI charges in Spokane and throughout Washington. Every case is different, and a strategic defense can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

Speak With a Spokane DUI Defense Attorney

If you are facing DUI charges in Washington State, do not wait to get legal help. An experienced attorney can review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the best possible outcome.