Seattle & Bellevue DUI Attorney — Help Protect Your License, Record & Future
A DUI arrest happens fast. Knauss Law Firm fights to keep you out of jail and minimize the impact — because one mistake shouldn't define the rest of your life.
Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond & the Eastside
- Only 7 days to Help Protect Your License with the DOL
- Hundreds of Washington DUI clients represented
- Decades of Washington DUI defense experience
Talk to a DUI Attorney Now
No legal jargon. No empty promises. Just real defense
425-300-5566
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WHY IT MATTERS
What A Strong Defense Protects
Every decision after a DUI arrest affects three things. Here's what Knauss Law Firm works to protect.
1
Your license
Act within 7 days to challenge the DOL suspension and Challenge the Proposed Suspension to work, school, and family.
2
Your record
A DUI is a gross misdemeanor that can follow you for years. We fight to Work to Reduce the Consequences wherever possible.
3
Your future
Your job, reputation, and freedom are on the line. We work to minimize jail time, fines, and long-term consequences.
4
Your peace of mind
You don't face this alone. We handle the deadlines and strategy so you can focus on your life.
MEET YOUR ATTORNEY
Matthew Knauss
Founding Attorney · Washington DUI Defense
Matt Knauss has spent decades defending hardworking Washington residents against DUI and criminal charges. He knows Washington DUI law inside and out and stands with clients through every deadline and every decision.
WHY IT MATTERS
First DUI In Washington? Here's What Happens And How We Protect You
Most people arrested for a first DUI have never dealt with the courts before. Here's what comes next and why the first days matter most.
1
Two separate cases begin
A first DUI triggers a criminal court case and a separate Department of Licensing (DOL) case that can suspend your license before you ever see a judge.
2
The 7-day DOL deadline
You have just 7 days from your arrest to request a DOL hearing. There are no extensions. Miss it and your license is suspended 30 days after arrest.
3
First-DUI penalties
Act within 7 days to challenge the DOL suspension and Challenge the Proposed Suspension to work, school, and family.
4
How Knauss Law Firm helps
We meet the deadlines, challenge the evidence and the stop, and work to reduce or dismiss the charge so a first mistake doesn't define your future.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The Truth About DUI In Washington
DUI arrests rely on officer observations — not just a breath-test number. Understanding how a case starts helps you protect yourself.
Request ConsultationWHAT'S AT STAKE
Possible DUI Penalties In Washington
Penalties increase with higher BAC/THC levels, prior DUIs, or breath-test refusals.
24 hours consecutively, or 15 days of electronic home monitoring
120 days consecutively, or 30 days monitoring
364 days
364 days
Up to $5,000
Up to $5,000
90 days
Up to 4 years
One year after suspension
Up to ten years after suspension
Yes
Yes
Five years
Five years
WHY KNAUSS LAW FIRM
Every Client Deserves A Strong Defense
Every decision after a DUI arrest affects three things. Here's what Knauss Law Firm works to protect.
Decades of WA DUI defense
Focused experience with Washington DUI and criminal law — not a general practice dabbling in DUI.
Hundreds represented
We've stood beside hundreds of people accused of breaking Washington DUI laws.
Recognized results
Recognition across 2021, 2022 & 2023.
Straight talk
No legal jargon and no empty promises — just real defense and clear guidance.
You May Only Have Seven Days To Help Protect Your License
A DUI arrest can trigger a separate Department of Licensing case before the criminal case is resolved. Contact the firm promptly so the applicable deadline and your available options can be reviewed.
REQUEST CONSULTATION
Talk To A Washington DUI Attorney Today
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Your privacy is our priority — we never share case information with anyone outside the firm.
- Confidential & no-obligation
- We respond quickly — the 7-day clock is ticking
- Straight answers about your options
Request a Confidential DUI Consultation
Tell us how to reach you and we'll respond promptly.
OBJECTIONS & ANSWERS
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after a DUI arrest in Washington?
−Your license may be suspended beginning 30 days after the arrest unless you timely request a DOL hearing and successfully challenge the proposed action.
Can I get a DUI if my BAC is under 0.08?
−Yes. In Washington you can be charged if an officer believes your driving was impaired, even if your BAC is below the legal limit. DUI charges are based on the totality of circumstances, not just test results.
What if I refuse a breath test?
−Refusing a breath test can lead to harsher penalties, including:
- Automatic license suspension (at least 1 year)
- Longer mandatory jail time if convicted
- Higher fines and stricter probation terms
Will I lose my license immediately?
−Your license may be suspended beginning 30 days after the arrest unless you timely request a DOL hearing and successfully challenge the proposed action.
Do I need a DUI attorney?
−A DUI attorney can help you understand the criminal and licensing processes, identify possible defenses, and respond to important deadlines. Because every case is different, an attorney can review the facts and explain the options available to you.
Do Not Wait To Understand
Your Options
The deadlines after a DUI arrest can begin before your first court appearance. Contact Knauss Law Firm to discuss what happened and understand the next steps that may be available.